Disillusionment with Entering Adulthood in Angelina...

The play Rachel, by Angelina Grimkà ©, reveals the harsh realities of life for an African American family living in the United States during the early part of the 20th century. Focused on the central character Rachel Loving, the play reflects each character’s reaction to racial prejudice against African Americans. The themes of motherhood and the innocence of youth are vital pieces of the issues Grimkà © wished to portray in her work. The development of Rachel herself revolves around her changing perception of what the role of motherhood might be. This insight stems from her understanding of the importance of child-like innocence towards the terrible truths of the world in which we are surrounded by. Through the use of poignant dialogue and†¦show more content†¦I’ll never get anything else† (50). From this statement one can see that Rachel in a way has convinced herself that housework is an aspiration of hers. She makes it seem as if her situation is no t as bad as it really is. Rachel is an educated woman, who deserves to have a substantial job, not being confined to a house on a daily basis. Rachel continues by stating, â€Å"We live. According to your philosophy, I suppose, make the best of it –it might be worse† (51). Once again, Rachel is convincing herself that a very obvious issue is not as pressing as it actually is. Grimkà © could have easily created a simplistic character that lacks depth and vigor, but instead created an individual that grapples with deep psychological trauma and spans farther than what meets the eye. Another example of Rachel’s obsession with youth is her love for being surrounded by children and her intense desire to be a mother. This observation is first present on page 5 when Mrs. Loving says to Rachel, â€Å"You’re not happy unless some child is trailing along in your rear† (5). This statement allows readers to see Rachel’s infatuation with children. Anoth er example of this is when Rachel states, â€Å"I think the loveliest thing of all the lovely things in this world is just (almost in a whisper) being a mother!† (12). She goes on further explaining to her mother, â€Å"It was the best in me that said that – it was God! (Pauses). And Ma dear, if I believed that I should grow