Hansberry's stage direction represents
irony more than true sarcasm. In essence, Lena Younger has
struggled to create a cozy home for herself and her children. She likes things to be in
their place and expects Beneatha and Walter to follow her example. While Ruth seems to
do her best in maintaining physical and emotional order within the apartment, none of
Lena's other family members follow suit. Beneatha's character "contradicts" the order
and comfort of the apartment by constantly bickering with Walter and demeaning him and
by her tendency to jump from one interest to another. In turn, Walter's presence in the
apartment creates constant chaos and discomfort with all of the apartment's
inhabitants.
Hansberry juxtaposes the phrase
"indestructible contradictions" with her description of the Younger house's physical
nature to show the long-standing tension that exists just below the surface appearance
of normalcy.
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