A Raisin in the Sun Analysis

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Questions and Answers

What does the opening description of the Younger family's apartment say about them?

Even though the apartment is old, the Younger family tries to keep it neat and repaired, which shows they will try to work with whatever they have.

What do we know about each of the characters so far? How do they differ?

Beneatha wants to try everything, is spontaneous and experimental. Walter wants to make money as quickly as possible. Mama is the matriarch and is extremely religious. Ruth is stern and conservative with money. Travis is Ruth and Walter's son and is an entrepreneur. He is babied by everyone.

How would you describe Walter and Ruth's relationship so far? What circumstances impact their relationship?

They often banter and tease. They disagree over issues involving money and how to raise Travis.

What significance does the check hold for the family?

The insurance check from Walter Senior's death holds promise and hope for the family, opening up options for them that they didn't have before. Signup and view all the answers

Should Walter be entitled to some of the insurance money?

Perhaps he could receive a portion as a part of the family, but not all of it. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the decision maker in the family so far?

Mama seems to make all of the decisions as the head of the household. Signup and view all the answers

What is Beneatha's attitude towards God? Why is her attitude significant?

She doesn't accept the idea of God and believes that good things happen through hard work, not prayer. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Beneatha say she won't marry George?

She says he's shallow, and she doesn't love him. She wants to become a doctor and won't marry just for wealth. Signup and view all the answers

What do you make of Ruth's statement: 'Shallow? What do you mean [George is] shallow? He's RICH!'?

Ruth suggests that Beneatha should overlook George's shallow nature because of his wealth. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of Ruth saying, 'Eat your eggs, they gonna be cold.'

The eggs represent reality and practicality -- the wise choices in life, rather than the risks Walter wants to take. Signup and view all the answers

During what day of the week does Scene 2 take place? Why is this significant?

It is a Saturday morning, and the whole family is home, allowing us to see how they interact when the check comes. Signup and view all the answers

What does Beneatha mean by saying that her family is suffering from 'acute ghetto-itis'?

She's tired of living in the ghetto and the conditions there, particularly as they face the challenges of Ruth's pregnancy. Signup and view all the answers

What does Alaiyo mean?

It means 'one for whom bread or food is not enough.' Signup and view all the answers

Why is Asagai's nickname for Beneatha appropriate?

Beneatha isn't satisfied with a traditional life; she wants to live life to the fullest. Signup and view all the answers

What does Joseph bring for Beneatha? Why are they significant?

He brings his sister's robes and African records, which are personal gifts that show he cares greatly for her. Signup and view all the answers

What does Joseph Asagai say about Beneatha's hair? Why?

He claims she has 'mutilated' it by straightening it, showing she's an assimilationist. Signup and view all the answers

Who in the Younger family might be considered an assimilationist? Why?

Walter desires to be like the rich white men he sees around town. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the arrival of the check have on Walter?

He gets upset and angry that Mama won't listen to his liquor store idea. Signup and view all the answers

Was Walter's behavior justified towards the end of Scene 2?

No, Ruth is in distress, and he's running away from the problem. Signup and view all the answers

What's eating Walter?

Walter is 'eaten up' by the fact that he's not providing for his family. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mama tell Walter, 'You are a disgrace to your father's memory'?

She believes Walter Senior would not approve of Walter's behavior and lack of direction. Signup and view all the answers

What connections can be made between Walter and Prometheus?

Walter is chained to his life and doesn't want to be there, similar to Prometheus. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it significant that George enters while Walter and Beneatha enact African characters?

It highlights George's perception of superiority and the tension between practicality and dreams. Signup and view all the answers

How are Walter and George different?

Walter is a dreamer, whereas George never felt the need to dream. Signup and view all the answers

How does George respond to Walter's desire to talk 'plans'?

He shuts him down and is very dismissive. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Walter say, 'Bitter? Man, I'm a volcano. Bitter? Here I am a giant—surrounded by ants!'?

Walter feels like he's overlooked and dismissed, reflecting his anger and frustration. Signup and view all the answers

Why does George call Walter 'Prometheus'?

George is mocking Walter's lack of education and suggesting he thinks he has great gifts to offer. Signup and view all the answers

Which character(s) have challenged the stereotype that African Americans 'don't know how to do nothing but moan, pray and have babies'?

Beneatha challenges this as she wants education before settling down, and Ruth considers not having her baby. Signup and view all the answers

Is it fair for Walter to say that Mama 'butchered' his dream?

It's fair to say that because Walter feels unheard, but it's unfair as the money is ultimately Mama's to spend. Signup and view all the answers

What does George mean by wanting a 'simple...sophisticated girl'? How is it ironic?

He wants a girl focused on looks, but it’s ironic as simple and sophisticated are antonyms and Beneatha embodies the opposite. Signup and view all the answers

How do George and Beneatha's views about education differ?

George sees education as a means to an end; Beneatha believes in lifelong learning for the love of knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

What offensive remarks does Mrs. Johnson make?

She implies they could be bombed for moving into a white neighborhood and calls them proud people. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Hansberry include Mrs. Johnson in the play?

She brings the reality of discrimination and serves as a comic relief and cultural reminder. Signup and view all the answers

Where has Walter been for the past few days?

Walter borrowed Willie Harris's car to drive around and listen to music for two days. Signup and view all the answers

How is Mama going to divvy up the money? Explain.

She put a $3,500 down payment on the house and gave the remaining money to Walter for Beneatha's medical school. Signup and view all the answers

What can we surmise about Walter's behavior as he tucks Travis in?

He speaks of their glorious future, highlighting his desire to build a better life. Signup and view all the answers

How does Ruth and Walter's relationship change as the play progresses?

Their relationship improves as they gain money and move into a new house. Signup and view all the answers

What does Walter mean by, 'Damn, even the NAACP takes a holiday sometimes!'?

He's teasing Beneatha about the NAACP needing breaks while emphasizing his viewpoint. Signup and view all the answers

How is the 'Welcoming Committee' ironic?

One would expect a welcoming gesture, but it instead carries disdain for the Youngers. Signup and view all the answers

What is Mr. Lindner doing by saying that African American families are happiest living in their own communities?

He is claiming he has their best interests at heart while subtly suggesting they aren't welcome. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Younger family cope with Mr. Lindner's troubling visit?

At first, they joke about it, but Mama shows concern and disapproval. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when Mama says her plant 'expresses me'?

The plant represents her care, similar to the nurturing she provides her family. Signup and view all the answers

What is the last word in Act 2, and why is it significant?

The last word is 'strength', significant because they'll need it to forgive and support each other. Signup and view all the answers

How do Asagai's and Beneatha's views of the future differ at the beginning of the act?

Beneatha has given up on becoming a doctor, while Asagai believes she can find a way to do so. Signup and view all the answers

How does Mama change after Walter loses the money?

Mama loses hope and gives up her dream of living in the house after being furious with Walter. Signup and view all the answers

What was Mama referring to when she tells Walter, 'We ain't never been that dead inside'?

She's indicating that they have never been so desperate as to give up their pride. Signup and view all the answers

Do you agree with Mama when she says 'the time to love somebody the most...is when he's at his lowest'?

Yes, because people need support when they're at their lowest. Signup and view all the answers

What point was Walter trying to make when he told Lindner, 'My father almost beat a man to death because he called him a bad name or something, you know what I mean?'

Walter is explaining the importance of familial pride and dignity. Signup and view all the answers

How does Mama respond when Mr. Lindner appeals to her after Walter tells him they decided to move into the house? Why is it significant?

Mama supports Walter's decision and expresses pride in him. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways is Walter a 'rainbow after the rain'?

Walter has transformed into a new man, experiencing joy and pride after overcoming hardship. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Younger Family Dynamics

The Younger family's apartment is old but maintained, symbolizing their resilience and determination.
Each character exhibits distinct aspirations: Beneatha is experimental and adventurous, Walter is financially driven, Mama is traditional and religious, Ruth is pragmatic, and Travis is idealistically entrepreneurial.

Walter and Ruth’s Relationship

Their relationship is marked by playful banter and disagreements over financial decisions and parenting styles.
The couple's challenges underscore the stress of financial insecurity and differing values regarding responsibility and dreams.

Significance of the Insurance Check

The check represents hope and the potential for change, but also contention due to differing views on its usage.
It acts as a pivotal point for family unity or discord, revealing personal desires and aspirations.

Conflict Over Money

Walter feels entitled to a share of the insurance money, reflecting tension over familial roles and responsibilities.
Mama is viewed as the primary decision-maker, having authority over family finances and legacy.

Beneatha’s Views and Identity

Beneatha’s skepticism towards God indicates a generational shift in beliefs, valuing hard work over faith for success.
She refuses to marry George, whom she sees as superficial, prioritizing her dreams in medicine over wealth.

Nature of the Younger Family’s Challenges

Ruth's assertion to "Eat your eggs" symbolizes the conflict between practicality and aspiration, illustrating the daily struggles they face.
Beneatha's term "acute ghetto-itis" critiques their living conditions and reflects a desire for a better life.

Cultural Identity

Joseph Asagai's gifts to Beneatha signify cultural pride and a connection to African heritage.
Asagai’s critique of Beneatha’s hair represents themes of identity and assimilation in the African American experience.

Walter's Aspirations and Struggles

Walter’s frustration with his economic situation drives him to become increasingly agitated as he feels dismissed by his family.
Asagai believes in Beneatha’s potential, contrasting his optimistic vision with her temporary defeatism.

Themes of Pride and Identity

Walter’s anger and dreams juxtapose against societal expectations, revealing a struggle for dignity and respect as an African American man.
The family's consideration of moving into a white neighborhood highlights the systemic racism they confront, as articulated by Mr. Lindner's patronizing comments.

Transformation and Hope

Walter’s journey reflects a quest for self-worth, which culminates in a moment of familial pride when he stands up to Mr. Lindner.
The final act symbolizes a rebirth for Walter, who emerges not just in terms of material wealth but through self-acceptance and family unity.

Overall Character Development

Mama’s evolving hopes after Walter’s misstep showcase familial relationships built on love and resilience, emphasizing that family should stick together during crises.
The ending echoes themes of resilience, suggesting that despite adversity, hope and familial love can lead to renewal and happiness.

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Description

Explore the complex dynamics of the Younger family in 'A Raisin in the Sun'. This quiz delves into character aspirations, relationships, and the significance of financial issues that drive their conflicts. Test your understanding of how dreams and money influence their lives.