A Raisin in the Sun Scene Overview

Questions and Answers

What are Beneatha and Mama doing as the scene opens?

Cleaning the apartment.

Why does Beneatha feel that Asagai will not care about the apartment being in disarray?

She says he is intellectual.

Who is Asagai?

He is Nigerian and attends school with Beneatha.

What news does Ruth tell Beneatha and Mama after returning home?

She is pregnant. Signup and view all the answers

How does Beneatha react to the news initially?

She reacts negatively. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mama help Ruth leave the room when Asagai arrives?

She collapsed in tears. Signup and view all the answers

What does Asagai bring to Beneatha?

Robes and records. Signup and view all the answers

What does Asagai suggest is wrong with Beneatha's hair?

She has mutilated it because it is not in its natural state. Signup and view all the answers

Explain Beneatha and Asagai's disagreements about different types of love.

She believes there's more than one type of feeling, he believes there's one type. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mama speak to Asagai about when she meets him?

They need to know about Africa. Signup and view all the answers

How does Mama react to Mrs. Johnson's comment about not having much cleanser?

She is cheap and to write down on a list for two bottles of cleanser and give a full one to Mrs. Johnson. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mama say she would do with the money if it wasn't for her children?

Put it away or give it to the church. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mama say when Walter shows her the liquor store plans?

She is not giving him money to buy a liquor store and tells him to talk to his wife. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Ruth offer to go out with Walter?

She wants to talk to him. Signup and view all the answers

How does Walter react?

He doesn't want anyone to go with him. Signup and view all the answers

How does Walter feel about the future?

That it's waiting for him. Signup and view all the answers

What does Walter say when Mama tells him Ruth is expecting a baby and is thinking about having an abortion?

Ruth would never do that. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mama call Walter a disgrace to his father's name?

He does not speak up to protect his unborn child; he remains silent. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Scene Overview

The scene opens with Beneatha and Mama engaged in cleaning their apartment, setting a tone of domestic responsibility.

Beneatha and Asagai

Beneatha believes Asagai, her Nigerian classmate, won't mind the apartment's mess due to his intellectual nature.

Ruth's Revelation

Ruth surprises Beneatha and Mama with the news of her pregnancy, which initially shocks Beneatha, leading her to react negatively.

Emotional Responses

Ruth's emotional state causes her to collapse in tears, prompting Mama to assist her in leaving the room when Asagai arrives.

Asagai's Gifts

Asagai brings Beneatha gifts including traditional robes and records, highlighting cultural connections.

Hair Discussion

Asagai criticizes Beneatha's hairstyle, suggesting she has mutilated her hair rather than wearing it in a natural state, reflecting differing views on identity.

Love Perspectives

Beneatha and Asagai argue over types of love; Beneatha believes in multiple forms of love, while Asagai insists there is only one true love.

Mama's Values

Mama expresses to Asagai the importance of knowing about Africa, demonstrating a connection to heritage and cultural identity.

Mrs. Johnson's Comment

Mama reacts to Mrs. Johnson's frugality by suggesting they keep track of cleaning supplies, showcasing her traditional values and sense of pride.

Money and Sacrifice

Mama claims if it weren't for her children, she would save the money or donate it to the church, showing her selflessness.

Walter's Ambitions

Mama outright rejects Walter's request for money to invest in a liquor store, urging him to communicate better with his wife, Ruth.

Ruth's Intentions

Ruth wants to accompany Walter to talk about their issues, revealing her desire for connection.

Walter's Individualism

Walter rebuffs the idea of anyone joining him, showing his frustrations and need for independence.

Future Outlook

Walter feels a strong sense of optimism about the future, believing it holds opportunities specifically for him.

Abortion Discussion

Walter expresses disbelief that Ruth would consider an abortion, indicating their differing views on family and choices.

Disappointment in Walter

Mama calls Walter a disgrace to his father’s legacy due to his silence over the unborn child's fate, highlighting themes of responsibility and family values.

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Description

This quiz delves into key scenes from 'A Raisin in the Sun,' focusing on the interactions between Beneatha, Mama, Ruth, and Asagai. Explore Beneatha's cultural identity discussions, emotional revelations, and the significance of gifts from Asagai that highlight connections to heritage. Analyze the themes of love and responsibility that shape the characters' lives throughout the play.