Raisin in the Sun- Act II Scene One

Why is Walter rude to George? What does this foreshadow?

For the first time in the play, we see in this scene Walter accepting his African heritage. At first, Walter is jealous of George's wealth and power; this is what Walter would like his owns on to have. However, at the same time, George is more or less a white man to Walter, as emphasized by George's white shoes. The fact that there is conflict between them foreshadows conflict between the Youngers and the white community in which they will be living.

Why does Mama look for acceptance from Walter?

Mama bought the house because she thought it was best for her family. She wants to provide a nice home and a better life for her family, especially Walter, as Mama has seen him slipping away from her and the family. We also see that, despite Mama's tough exterior, she really wants people to see her as caring and compassionate. This underlying motivation is a key part of Mama's character.

What do Beneatha's new attire and haircut symbolize?

Beneatha's hair and African attire are symbolic of her break with assimilationism and the emergence of what would come to be called "Black Pride." It also symbolizes her acceptance of Asagai and his beliefs, and her decision to risk George's disapproval. Note to the Teacher: Pearl Bailey, mentioned in the stage directions, was a successful African-American singer/dancer and comedian. Her career started in vaudeville, and she later became a popular Broadway performer. She had no formal musical training and gave credit for her musical talent to having grown up a "Holy Roller." Given the "bluesy" type of music she was known to sing, and the characters she created in vaudeville, the stage direction suggests that Ruth is mocking Beneatha, egging her on with questions asked in a comical voice.

Why does George react so negatively to Beneatha's dress and hair? What does he represent? How does his attitude contrast with Beneatha's attitude?

George is a symbol of the assimilated African American, who has been dominated by white influence. He represents the ultimate assimilation into white society, and is a foil to Beneatha in that he is everything she does not want to be. He dislikes her dress because he sees the African influence in it, and in his position of wealth and power in the white world he sees such Afrocentrism as degrading, and possibly even dangerous. In contrast to George, Beneatha wants to embrace her heritage and not assimilate. In this scene we see the possibility for future conflict between Beneatha and George that arises due to their difference in social class and ideology.

What does George's allusion to Prometheus mean? How does it relate to the play?

Prometheus was a Greek god who stole fire from the other gods and gave it to humans, disobeying a direct order from Zeus. For punishment, Prometheus was chained to a rock and had his liver eaten by a vulture (or an eagle) every day. This allusion serves two purposes: first, Walter is attempting to "steal the fire" from the powerful whites by becoming a successful businessman rather than a servant; and second, Walter is suffering on behalf of all African Americans, just as Prometheus suffered for mankind. Through their unfamiliarity with the story of Prometheus, Hansberry reminds the reader of Walter and Ruth's lack of education and their life of poverty.

Why does Mama wait until Travis is there to tell where she went? What does this show about Mama's motivation?

The fact that Travis is there is likely to prevent Walter from exploding in rage when Mama shares her news. Also, her waiting for Travis indicates that Travis, although only a child, is still an important member of the family in Mama's eyes. She wants her grandson to have a better life than she was able to give her own children. This shows the importance of family unity, once again expressed by Mama.

What does the reaction of Mama's children to the location of their new house foreshadow?

The fact that they all are afraid of living in an all-white neighborhood foreshadows trouble. This comes in the form of Lindner in Act II, Scene Three. However, the fact that they recover, are in good spirits in the upcoming scenes, and are excited about the move shows that the Youngers remain hopeful. They want to get out of their apartment even if it means moving into a white neighborhood.

What is the significance of the exchange between Ruth and Walter? What happens between them? Is anything resolved? What does this foreshadow?

This is the first time in the play where we see calm dialogue between the couple. In this exchange, they lay their problems on the table for each other to see. While nothing is really resolved, they at least forgive each other and attempt to repair their marriage. The scene culminates with a kiss immediately after Ruth speaks about the death of their dreams. This harkens back to the title of the play, which comes from the Langston Hughes poem, "A Dream Deferred." This scene foreshadows the fact that things may improve between the couple, as indeed they do in Act II, Scene Three, when Ruth and Walter have go on a date for the first time in a long while.

What complications or obstacles arise in this scene?

There are two complications in this scene. The first is for Walter. So far, everything in this scene has only pushed Walter farther away from his dreams of financial independence and a better life for his family. Second, just when it seems as if their dreams are coming to fruition with the new house that Mama buys, the complication of being in a white neighborhood arises. These two complications will play out through the rest of the act.

Since this exchange between Ruth and Walter does not seem to develop any themes in the play, why would Hansberry have put this scene into the play?

This is another example of how Hansberry develops characters. The characters need to be realistic, and this discussion between Ruth and Walter adds depth to their characters. Hansberry also needs to maintain audience sympathy for both characters.

What is the importance of the scene between Beneatha and Walter? What theme does it relate to?

This mystical scene symbolizes a connection between African heritage and modern day. Even though Beneatha and Walter have never been to Africa and have never studied African history, they suddenly are able to connect to the past in a very mystical way. This is representative of the Afrocentrism that Hansberry portrays at various points throughout the play. Hansberry is able to make this scene believable, and at the same time make it mysterious enough that her underlying message comes through: all African Americans are able to connect to their roots, even if they have never previously done so.

Why does Walter attempt to talk business with George? How does this relate to the theme of dreams?

This shows how Walter obsessed is with his dream of becoming a successful businessman. He wants this opportunity so badly that he will even conspire with someone he would normally assume to be his enemy; he will stop at nothing to fulfill his desire for a better life. This is the first time we really comprehend just how obsessed Walter is. Until Act II, Scene Three, this is the driving motivation for practically everything Walter does.

What is the significance of the following speech by Walter, and George's reaction to it?

WALTER: And you—ain't you bitter, man? Ain't you just about had it yet? Don't you see no stars gleaming that you can't reach out and grab? You happy? ... You got it made? ... Here I am a giant—surrounded by ants! Ants who can't even understand what it is the giant is talking about. The audience learns two things from this speech. First, regarding the "giant surrounded by ants," we see Walter's frustration at the lack of understanding from his family regarding his plan to buy the liquor store. None of them support him, and he is frustrated that they don't understand him. This is further demonstrated when he says, "No! 'Cause ain't nobody with me! Not even my own mother!" Second, Walter is pointing out George's lack of true empathy for his "own people," and how George has always been given anything he wants. This unsettles George, and he does not know how to react. This is possibly the first time in his life that George is confronted with his own superficiality, and he is completely taken aback.