A Raisin In the Sun

How did Asagai define "idealists" and "realists"?

"[Life] is simply a long line -- as in geometry, you know, one that reaches into infinity. And because we cannot see the end -- we also cannot see how it changes. And it is very odd but those who see the changes are called "idealists" -- and those who cannot, or refuse to think, they are the "realists."

What is the insurance policy?

$10,000 check coming to the family because of the death of Walter Senior.

Themes of a Raisin in the Sun

1) Dreams: Beneatha almost hated her brother for giving up the money that would help her reach her dream career as a doctor (so much as she almost gave up that dream because she that "physical ailments" weren't the problem) Walter was also obsessive over money throughout the play to he can reach his dream, and Ruth's disposition was finally brought up when they bought the new house. This play shows that you have to run after your dreams no matter what. 2) Pride: Walter was upset throughout the entire play because as a chauffeur he felt he wasn't keeping his pride. He also felt Mama and Ruth were giving up their pride to because they were also servants. Furthermore, they didn't take up Lindner's offer due to pride.

How old is Travis?

10

What is an assimilationist?

A member of a minority group who tries to blend in with the majority culture.

What does Joseph call Beneatha?

Alaiyo

What does Mr. Lindner represent?

As the only white character in the play, Mr. Lindner represents the white majority that controlled the country. He also represents the racism of the white majority that segregated America (officially and unofficially) and helped to perpetuate the cycle of poverty which many African-American families had been caught in since the time of slavery.

What was Beneatha's family doing when George came in?

Beneatha was in Nigerian dress. Beneatha and Walter were dancing and singing Nigerian songs. They looked rather crazy, and Walter was quite drunk.

Who is Joseph Asagai?

Beneatha's Nigerian boyfriend

Who is George Murchison?

Beneatha's other (rich) boyfriend George. He's a black American as well, but sees absolutely no reason to honor their African heritage. George sees himself as an American first and foremost and thinks that blacks who spend a lot of time worrying about Africa are wasting their time.

What does Travis want to do to help out his family?

Carry groceries

What is Walter Lee's job?

Chauffeur

Where are the Youngers moving?

Clybourne Park

What is Ruth's response when Walter tries to tell her about his dream for a better life?

Eat your eggs

How does Walter's family react to Walter wanting to invest the money in a liquor store?

Everybody tries to warn Walter against investing in the liquor store. Ruth tells her husband that he shouldn't trust Willy Harris. And Lena, a devout Christian, thinks it is sinful to sell liquor. (Lena even flat out refuses to give the money to Walter at first; the insurance policy is in her name, so she has control over it.)

What does Asagai ask Beneatha to do?

He asks her to marry him and return to Africa with him to live. (He says when she goes there, she will only feel as if she has been away for only a day, even though she has never been to Africa and her family has been in America for five generations)

Why is Asagai's present to Beneatha appropriate?

He gave her clothing from Nigeria. She literally gets wrapped up in her current fad. It also foreshadows her putting on a new life.

How does Walter react to Mama putting the money as a down payment for the new house?

He goes on a three-day drinking binge and refuses to go to work.

Why did Mama call Walter a disgrace to his father's memory?

He had become overly concerned with money and had lost his traditional family values, so much so that he didn't try to convince Ruth not to have an abortion.

Why does Mama worry about Walter?

He has an obsession with money

Walter said, "Damn my eggs . . . damn all the eggs that ever was!" Why?

He has been telling Ruth about his dream and she tells him to eat his eggs. He wants to talk and dream of a better life; she wants him to face reality and deal with his present world. This makes him frustrated, makes him feel like she doesn't support him.

Why is Walter so mean in the beginning of the novel?

He is totally disgusted with his life. Working as a chauffeur for a rich white man has got him totally dissatisfied. There's no room for advancement, and he hates having to suck up to his boss all the time. Basically, he feels like less of a man, because he's in his thirties and can still barely provide for his family

What does Walter say to Lindler before he knew the money was stolen?

He rejects him and says they are moving into the house

What does Asagai start to notice about her?

He says that she's "assimilated," meaning that she tries to hide her African-ness by acting white. He uses her hair as an example. Asagai can't understand why she and most other black women in America straighten their hair instead of leaving it naturally curly.

What does Walter do when he finds out Willy took the money?

He sinks to a new low and calls Mr. Lindner back, saying that he'll accept the money. Walter tells his family that he's prepared to bow down to "The Man" to get the money. (This is Walter's lowest point in the whole play)

What does Willy do with the money?

He takes off with all of it

How are the financial troubles taking a toll on Ruth and Walter's marriage?

Her husband Walter is incredibly dissatisfied with his life, and he constantly takes it out on her. Ruth is far from a doormat and tells her husband off when he starts acting like a jerk. (the turmoil in her marriage is taking a real toll on Ruth. She often seems irritable, depressed, and at times sinks into despair.)

What does Walter represent in the novel?

How poverty and racism can twist and depress people, turning them against those that they most love. However, he also shows us how these social barriers can be overcome through personal determination and staying true to one's own beliefs.

Why is Ruth getting considering an abortion such a significant thing?

In the '50s, an abortion would have been a) illegal and b) dangerous.

What does Beneatha seem to do as she becomes more and more educated?

It becomes increasingly hard for her to relate to the rest of her family. Sometimes she can be a bit condescending and seems to forget that her family members (especially her mother) all work very hard to help put her through school.

How has Beneatha's college education shaped her in terms of politics?

It helped to make her progressive, independent, and a total feminist. She brings politics into the apartment and is constantly talking about issues of civil rights.

Who is the author of A Raisin in the Sun?

Lorraine Hansberry

What is Mama's job?

Maid

Beneatha

Mama's daughter and Walter's sister. In college, and better educated than the rest of her family. She wants to be a doctor. She has had many hobbies; Afrocentrism is her latest cause.

Who does Mr. Karl Lindner say he is at first?

Mr. Lindner seems like a nice enough dude at first. He says he represents a kind of "welcoming committee" from Clybourne Park. He says he thinks that if people of different races would just sit down and talk to each other a lot of problems could be resolved.

What does Beneatha not like about George Murchison?

Murchison gets bored when Beneatha wants to talk about politics, and he believes that the point of higher education is to get a good job - definitely not what Beneatha believes.

What does Asagai bring Beneatha and what does it prompt her to do?

Nigerian robes, dances around to African music in them.

Joseph Asagai

Nigerian student who is dating Beneatha. Proud of his African heritage, wants Beneatha to return to Nigeria with him.

What does Alaiyo mean?

One for Whom Bread - Food - is Not Enough.

Does Ruth end up having an abortion?

Ruth chooses to keep her child. She finds hope in the fact that the Younger family will soon be moving out of their cramped, roach-infested apartment and into a new house.

What may be bad about the new house?

Ruth will still have to work to help pay the mortgage, and they'll all have to deal with the racist backlash of living in a white neighborhood.

Why did Beneatha say she wouldn't marry George?

She admitted that he was rich, but she thought he was shallow. She liked him well enough to go out with him, but she didn't love him.

What happened to Ruth at the end of Act I Scene One?

She fainted.

How is Ruth different from a stereotypical 1950's wife?

She goes out into the world and works in "rich white people's households"

What presents did Mama get?

She got gardening tools and a hat.

Why does Mama worry about Beneatha?

She has a lack of faith in God

How does Mrs. Johnson seem like she resents the Youngers?

She insinuates that they think they are "too good" to live in the mostly black neighborhood anymore. Mrs. Johnson almost seems to enjoy sharing the information that a black family was bombed by racist whites.

What does Beneatha think of Joseph calling her this?

She is very touched by this, because it shows that he really understands her. She wants more than to just get by; she wants to find ways to truly express herself.

How does Mama react to his drinking binge?

She lets Walter have a big chunk of what's left to invest however he sees fit. She also trusts her son to put some of the money in a bank account so that Beneatha can go to medical school. (Walter doesn't do this, however, and just hands it all over to Willy Harris for the liquor store.)

How is Ruth similar to a stereotypical 1950's wife?

She makes breakfast, cleans the house, supports her husband, and keeps her own desires to herself.

What was Beneatha's attitude towards God?

She said she did not accept the idea of God -- "there is only man and it is he who makes miracles."

What does Mama say is "dangerous"?

She says it is dangerous "when a man goes outside his home to look for peace."

What fault does Mama find with herself?

She says she aimed too high -- had too-high dreams.

What does Mama do when Beneatha say God does not exist?

She slaps her

Why didn't Beneatha want to be a doctor anymore?

She used to think that fixing people's ailments was the best thing to do. Now she thinks that physical ailments aren't the problem of society. People's hearts aren't true. She gives up on the human race and calls them "puny, small, and selfish." She sees no human battle worth fighting. (she thinks this after Walter loses the money for her schooling)

What was Ruth's reaction to Mama getting the house?

She was elated.

Why did Walter ask Ruth what was wrong with her in the beginning of the play?

She was kind-of crabby and tired-looking.

Where did Ruth actually go instead of the doctor's office after she fainted?

She went to see a woman about having an abortion.

Where does A Raisin in the Sun take place?

South side Chicago, 1950's (civil rights movement)

What does Lena's houseplant represent?

That Mama is mostly kind, patient, and nurturing with her family. Though it is wilting, Mama loves it unconditionally. Just like her family, Lena's plant lacks the necessary resources to flourish. Rather than giving up, however, Mama does all she can for it and has faith that one day it will truly thrive.

What bad news does Mrs. Johnson give the Youngers?

That a black family, living in a white neighborhood, has recently been bombed out of their house.

Willy Harris

The "buddy" of Walter's Ruth often criticizes. After. convincing Walter that investing in the liquor store is a great idea, Willy takes Walter's money and runs. It is because of the thieving Willy Harris that Walter's dream is deferred.

What does Walter keep talking about in the beginning of the story?

The 10,000 dollar insurance check Lena Younger (mama) is receiving due to his father's death.

Mrs. Johnson

The Youngers' neighbor. Mrs. Johnson takes advantage of the Youngers' and whom the Younger's often criticize.

Walter Lee Younger

The flawed protagonist. For most of the first act, he's nasty to just about every other character in the play. He picks fights with his sister, Beneatha. He says all kinds of mean things to Ruth, his wife, and is even short with his long-suffering mother, Lena.

Mr. Karl Lindner

The only white character in the play. Tries to pay the Youngers not to move into an all white neighborhood.

Did the Youngers stay or move?

They did move.

Why was Ruth upset when Walter gave Travis the money?

They didn't have money to spare. Also, Walter didn't back her up; he undermined her authority as a parent.

How does Beneatha's family feel about her 'expressing herself' and how does she react to it?

They tease her about her 'journey of self-expression', but she remains determined to broaden her mind

What does Linder offer Walter?

To pay the Youngers not to move into their new house.

What does Walter plan to do with the insurance money?

To use the money to invest in a liquor store with his "buddy," Willy Harris. He sees this investment as an opportunity to be his own boss and to finally provide for his family the way he feels he should.

Why was it a big deal when Travis was playing with the rat?

Travis represents the future of the Younger family. It heartbreaking when your "future" is hanging out with vermin

Mama

Walter and Beneatha's mother. She wants to use the insurance money to get a house in a better neighborhood. She worries about her family falling apart.

Travis

Walter and Ruth's son. Eager to help his family. Plays outside with the rats. Sleeps on the sofa because there is no room.

What happens when Lindner comes to the house for the second time?

Walter is redeemed when he eventually refuses to take the money from Mr. Lindner. When the white man returns, Lena forces Walter to talk to him in front of Travis, Walter's young son. Walter just can't bring himself to act so shamefully in front of Travis. (In the end, Walter finds his self-respect and leads his family on to their new house.)

How did Ruth find out Walter hadn't been going to work?

Walter's boss called.

Bobo

Walter's real buddy. Just like Walter, he gets ripped off by Willy Harris in the great liquor store catastrophe.

Ruth

Walter's wife and Travis's mother. She is caught in the middle of the fight over the money. Discovers she is going to have a baby and considers an abortion.

When Mama gives Walter the money, how do we see Walter change?

We get a glimpse of who Walter would be if he was happier with his work life. He's friendly to his sister, hugs his mother, and even takes his wife out on a date. The Walter that we see here is a loveable, friendly, family man.

George Murchison

Wealthy African-American man who courts Beneatha. Good-looking and wealthy. He ignores his African culture and is becoming absorbed into the white culture, which makes him an assimilationist. He and Beneatha argue about this.

What is one of Mama's most poignant moments?

When she admits to Ruth that her children frighten her

What does Mrs. Johnson represent?

When she leaves the paper in the Youngers' apartment on her way out, it's almost like Mrs. Johnson is implying that, if the Youngers find trouble in their neighborhood, then they're only getting what they deserve. Essentially, Mrs. Johnson represents the feelings of resentment that some blacks felt when others started to climb the socio-economic ladder.

Does Beneatha marry Asagai?

When we leave Beneatha at the play's conclusion, she is even considering marrying Asagai and practicing medicine in Africa. However, we never get to find out what ultimately happens to Beneatha.

Why is it symbolic when Mama made Travis watch when Walter was about to accept Lindner's offer?

f Travis saw this, Walter would always feel like a giant tool and a bad father. And symbolically the future of the Younger family would always be one of shame.

What are Jim Crow laws?

laws that restricted the rights of African Americans and enforced segregation.

What is a A Raisin in the Sun?

the first play on Broadway that was written by an African-American woman