Mostafa Darwish
Mrs. Mullins
English 11 H
Dec 10, 2021
A Raisin in the Sun Act 1 QQNS
Summary: The play opens in the Youngers’ apartment, which is described as too small for all the
people living there. Ruth and Walter argue in the morning, and Walter mentions his plans to
open a liquor store with the money from the check. Beneatha, Walter’s sister, wakes up and finds
the bathroom occupied, she argues with Walter, who thinks she should think of something else
other than medicine, and that her tuition will cut into the insurance check for his father’s death.
Beneatha mentions something about God, and that he doesn’t exist which angers mama, who
says that as long she is the head of his household, no similar thoughts will be expressed. The next
day, Walter is speaking with Willy Harris, who tells him that the plan for the liquor store is going
well. Joseph Asagai, an African intellectual, calls Beneatha and she invites him over to the house
while they’re cleaning. Ruth reveals she is pregnant to Ruth and Beneatha. Asagai comes over
and he brought Beneatha Nigerian robes as a gift, she asks about her straightened hair and
whether it always this way, when he is ready to leave, he calls her Alaiyo, which means someone
for whom food is not enough. Later, Ruth wants to tell Walter about her pregnancy, but he won’t
listen. Mama tells him that Ruth is pregnant and considering an abortion, he doesn’t believe her
until Ruth gets out of her bedroom and confirms.
Questions:
1. How is Beneatha different from the other Youngers?
2. What is the significance of the plant?
3. Who is the main character?
4. Why does Walter care so much about the money?
5. What are the main issues with Ruth and Walter?
Quotes:
“So now it’s life. Money is life. Once upon a time freedom used to be life—now it’s money. I
guess the world really do change” (Page 76) This shows the generational difference between
Mama and Walter, who sees money linked to success in life.
"I mean it! I'm just tired of hearing about God all the time. What has He got to do with anything?
Does he pay tuition?" (page 53) Beneatha clashes with Mama on the idea of god.
“Thank everybody! And forgive me for ever wanting to be anything at all!" (page 36) Beneatha
is mockingly apologizing for having dreams.
"I want so many things that they are driving me kind of crazy… Mama – look at me." (page 42)
Walter dreams and wants are making him crazy.
"… Baby, don't nothing happen for you in this world 'less you pay somebody off!" (page 31)
Walter believes you need money to be successful and start things.
Notes:
undistinguished common; nothing special
exasperated irritated; provoked; irked
viciously violently; maliciously
vindicated cleared of accusation, blame, suspicion or doubt
proposition a suggested plan
vengeance with violence or fury
tentatively uncertainly
furtively stealthily; expressive of hidden motives
futile useless
tyrant ruler who exercises power in a harsh, cruel manner
mutilated maimed; damaged
insinuatingly implying
haphazardly without care; characterized by chance
inappropriately unsuitably; improperly
assimilationism belief that minority cultures should dissolve into a dominant culture
heathenism "religion" of those who don't believe in God and/or are uncivilized
forlornly looking pitiful, desperate or hopeless
