A Raisin in the Sun
Act I Questions
Why is Walter such an angry person?
*Frustrated with being a chauffeur
*Home life is not easy
*Feels no one in the family supports or
understands him
Why does Walter want Ruth to talk to Mama?
*Hopes Ruth can convince Mama to use the
insurance money to buy his liquor store
Why is Walter resentful toward Ruth?
*Ruth does not give him enough support
when it comes to his dreams
What is Walter’s dream?
*Quitting his job and becoming a business
success
*Liquor store with Willy Harris and Bobo
What is Beneatha’s dream?
*Becoming a doctor
*Exceeding society’s expectations for women
Why does Walter pick on his sister?
*Sibling rivalry
*Walter resents Bennie for her dream
*She will use some of the insurance money
What causes friction between Mama and Ruth?
*Ruth is irritated when Mama tries to take
over motherly roles with Travis
Why is Mama opposed to the liquor store?
*Religious
*Walter does not have business experience
What suggestion does Ruth make to Mama
about the use of the money? How does
Mama respond?
*Take a vacation
*She rejects it; thinks more about a house for
the family
Who was Big Walter? What do we learn about
him?
*Mama’s husband
*Hardworking and dedicated to his family
What causes the argument between Mama and
Beneatha?
*Beneatha says she is tired of hearing about
God
*In Mama’s house, there will ALWAYS be God
Why does Ruth consider an abortion?
*Depressed
*Realizes their financial state, cramped
apartment, and the shaky state of her
marriage
Who is Joseph Asagai? What are his attitudes
towards Beneatha? How does she feel about
him? Who is George Murchison?
*College professor/tutor
*From Nigeria
*Loves Beneatha—cares enough to notice when
she is unhappy
*She likes Asagai, but not ready to commit
*George is the wealthy man Beneatha is also
dating
*She does not dislike George, but she will never
marry him
How does Walter describe his frustration to
Mama?
*Walter is so frustrated at feeling stuck and
powerless
*He feels doomed
How does Walter disappoint Mama?
*Mama expects Walter to provide support
and encouragement for Ruth
*Instead he walks out probably to get drunk
Nicely Done!