Name: ___________________________________________ Hour: _________ Date: ________________________
A Raisin in the Sun: Assignment #7a
Objectives:
0
To analyze and interpret the deeper meanings within the play
Directions: On a separate piece of paper, respond to the following discussion questions. Please keep in
mind that these questions are designed to challenge you—dig below the surface of the story. Be sure to
answer each question completely and be advised that any of these questions may appear on the exam in the
form of short answer or essay.
Act I, scene i
1. Why do you think the author, Lorraine Hansberry, used Langston Hughes’s poem for inspiration?
2. What do you learn about the characters solely from the setting?
3. What does it say about Travis that he wants to get a job at such a young age?
4. Explain whether or not Walter is right to give Travis the money he requests.
5. Why does Walter think that Ruth is “tired of everything”?
6. Explain whether or not you believe Walter is correct when he says, “Baby, don’t nothing happen for you in
this world ‘less you pay somebody off.”
7. Why does the author include a character, Beneatha, who plans to become a doctor?
8. What do you think Big Walter meant when he said children make the “dreams seem worthwhile”?
9. What does the conflict between Mama and Beneatha at the end symbolize?
Act I, scene ii
10. If you had to earn money for your family, would you be willing to work as a maid for a rich woman like
Ruth does or drive a car for a rich many like Walter does?
11. Why do you think the scene opens with the Youngers cleaning house?
12. Why do you think Beneatha says that the baby will be sleeping on the roof?
13. Explain whether or not you agree with Asagai’s characterization of Beneatha’s hair?
14. What does Asagai mean when he says, “For a woman it should be enough”?
15. Explain whether or not you believe Asagai’s nickname for Beneatha, Alaiyo, is appropriate.
16. What do you think Beneatha would think of society today?
17. Explain whether or not Walter has the right to be angry when Mama says she will not give him money to
invest in the liquor store.
18. Why does Walter walk out at the end of the scene rather than speak to Ruth?
19. What is your opinion of the play thus far? Do you think it is dated, or does it still capture the interest of
the audience? Explain.