-She buys curtains In the 1950s, the stereotypical American dream was to have a house with a yard, a big car, and a happy family. You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. "My students can't get enough of your charts and their results have gone through the roof." Mama is upset when she realizes that Ruth is contemplating an abortion. Mama and Beneatha are, of course, a generation apart, while Ruth occupies a place somewhere in the middle; Hansberry argues that Beneatha is the least traditional of the women because she is the youngest. -Walter's jealous of the way he grew up Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. For him, Mamas news does not represent a hopeful future, but betrayal. Complete your free account to request a guide. You can view our. Walters statements show how racial discrimination regarding job opportunities curbed many African Americans dreams for social advancement, and locked them into the role, essentially, of servants. Furthermore, seeing themselves as Americans, some African Americans questioned why it was necessary to have extensive knowledge of Africa. - Because she tries to make an intellectual comment about many African Americans ignorance Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. -When he says their neighbors have offered to buy their house -She trusts him for the most part, but based on his past, she should not. John was the person (who, whom) they sent to California. Mamas reaction to the check shows the negative consequences of money, as the question of its use weighs heavily on Mama, as well as the fact that this money was earned through the death of her husband, and as such cant possibly be worth what it cost to get it. -$6500 gone. He implies that her hairstyle is too American and unnatural, and he wonders how it got that way. A3S1 What childhood winter memory does Beneatha share with Asagai? Does she trust Walter with the money? Walter and Ruth continue to argue about their unhappy lives, a dialogue that Ruth cuts short by telling her husband, Eat your eggs, they gonna be cold.. Her relentless care for the plant represents her protection of her dream. Ruth never had a Latest answer posted December 17, 2020 at 11:09:16 AM. You run our lives like you want to. Renews May 7, 2023 Do you think that is too harsh a punishment? Asagai, on the other hand, represents Black Pride and African heritage. Beneatha refers to the "ghetto" in which they live as though it brings with it a disease that she calls "ghetto-iris.". -They get very upset and ask him to leave. What does the following statement by Beneatha reveal about her character? What decisions does she need to make? She reveals this information to Mama and Beneatha. Meanwhile Ruth, who is usually quieter, laughs out loud. When she rebukes himas if he were still a childhe responds, "I'm a grown man." What Rat Empathy May Reveal About Human Compassion | WIRED How is that money beginning to cause conflict within the family? Why would Hansberry include this small exchange in the play when it does not seem to develop any of the themes? Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. Please wait while we process your payment. Act I Scene 2 - CliffsNotes Act I Scene 1, Next Hansberry uses these two men to show the issues with which Beneatha is struggling. The following morning, Saturday, is the day that the check is expected to arrive. -starts out in a worn-out, older, small, crowded living room. Before Asagai's arrival at the Younger apartment, Beneatha sternly admonishes her mother not to say anything embarrassingly naive or patronizing about Africa. (one code per order). Want 100 or more? Might Beneatha's anger hide another emotion, and if so, how is this significant? What is the significance of the discussion between Mama and Beneatha about Africa? He finds it hard to act as a man in the way his mother wants when she does not treat him as a man in the same way she treated his father. -Because she believes that dreaming will take you nowhere in life and it's point less. Owning a house had always been a dream she had shared with her husband, and now that he is gone she nurtures this dream even more powerfully. In this movement, Black Americans embraced their racial history, stopping their attempts to assimilate, even in physical appearance. Eventually, Beneatha chooses Asagai, and, thus, her African heritage, over the assimilationist viewpoint embodied by George. "Explain the different reactions of Ruth and Walter to Mama's announcement that she has bought a house in A Raisin in the Sun." Read more about the value and purpose of dreams as a theme. Mama tries so hard to impress Beneatha's Nigerian friend that her remarks are almost comical, clearly not her intent. This important part of the play comes at the end of Act Two Scene 1 and we can clearly see the various hopes of dreams of the characters involved. Walter does so knowing that he faces the emasculating task of having to ask Ruth for money himself as a result. her second play, The Sign in Sidney Bruste in s W in dow, that she died, at age 34. While Travis gets ready in the communal bathroom, Ruth and Walter talk in the kitchen. They do not seem happy, yet they engage in some light humor. They keep mentioning a check. Walter scans the front page of the newspaper and reads that another bomb was set off, and Ruth responds with indifference. Latest answer posted February 28, 2021 at 2:55:14 PM. -Ruth still wants them to move Already a member? Beneathas dream differs from Mamas in that it is, in many ways, self-serving. Why does she lie to Travis? -Mama joking why they would know anything about Africa -Walters insults George by insulting to his father and the way he dresses Continue to start your free trial. For Mama, the next generation their hope. bookmarked pages associated with this title. Walter, in contrast, and others of his generation, take that particular "freedom" for granted. Mama eventually has to be the one to tell him about Ruth's dilemma and is surprised that his desire for the money overshadows his concern for both Ruth and his unborn child. The reader may wonder how these situations might have festered in the minds of the characters if these conflicts had not been brought to the forefront. Mama comes into the room, and Beneatha introduces her to Asagai. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. Do you think you would like him? A3S1 How does Asagai answer Beneatha? This scene significantly dramatizes the lack of understanding between parent and child. A3S1 What does Asagai propose that Beneatha do? Cuando te sacan fotos, qu ropa te gusta llevar? Choosing the Correct Form and Use of Who and Whom. Luego contesta las preguntas. Walter's power struggles with Ruth and Mama would still simmer and Beneatha would still be willful and spoiled. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. -Walter gets upset because he wants Travis to have/be something more in life. We've all got acute ghetto-itis Beneatha says this when Asagai drops by to visit, immediately after the Younger family has had a depressing conversation about their financial station in life and Ruth's possible pregnancy. - Shows that Travis is very nice and doesn't judge anyone. The scene is included in the PBS presentation, however. Similarly, the speculation over Ruths pregnancy imbues the scene with a sense of anxiety and tension. A2S1 How does Beneatha's Nigerian dress and music affect Walter? Para saber lo que dijo el crtico de espectculos, escribe las oraciones en el condicional. The insurance check prompts intra-family conflict, as arguments about money quickly become larger struggles concerning personal identity, personal dreams, and family dynamics. Mama then recites Beneathas views on Africa and African people as best she can. -He is the welcoming committee at their new neighborhood Why does Lindner try to convince the Younger family not to move? A2S1 How can you tell that Walter is bitter about Mama's decision to buy a house? $18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25% Purchasing A2S3 Who is Bobo? You'll be billed after your free trial ends. Which one? -Mama is very religious. Mama, however, ignores Walter in the same way that Walter earlier ignored Ruth's attempts to tell him about her pregnancy. Read an in-depth analysis of Lena Mama Younger. Beneathas hair is also tied to her identity as a woman and traditional i.e., white notions of feminine beauty. 20% Beneatha gets up next and after discovering that the bathroom is occupied by someone from another family, engages in a verbal joust with Walter. Answered by Aslan on 7/25/2017 10:26 PM Ruth The Youngers Saturday morning ritual of cleaning the apartment shows the pride that the family takes in maintaining its home. Hansberry uses similar minor interactions to develop the characters throughout the play. A2S1 What does George mean when he calls Walter "Prometheus"? Walter then leaves for his job as a chauffeurhe has to ask Ruth for money to get to work because the money he gave Travis was his car fare. When Walter enters and begins talking about his plans for the money, everyone ignores him so he resorts to shouting: "WILL SOMEBODY PLEASE LISTEN TO ME TODAY?". Ruth brings herself closer to her child, while Walter isolates himself in the other roomliterally and figuratively shutting his mother out. Especially given her condition, as she is expecting again, she was despairing of how to bring up another child in such a location but also provide for it. Because of this exclusion, Walters dreams of money and success in business become inextricably linked to his image of himself as a man. The other conflicts, such as the special treatment that Beneatha receives from Mama, Walter's resentment at not being head of the house, etc., might not have come to the foreground without the arrival of the check. Another issue that arises is that of Walter's manhood: how he defines it and how his mother defines it. How does this contrast with her mother's feelings? The Youngers do not mean to ignore Walter Lee and are not totally aware that they are doing so. For the next 7 days, you'll have access to awesome PLUS stuff like AP English test prep, No Fear Shakespeare translations and audio, a note-taking tool, personalized dashboard, & much more! -Asagai teases Bennie bc her hair is straightened (not embracing her natural hair) for a customized plan. -Asa makes a better argument and just wants Bennie to be who she really is. Read more about Mamas plant as a symbol. -Having many offices, a nice house, gardener, nice cars, lots of money There is an issue that needs to be discussedRuth's pregnancybut Walter does not know that there is an issue. It is difficult in such a crowded atmosphere as the Younger household for one person to be singled out and heard. How does Walter feel about her plans? Why does he react this way? She is at the center of her familys life, and she controls many of the interactions of the members of her household. You may cancel your subscription on your Subscription and Billing page or contact Customer Support at custserv@bn.com. A1S2 Why does Mama mention Tarzan to Asagai? Please identify examples of figurative language in A Raisin in the Sun. (object of a preposition). At the beginning of the eighteenth century, the British gained control over the slave trade there. What does the following statement by Beneatha's foreshadow? -Go to the bank and put some money in for Bennie's schooling and the rest he can decide what to do with it on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% The stage directions indicate that the furniture, though apparently once chosen with care, is now very worn and faded. She knew there was no real room for another person in the apartment and that finances were If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. Sometimes it can end up there. How can you tell that she feels guilty? How is Mama and Walter's conflict generational, as well as a clash of ideals? In his opinion, her hair should look as it does naturally: she should stop straightening it to look like white hair and instead wear an afro. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. Continue to start your free trial. In most cultures, the arrival of a child is a blessed, wonderful thing, the continuation of the culture into the next generation. A1S1 What is your impression of Ruth? Just bought a rat What this means is that Asagai sees Beneatha as someone who has a longing that will not be filled by material possessions alone. Some of the vocabulary words have related meanings. Beneatha makes the mistake of using the Lords name in vain in front of Mama, which sparks another conversation about the extent of Gods providence. Their different reactions illustrate the different ways this news impacted their lives. A1S1 Who is George Murchison and how do Beneatha, Ruth, and Mama feel about him? Wed love to have you back! She is, to Asagai, a person for whom "bread food is not enough.". to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. Mama, though, feels morally repulsed by the idea of getting into the liquor business. -Ruth talks happily about him and how they have been holding hands Do you think she will agree to his offer? (Even in the northern cities, vestiges of segregation were apparent.) on 50-99 accounts. You can view our. George, on the one hand, represents total assimilation into white culture. She even indicates to Ruth and Mama that she might not get married, a possibility that astonishes them because it runs counter to their expectations of a womans role. TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. Though Walter and Ruth harbor materialistic dreams, they desire wealth not solely for self-serving purposes but rather as a means to provide for their family and escape the South Side ghetto in which they live. What is the significance of the fact that Walter does not know where Ruth is? This scene emphasizes the clash of cultures between the American-born black and the African. Walter scans the front page of the newspaper and reads that another bomb was set off, and Ruth responds with indifference. Although the Younger family seems alienated from white middle-class culture, they harbor the same materialistic dreams as the rest of American society. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. Beneatha, of course, reacts angrily to Asagai's criticism and judgment. His character is meant to represent a kind of broken masculinity that society perceived among Black men of the 1950s, men who were shut out of the American dream by racism and poverty. By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. The news of this house gives her hope and a future for both her family and for the unborn baby inside of her. Act One, Scene 2. Objects placed on top of the bureau often landed behind it, which, because of its size and weight, was often a difficult piece of furniture to move. (including. Ruth wants to discuss her pregnancy with him and becomes upset when he will not listen. -Lots of emotions at once. What is the significance of the exchange between Mama and Walter? Second, she lost a child herself and knows the never-ending pain that can accompany the experience. -She gets very upset that her son is growing up chasing rats The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. Ruth's pregnancy would still add a burden to the family. The fact that she later gets her hair cut shows that she recognizes that she had indeed been conforming to the ideas around her. What does it reveal about each of the characters? Having seen several conflicts unfold in the play at this point, which of these would have arisen regardless of the arrival of the check? A3S1 How do you feel right after Lindner leaves? Later, Beneatha will put these robes on and become a "Nigerian Princess," symbolizing her acceptance of her heritage. SparkNotes PLUS The Youngers also seem to want to live this dream, though their struggle to attain any semblance of it is dramatically different from the struggle a similar suburban family might encounter, because the Youngers are not a stereotypical middle-class family. What time does normal church end on Sunday? What does the plant represent in the play A Raisin in the Sun? Consider her body language upon hearing the news: She laughs joyously, having practically destroyed the apartment, and flings her arms up and lets them come down happily, slowly, reflectively, over her abdomen, aware for the first time perhaps that the life therein pulses with happiness and not despair. eNotes.com will help you with any book or any question. The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. 20% to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. As Beneatha tries on one of the robes, Asagai asks about her straightened hair. from your Reading List will also remove any Share your findings with the class. A2S1 Is Walter right when he accuses his mother of trying to run her children's lives? Mama implores Walter to honor his fathers memory and take pride in his own manhood by convincing Ruth to not have an abortion. Walter exclaims at one point, "Will somebody please listen to me today?" A1S1 How do you feel as the curtain closes? Dont have an account? When Asagai telephones for permission to drop by, Beneatha consents reluctantly because she knows that her mother would not want company to see the house in disarray. As a playwright, Hansberry must develop characters through dialogue because there is no narration that can do it for her. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. Ruth and Mama get along the best Ruth is a strong , independent woman who wants to steer away form what is How is Mama's reaction to the gift different from the way the others react? How does George react? Explain the different reactions of Ruth and Walter to $24.99 Her dream of a house and a better life for her family remains tenuous because it is so hard for her to see beyond her familys present situation. Her reaction that Asagais love is not enough is an expression of her desire not just for love but for a partner dedicated to her equality and freedom as well. Raisin In the Sun Study Guide- Act I Scene Two Flashcards What, if any of the family's current conflicts has the issue of the insurance money caused? This is a statement of the A2S1 How can you tell that there are problems in Walter and Ruth's marriage? -Now worthy to be head of the family Nigeria The most populated nation in Africa with more than 250 different ethnic groups. Sometimes it can end up there. - There is a mix of happy, excited, and curious to see what's next. She tries to give the plant enough light and water not only to grow but also to flourish and become beautiful, just as she attempts to provide for her family with meager yet consistent financial support. These dreams mostly involve money. Log in here. Mama tries to help her relax. Beneatha contends that, for that very reason, any further relationship is pointless, as Georges family wouldnt approve of her anyway. $18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25% From a dramatic standpoint, the check's arrival instigates the point of crisis in the play. Beneatha and Travis start fighting, and Beneatha threatens him with the spray gun. WebHow do Ruth and the other family members react to the news of the pregnancy? Open hostility, however, between the numerous rival factions within the country bred chaos, with several attempts to overthrow the government, civil war, and finally mass starvation. Ruth comes into the room just as Travis goes downstairs to get the mail. Why is Ruth upset by Travis's talk of the rat? From his perspective, he enters the apartment excited about the money, and is dismissed and treated like a child. -He is not as excited as the others -To tell him why she wants to be a doctor (something she once cared about). Do Eric benet and Lisa bonet have a child together? Walter, on the other hand, lacks this singular dedication to his family. -Blending in with white culture Both interpretations seem valid. -Thinking about having to raise another child in the small apartment, in an unsafe/unsanitary area. -He says it's not her because if her father was still around they wouldn't have that money at all. Educators go through a rigorous application process, and every answer they submit is reviewed by our in-house editorial team. They clearly do not communicate, and Ruth's pregnancy is an important issue for them to talk about. Travis then leaves for school, and Walter tells Ruth that he wants to use the check to invest in a liquor store with a few of his friends. A Rasin in the Sun Test Study Guide Flashcards | Quizlet She is experiencing a spiritual longing. She wants to become an independent and liberated woman. Accessed 1 May 2023. Who are the experts?Our certified Educators are real professors, teachers, and scholars who use their academic expertise to tackle your toughest questions. How much is a biblical shekel of silver worth in us dollars? Walter's? The four major groups are the Hausa and Falani people in the north, the Yoruba people in the southwest, and the Ibo people in the southeast. Mamas hospitality is a reflection of the pride that she takes in her family and its treatment of others. Hansberry's stage direction may also reflect something of her own beliefs. Free trial is available to new customers only. Central Idea Essay: Why Does Mama Want to Own Property? We also learn that Walter is "restless," dissatisfied with his current life, and feeling as if the people he loves, and who are supposed to love him, do not understand him, rarely even giving him the chance to speak. After Asagai gives her this nickname, however, the name Beneatha could also point to the character's spiritual, "Alaiyo" nature, which dwells beneath the physical exterior. The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. Why? Beneatha claims that she is trying to express herself, an idea at which Ruth and Mama have a laugh. Is it realistic? Walter and Ruth, who occupy the middle ground in terms of age between Mama and Beneatha, have also tempered their dreams more than Beneatha has. Despite its harrowing past, Nigeria has become a leader in literature, art, music, and craftsmanship. Why does Beneatha want to become a doctor? SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. A2S2 What does Travis want to be when he grows up? | Ruth feels ill and anxious about her pregnancy. Asagai hints at what is to come by telling Beneatha that by straightening her hair she is mutilating it. He teases her a bit about being very serious about finding her identity, particularly her African identity, through him.