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Grade 12 A Raisin in the Sun

Objectives:1. Give oral summary of acts done.
2.Compare issues with realistic contexts
Answer questions based on texts


Act I, Scene 1: Questions and Answers

Study Questions
1. Why does Ruth scramble Walter’s eggs, even though he says does not want them scrambled? What does this indicate about their relationship and about whether or not they try to listen to one another?
2. Why does Ruth tell Travis to get his mind off the money that is coming the next day? What does this indicate about Travis?
3. Why does Walter give his son more money than he needs for school? How does this leave Walter, in terms of money he himself needs in order to get to work? What does this indicate about Walter’s personality?
4. What rift is indicated between Ruth and Walter when she says to him, “You mean graft?”, when he talks of how he plans to get his liquor store license approved? How does this relate to the state of their marriage?
5. What do you think the significance of Beneatha’s name might be? What words does her name sound like? What might the author be conveying about Beneatha and her effect on other people by giving her this name?
6. If you were to draw a conclusion about why Walter is so concerned with how much money Beneatha’s schooling will cost. Aside from his wanting money for the liquor store, what might it be? Why might he be so resentful of his sister wanting to continue her education so far as to go to medical school?
7. Why do Ruth and Walter refer to themselves as “colored,” rather than “black”?
8. What personal struggle of the deceased Mr. Walter Younger’s is indicated in the following dialogue:
Ruth: Ain’t nothin’ can tear at you like losin’ your baby.
Mama: I guess that’s how come that man finally worked himself to death like he done. Like he was fighting his own war with this here world that took his baby from him.
9. Why do Mama and Ruth burst out laughing when Beneatha says “Me!” in response to their question about what it is that she wants to express with all her hobbies? What does this indicate about the times the play takes place in?
10. Why does Beneatha refer to her mother as a tyrant? What is a tyrant? Do you agree or disagree that this term describes Mrs. Younger? Why or why not?

A Raisin in the Sun Discussion Questions


  1. The play is prefaced by a Langston Hughes poem. How does the play illustrate the theme of the poem?
  2. Why do you think all the scenes take place in the family’s house?
  3. How is Beneatha different from other Younger family members?
  4. How is the theme of assimilation treated in the play?
  5. What are the greatest strains on Walter and Ruth’s marriage?
  6. To what extent do you think Hansberry is critiquing traditional sex roles in the play?
  7. In what ways is Hansberry challenging stereotypes of African Americans in the play?
  8. How does Walter change from the beginning of the play?
  9. Why do you think Mama changes her mind and gives Walter the insurance money?
  10. Why does Mrs. Johnson say that the Youngers are proud?
  11. Why is Mama’s little plant so important to her? What does she mean when she says “It expresses ME”?
  12. What does the new house signify to each of the Youngers?
  13. Look closely at Karl Lindner’s speech when he talks to the Youngers. What do you notice about the way he uses language?
  14. Who is the main character in the play?
  15. The play was written and produced over 40 years ago. To what extent do you think that conflicts and issues presented in the play are still relevant?
  16. https://www.chipublib.org/a-raisin-in-the-sun-discussion-questions/

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