A Raisin in the Sun study guide

Setting

This play is set in Chicago.

Walter Lee's goal for insurance money

Invest in a liquor store.

Beneatha's view on George Murchison

He is shallow, materialistic, and dismissive of her intellect and heritage.

Mama's hobby if she had means

Gardening.

Main discussion between Beneatha and Joseph Asagai

African heritage, identity, and Beneatha's future.

Walter Lee's reaction to Beneatha's performance

He mocks her by making fun of the African clothing and music.

Character determining Ruth's abortion

Ruth herself.

Quote about heritage

George Murchison says, 'Let's face it... your heritage is nothing but a bunch...'

Family member selecting Clybourne Park

Mama (Lena Younger).

Stage directions by Lorraine Hansberry

Detailed and expressive, providing insight into the characters and setting.

Ruth's determination to work

'I'll work twenty hours a day... but we got to MOVE!'

Walter Lee's phone call to Mr. Lindner

They will NOT sell their house back and will move into Clybourne Park.

Family's shame of Walter Lee

When he considers accepting Mr. Lindner's offer to not move into the neighborhood.

Mama's shame of Walter Lee

He almost sells his pride and dignity for money.

Beneatha's future decision

She considers going to Nigeria with Asagai to practice medicine and connect with her roots.

American Dream

The idea that all individuals in the U.S. have the opportunity to succeed.

Characterization example

'He is a lean, intense young man...'

Main conflict of the play

The Younger family's struggle for a better life amid racial and economic obstacles.

Personification example

'...but the carpet has fought back...'

Inciting incident of the plot

Not explicitly provided in the notes.

Inciting Incident

The arrival of the $10,000 life insurance check.

Dialect

A particular form of a language spoken by a specific region or group.

Walter Lee's Reaction

He mocks and ridicules it.

Allusion

When the play refers to an idea or passage from the Bible.

Method NOT Used by Racists

Welcoming committees.

Character Determining Abortion

Ruth herself.

Quote by Ruth Younger

I'll work twenty hours a day...

Family's Shame

Tries to accept the money from Mr. Lindner.

Least Important Historical Context

Cold War nuclear arms race.

Climax of the Play

The scene where Walter Lee must decide if he will take money from the Clybourne Park Improvement Association.

Assimilation

The dismissal of one's own culture to adopt majority culture.

Mama's Shame

He almost sells out his dignity for money.

Example of Ambiguity

Whether Beneatha will go to Nigeria with Asagai.

Foreshadowing Ruth's Pregnancy

She directly tells Mama right away.

Help for Beneatha

Joseph Asagai.

Beneatha's Inspiration

Seeing a friend get hurt and be treated by a doctor as a child.

Time to Love

When they are at their lowest.

Mama's Plant

Her plant.

Gift from Travis

A gardening hat.

Mama's Use of Insurance Money

Put a down payment on a house and gave the rest to Walter.

Happiness about Mama's Purchase

Most happy: Ruth / Least happy: Walter (at first).

Walter's Investment Interest

A liquor store investment.

Mama's Slap

For saying she doesn't believe in God.

Title Inspiration

A line from the Langston Hughes poem, 'Harlem': 'What happens to a dream deferred? / Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?'