Rasin in the Sun

Lorraine Hansberry foreshadows that Ruth is pregnant in all of the following ways except which?

A) Ruth looks and acts tired while she is ironing.
B) Ruth grows tired and faints when she is exhausted.
C) Ruth takes a pregnancy test in the bathroom hides it before anyone else in the house discovers it.
D) Mama suspects that Ruth is pregnant when she faints and goes to the doctor in the morning.

C

What figurative device does Lorraine Hansberry use in the stage directions to describe the setting that is evident in this direct quote: "Now the once-loved pattern of the couch upholstery has to fight to show itself from under acres of crocheted doilies and couch covers that have themselves finally come to be more important than the upholstery"?

A) irony
B) metaphor
C) personification
D) understatement

C

Why does Lorraine Hansberry use this figurative device and what is its effect/meaning?
"Now the once-loved pattern of the couch upholstery has to fight to show itself from under acres of crocheted doilies and couch covers that have themselves finally come to be more important than the upholstery" ?

A) It indirectly characterizes the Youngers as being claustrophobic and paranoid.
B) It indirectly characterizes the Youngers as being cramped and uncomfortable.
C) It indirectly characterizes the Youngers as being comfortable and cozy.
D) It indirectly characterizes the Youngers as being nurtured and supported.

B

What is the primary reason that Walter Younger wants to buy and own a liquor store? What can his Dream best symbolize to him?

A) his desire to drink alcohol for free
B) his desire to escape his domestic/personal life
C) his desire to host and ensure others' happiness
D) his desire to improve his station in life

D

What is the primary reason that Beneatha Younger wants to be a doctor? What can her dream best symbolize to her?

A) her desire to be a student forever
B) her desire to establish her identity
C) her desire to get rich
D) her desire to pursue a domestic life

B

Beneatha is a feminist in all of the following ways except which?

A) Beneatha continues to date George Murchison even though she doesn't see a future with him.
B) Beneatha has hobbies and interests that are independent, unique.
C) Beneatha isn't sure if she wants to marry, but if she does, it will be on her own terms and for love.
D) Beneatha is studying to work in a profession that at the time does not have many black women in it.

A

What is the primary reason that Mama Lena Younger wants to buy a house? What can her dream best symbolize to her?

A) It can symbolize her boredom, lack of originality, and desire to be just like everyone else.
B) It can symbolize her desire to become rich and own a valuable property.
C) It can symbolize her desire to divide the family and accrue more wealth for their offspring.
D) It can symbolize the life that she and her husband wanted to provide for their family but couldn't.

D

What is the connotation or subtext of the stage directions describing Ruth as a "settled woman"?

A) Ruth doesn't want to move and wants to stay in Chicago for the rest of her life.
B) Ruth has made her permanent home in the apartment and doesn't want to move elsewhere.

C) Ruth is a product of colonization and immigrated to Chicago to inhabit and populate it.
D) Ruth is calm or docile, for she has adopted or given into a consistent style of living at a job and home.

D

Why can Walter's dream be considered the most selfish one?

A) Walter believes his dream will only benefit him, not the other Youngers.
B) Walter prioritizes his dream above the others' dreams.
C) Walter's dream is the most expensive to purchase.
D) Walter's dream requires sacrifice by all the other Youngers.

B

Beneatha desires all of the following except which?

A) domesticity
B) identity
C) independence
D) respect

A

Walter desires all of the following from his family except which?

A) criticism
B) respect
C) sacrifice
D) trust

A

What is the source of everyone's inner conflict, especially Walter's?

A) anger or disappointment about current events and political policies
B) anger or disappointment about a family member's flaws
C) frustration over not attaining their desired goal or dream
D) frustration over another family member's success

C

What can the $10,000 check symbolize to Mama? What is her reaction to finally getting it? Why?

A) It can symbolize Big Walter and suggests why she is sad when the check arrives, for he is gone.
B) It can symbolize greed and her fear that it will corrupt her family, which is why she's sad when it arrives
C) It can symbolize money that was owed to her earlier in life, which is why she's sad when it finally arrives.
D) It can symbolize prosperity and hope, which is why she is elated when it arrives for what it will yield.

A

What is Mama really upset about when Walter returns home, asks her to read the paperwork for his liquor store, and she says no? Why is she upset and angry even before Walter returns home?

A) Mama is disappointed that college and education have corrupted Beneatha from her religious upbringing.
B) Mama is disappointed that Ruth didn't trust and tell her first that she is pregnant.
C) Mama is upset that Ruth is debating whether or not to abort her and Walter's unborn baby.
D) Mama is upset that Ruth has sided with Walter and wants to use the money to obtain his liquor store.

C

What can the scrambled eggs that Ruth makes for Walter each day symbolize, especially to Walter?

A) emotional and physical nourishment and support
B) opulence, success, and living the good life that one deserves
C) routine and a failure to try something new and challenging
D) unhealthy and risky eating for long-term health

C

Mama uses all of these arguments to support why she shouldn't support Walter's dream except which?

A) Mama argues that selling liquor is religiously taboo and doesn't want new sins on her conscience.
B) Mama argues that the Youngers aren't business people, meaning they don't know much about business
C) Mama believes that selling liquor isn't consistent or sustainable, especially after Prohibition in the US.
D) Mama questions why Ruth is onboard with Walter's dream and investing in his dream.

C

Ruth uses all of these counterarguments to why Mama should support Walter's dream except which?

A) Ruth asserts that people are always going to buy and drink liquor.
B) Ruth asserts that people can't be business people until they get into and start their own business.
C) Ruth asserts that this income will help to support the baby that's arriving in a few months.
D) Ruth asserts that this is something that she can give Walter that she can't give otherwise.

C

Beneatha's new hairdo can symbolize all of the following except which?

A) her desire to be mainstream
B) her pride in her roots
C) her quest for identity
D) her statement of her individuality

A

Beneatha Younger and George Murchison are foils in all of the following ways except which?

A) Beneatha believes in the purpose of and values her education while George just needs a degree.
B) Beneatha is an intellectual and a philosopher while George doesn't want to think or philosophize.
C) Beneatha is lower class and needs education to escape poverty while George is upper class and set for life.
D) Beneatha wants to conform to her gender's expectations while George wants her to defy these expectations.

D

Why does Walter insult George?

A) Walter insults George because Walter is an evil person at his core.
B) Walter insults George because Walter fears that Beneatha loves George more than her entire family.
C) Walter insults George because Walter feels embarrassed that George doesn't respect him and his dreams.
D) Walter insults George because Walter knows that George is an evil person at his core.

C

Why does Walter ask George why he wears "******y shoes"? What is the subtext of his insult?

A) By asking George why he wears "******y shoes," Walter is asking where he can also get those shoes.
B) By asking George why he wears "******y shoes," Walter is defending and protecting Beneatha.
C) By asking George why he wears "******y shoes," Walter is implying his romantic interest in George.
D) By asking George why he wears "******y shoes," Walter is questioning George's masculinity.

D

Walter insults George in front of him or behind his back in all of the following ways except which?

A) Walter implies that George is a fake intellectual or isn't smart when George calls Walter Prometheus.
B) Walter implies that George is a simple-minded clown, implying he's not as "big picture" as Walter.
C) Walter implies that George isn't a man because college isn't teaching him how to be a man.
D) Walter implies that George only knows how to run small businesses like a rubber plantation or steel mill.

D

Walter uses all of the following items as metaphors to describe himself to George except which?

A) a giant
B) a volcano
C) an ant

C

George implies all of the following by calling Walter and making an allusion to Prometheus except which?

A) George implies that Walter dreams big, but his dreams will likely lead to his suffering.
B) George implies that Walter's excessive drinking may likely destroy his liver.
C) George implies that Walter will be a god who will give life to more men.
D) George sarcastically implies that he is smarter or at least better educated than Walter.

C

Although not made explicit, what is implied that Beneatha will do about her relationship with George?

A) Based on Beneatha and Mama's conversation, Beneatha will likely cease dating George.
B) Based on Beneatha and Mama's conversation, Beneatha will likely give George another chance at love.
C) Based on Beneatha and Mama's conversation, Beneatha will likely have a short fling with Joseph Asagai but then will settle down and marry George Murchison.
D) Based on Beneatha and Mama's conversation, Beneatha will likely marry George for his money and security.

A

As implied in the stage directions, which family member is immediately suspicious of Karl Lindner, which indirectly characterizes how intelligent s/he is?

A) Beneatha
B) Mama/Lena
C) Ruth
D) Walter

A

Karl Lindner uses all of the following logic to convince the Youngers to accept his offer except which?

A) Lindner says that they believe that people get along better when they share a common background.

B) Lindner says that they can be forced to change their hearts if the Youngers can get through to them.
C) Lindner says that they have the right to want to have the neighborhood they live in a certain kind of way.
D) Lindner says that they may get worked up when they feel their whole way of life is being threatened.

B

What is Mama's plant a metaphor for?

A) Mama's plant is a metaphor for her family, for it is struggling to live in harsh conditions.
B) Mama's plant is a metaphor for her husband, for the plant is dead but she can't let it (i.e. him) go.
C) Mama's plant is a metaphor for the city, for it is too populated, cramped, and looking to expand.
D) Mama's plant is a metaphor for the environment, for it is neglected and mankind neglects the environment.

A

The Clybourne Park Improvement Association is ironic in all of the following ways except which?

A) The association believes people should sit down and talk to each other, but it doesn't want to sit down and talk to the Youngers and hear why they belong in Clybourne Park.
B) The association believes that nice, honest, and hard working families should live there, but it doesn't believe that the Youngers are nice, honest, and hard working.
C) The association says the neighborhood is full of people who have worked hard to live there, but it doesn't care that the Youngers have also worked hard to live there, too.
D) The association works to welcome new neighbors, but it wants to dismiss the Youngers as neighbors.

B

Who does Beneatha allude to by saying, "Thirty pieces and not a coin less" in response to Lindner's offer?

A) Greta Garbo
B) Judas Iscariot
C) Mrs. Miniver
D) Scarlett O'Hara

B

What is the subtext of Beneatha's allusion of "thirty pieces and not a coin less"?

A) Beneatha implies that Mr. Lindner's offer will be too cheap for what the property will be worth in time.
B) Beneatha implies that Mr. Lindner's offer will cost them their self-worth and souls.
C) Beneatha implies that Mr. Lindner's offer will make them as rich as Hollywood movie stars.
D) Beneatha implies that Mr. Lindner's offer will make them hypocrites for living like rich Southern belles.

B

What can the gifts that Mama receives from her children and grandchild symbolize?

A) The gifts can symbolize destruction, for they will destroy Mama and the good she'll destroy with them.
B) The gifts can symbolize historical preservation, for they will preserve Mama and the structures she'll maintain.
C) The gifts can symbolize nurturing, for they will nurture Mama and the work she'll nurture with them.
D) The gifts can symbolize society, for they will enrich the society that they are used on.

C

What is ironic about what happens to the Youngers on moving day?

A) On what should be the best and happiest day of their lives, a terrible and tragic event occurs.
B) On what should be the best and happiest day of their lives, an event occurs that makes the day even better.
C) On what should be the worst and saddest days of their lives, a happy and uplifting event occurs. D) On what should be the worst and saddest days of their lives, an event even worse occurs.

A

The lost money can now symbolize all of the following except which?

A) The lost money can symbolize people's greed, especially Willy Harris'.
B) The lost money can symbolize the pursuit of every Younger family member's dream.
C) The lost money can symbolize the unnecessary and wasted death of Big Walter.
D) The lost money can symbolize Walter's foolish, hasty, and reckless actions.

B

What is ironic and tragic that Walter is willing to do to in order to get back some of the stolen money?

A) Walter is willing to degrade himself, his family, and his culture to get back some of the stolen money.
B) Walter is willing to do something illegal and will potentially hurt his family more in the long-term.
C) Walter is willing to do what is right to protect his family from the discrimination from Clybourne Park.
D) Walter is willing to sacrifice his dream in order to finally support other family members' dreams.

A

Which black character archetype/stereotype from literature, film, or theater does Walter imply he will adopt to Mr. Lindner to tell him what he wants to hear and get the Clybourne Park Improvement Association's money?

A) a magical n*gro - a stereotype of a black man who by use of special insight/powers helps a white character
B) a mammy - a stereotype of a black woman who is completely dedicated to the white family, especially to the children of that family; is given complete domestic management; and is a friend or advisor
C) a savage - a stereotype of a black man who is primitive, simple and childlike; cannibalistic persons who live in tribes, carry spears, believe in witchcraft and worship their wizard
D) an Uncle Tom - a stereotype of a black man who is excessively a subservient person and betrays his own group by participating in its oppression, whether or not he does so willingly

D

Why does Walter's voice falter and break when he practices what he'll say to Mr. Lindner?

A) Walter's voice falters and breaks because he is going through puberty and his voice is changing.
B) Walter's voice falters and breaks because he knows that what he is saying is correct and true.
C) Walter's voice falters and breaks because he knows that what he is saying is shameful and wrong.
D) Walter's voice falters and breaks because he wants to be dramatic and really sell this performance.

C

Why does Mama say that her children were supposed to be her harvest? Explain this metaphor.

A) Mama uses the metaphor to imply that her children were supposed to become farmers or sharecroppers.
B) Mama uses the metaphor to imply that her children were supposed to gather or work for her.
C) Mama uses the metaphor to imply that her children were supposed to make life plentiful or rich.
D) Mama uses the metaphor to imply that her children were supposed to yield a lot of food.

C

How and why does Mama critique Beneatha?

A) Mama critiques Beneatha for not understanding that one should always support family members.
B) Mama critiques Beneatha for not wanting to continue her relationship with George Murchison.
C) Mama critiques Beneatha for wanting to be with Joseph Asagai instead of George Murchison.
D) Mama critiques Beneatha for wanting to become a doctor because her tuition costs so much money.

A

When are people supposed to love others according to Mama?

A) People are supposed to love others when they feel the lowest and need love most of all.
B) People are supposed to love others when they feel the best and are already immersed in love.
C) People are supposed to love others when they prove their worth to others.
D) People are supposed to love others when they reciprocate those feelings.

A

Why does Mama want Travis to stay and see Walter's speech to Mr. Lindner?

A) She uses Travis as a prop to convince and guilt Walter into make the right decision
B) She uses Travis as a prop to convince and guilt Walter into taking Lindner's offer.
C) She wants Travis to visually convince his father that Walter's future and past family shouldn't affect him.
D) She wants Travis to verbally convince his father to change his mind and reject Lindner's offer.

A

Why are there beats or pauses between Walter's lines when he talks to Mr. Lindner?

A) The beats or pauses build suspense. The audience isn't sure what side Walter will take.
B) The beats or pauses build suspense. The audience knows that Walter is going to reject Lindner's offer.
C) The beats or pauses build suspense. The audience knows that Walter is going to sell out his family.
D) The beats or pauses build suspense. Walter doesn't know what he is going to say; he makes it up.

A

What is ironic about what Walter thinks Beneatha should do about her suitors?

A) He thinks that she should marry Asagai even though he is not as rich as George.
B) He thinks that she should marry Asagai even though he will likely take her from the family.
C) He thinks that she should marry George for his money even though Walter denied money to do what was right.
D) He thinks that she should marry George for his money even though Walter married Ruth for her money.

C

How does Walter come into his manhood according to Mama and Ruth?

A) Walter finally achieves his dream and becomes more financially independent.
B) Walter maintains the family's honor by confronting discrimination and intimidation.
C) Walter realizes that he wants to be a father to another child and will be a better father.
D) Walter sells out and conforms to the expectations that Clybourne Park set out for them.

B

Why is Mama the last to leave the apartment?

A) She is the family member who is the least excited to move because of all the changes the move will bring.
B) She is the matriarch of the family, has the most power, and debatably is the most important character.
C) She is the only person in the family who wants to stay because of her memories there with Big Walter
D) She is the reluctant family member who believes they should have stayed and taken Mr. Lindner's offer

B

What character archetype will best exemplify the Youngers when they move to Clybourne Park to everyone else who lives there?

A) caretakers
B) outcasts
C) rebels
D) tricksters

B

What character archetype will best exemplify the Youngers when they move to Clybourne Park to most readers or viewers of the play?

A) faithful companions
B) heroes
C) monsters/villains
D) scapegoats

B

All of the following are ambiguous or unresolved conflicts at the resolution except which?

A) It is unclear if Beneatha will choose to be with Joseph Asagai or George Murchison.
B) It is unclear if the Youngers will be safe in Clybourne Park in an all-white neighborhood.
C) It is unclear if the Youngers have united as a family and resolved to face the unknown together.
D) It is unclear if Ruth will have or abort her and Walter's unborn baby.

D

All of the following are likely to happen after the play's resolution except which?

A) It is likely that Beneatha will not continue to date George Murchison.
B) It is likely that Beneatha will continue to study and pursue her dream of becoming a doctor.
C) It is likely that Ruth will have her and Walter's unborn baby.
D) It is likely that the Youngers will not experience any more racism in Clybourne Park.

D

What theme does A Raisin in the Sun imply?

A) A family is best when it is divided, not united.
B) The most important dreams to attain are the ones that will be the most financially profitable.
C) People should strive for dignity and a sense of respect for themselves and their ancestors.
D) Racism should not be addressed or confronted but remain isolated or segregated within communities.

C