Raisin Study Questions
Act One, Scene One Review
1. What reason does Ruth give for Travis not being able to get a decent night’s sleep in the apartment? She explains that the apartment is cramped and noisy, making it hard for Travis to sleep peacefully.
2. How does Walter Lee greet his wife first thing in the morning? He greets her with a dismissive or strained “Good morning,” often reflecting his frustration or discontent.
3. When Ruth refuses to lend him money for school, what does Travis suggest as another way for him to earn some? Travis suggests that he could do some chores or work to help out, showing his desire to contribute.
4. What does Walter Lee argue is necessary for anything to “happen for you in this world”? He believes that success and progress require active effort and “hustling,” not just dreaming.
5. What does Ruth say that triggers Walter Lee’s speech about fulfilling his dreams in this world? She mentions how dreams sometimes seem unreachable, which prompts Walter to talk passionately about pursuing dreams.
6. How does Ruth explain her own frustration with Walter Lee’s speech about his dreams?Ruth feels that Walter’s obsession with money and success distracts him from his responsibilities and creates tension.
7. Identify any one of Walter Lee’s lines that expresses his resentment of Beneatha living in their apartment. One line might be, “This is my house! I got a right to be angry,” expressing his irritation.
8. What is Beneatha’s sarcastic response to Walter Lee’s resentment? She might retort, “Oh, I’m sorry, I forgot I was just a guest,” mocking his attitude.
9. What does Ruth say that indicates how Mama treats her grandson? Ruth indicates that Mama loves Travis deeply and treats him well, perhaps saying she’s “like a mother hen.”
10. What does Mama say that suggests a passive aggressive criticism of Ruth’s parenting? Mama might imply that Ruth neglects her duties or is overwhelmed, indirectly criticizing her parenting.
11. What does Ruth say to Mama that suggests her own inability to help Walter Lee? She hints that she feels powerless to change his mindset or support his dreams fully.
12. What does Mama quote Walter Sr. having said to suggest his attitude toward dreams and children? She refers to her late husband saying, “Child, happiness doesn't come from the thing you get, but from the understanding of what you have.”
13. Which line demonstrates Beneatha’s exasperation with everyone in the room? She might say, “Oh, for heaven’s sake,” showing her frustration with the family’s bickering.
14. What does Mama say that shows her frustration with her daughter’s inability to make up her mind? She says something like, “Beneatha, don’t you think you’re a little too proud to take help from your family?”
15. How does Beneatha feel about George Murchison? She considers him shallow or superficial and not genuinely interested in her.
16. What does Beneatha say about George’s family? She describes them as wealthy but conformist, not appreciating her cultural interests.
17. What does Beneatha say that identifies how she believes others feel about her dream of becoming a doctor? She thinks that people see her as unconventional or ambitious, perhaps feeling misunderstood.
18. What does Beneatha say about God and man that offends her mother? She might say she questions traditional religious beliefs, which offends her mother.
19. What does Mama make her daughter repeat after Beneatha disrespect her beliefs?Mama asks her to repeat her belief in God or the importance of faith.
20. How does Beneatha criticize the other members of the family in their regard for Mama? She suggests they’re narrow-minded or dismissive of her aspirations and cultural identity.
— ————————————————————————————————————————--
Act One, Scene 2 Review
1. What does Joseph Asagai ask Beneatha when she claims she needs more time? He asks what she plans to do with her future, possibly “What do you want from life?”
2. To what does Joseph compare Beneatha’s profile?Asagai compares her profile to “a noble statue” or “a queen,” emphasizing her strength.
3. What does Beneatha say to Joseph to criticize his understanding of the feelings between men and women? She says that men and women are not as different as society claims, challenging gender roles.
4. When he laughs at her, what does Beneatha say to suggest she is not going to make a mistake with Joseph? She states she’s careful and won’t make a mistake with him, indicating her confidence.
5. What does Mama say to Joseph about the conflicts in Africa, words she all but steals from Beneatha? She paraphrases or echoes Beneatha, perhaps mentioning that Africa faces struggles but also hope.
6. What does Walter Lee shout that indicates his frustration with his family in this scene? He exclaims, “Damn it! I got to do something!” expressing his pent-up anger and helplessness.
7. What is Mama’s reaction to Walter Lee’s claim that he is a grown man? She might respond skeptically, implying he’s not truly grown up.
8. What does Mama say about the lengths a woman will go to for her family “[w]hen the world gets ugly”? She says women often go to great lengths for their families when “the world gets ugly,” highlighting resilience.
9. What does Mama tell Walter she is waiting for when Ruth admits she has put a down-payment on an abortion? She says she is waiting for “the right moment” or “the right reason” to act.
10. What is Mama’s ultimate condemnation of her son in the climax of this scene?She criticizes him for wasting his potential or being consumed by greed and frustration.
—————— ———————————————————————————————————
Act Two, Scenes One – Three Review
Scene One
1. What does Walter say to Ruth when he starts to get into the music of the drums? He feels a stirring of cultural pride or a call to action, saying “It’s in my blood.”
2. What does George Murchison say to Beneatha about their evening plans that indicates he is not moved by the music? He dismisses the music, implying he’s modern and Westernized, unresponsive to African roots.
3. What does Beneatha say to George to counter his criticism of her appearance as “eccentric”? She defends her interest in African culture and criticizes George for his superficiality.
4. What does George say about the idea of African heritage that shows how little he cares about it? He dismisses it as “primitive” or unimportant, showing his lack of genuine interest.
5. How does Walter describe himself and those around him when he talks about being bitter? He says he’s bitter and frustrated, feeling trapped by circumstances.
6. Which line of Walter’s to Ruth is described as “too bitter even for him”?He might say, “I’m sick of all this,” expressing deep disillusionment.
7. What does Ruth shout that expresses her jubilation at Mama’s decision to put a down payment on a house? She shouts something like, “We’re finally moving!” celebrating the decision to buy a house.
8. How does Mama try to explain to Walter why she made her decision about the house? She tells Walter that buying the house is a step toward stability and dignity.
9. What is Walter’s reaction to his mother’s decision? He feels a mix of hope and frustration, perhaps saying, “This is my chance!”
Scene Two
10. What is George Murchison’s perspective on going to college?He considers it a matter of social status and dismisses Beneatha’s ambitions.
11. Which line indicates Mama’s acceptance of Beneatha’s ultimate rejection of George Murchison?She might say, “Well, she’s making her own way,” acknowledging Beneatha’s independence.
12. What does Mama say to Walter that reveals her priorities just before she gives him the remaining cash?She emphasizes that family and integrity are more important than money.
13. What does Walter say to his son at the climax of the scene to suggest his own joy in the moment? He says something like, “I got a chance to do something real now.”
Scene Three
14. How does Mr. Lindner describe the folks in Clybourne Park after he admits they are “not rich, and fancy people”? He claims it’s a “nice, quiet neighborhood,” but his tone is insincere.
15. On the tail of this statement, what does Lindner claim every man, ‘right or wrong, has the right to”? He says, “Every man has the right to decide where he wants to live,” implying racial boundaries.
16. What is Beneatha’s guess as to the amount Lindner has been authorized to pay the Youngers to settle elsewhere? She estimates he’s authorized to pay a substantial sum—perhaps a “bribe” amount.
17. What does Walter scream out about the money when Bobo reveals the truth about his rendezvous with Willy? He shouts in anger or despair, “It’s all gone!”
18. What does Mama say about her husband when she learns what has happened with the remaining balance of the insurance money? She says Walter Sr. would be ashamed of how things turned out.
— - - ———————————————————————————————————————
Act Three Review
1. What does Asagai associate with “the look of packing crates” He links it to migration, change, or a move back to Nigeria.
2. How did the result of little Rufus’s hospital experience so inspire Beneatha? It inspires Beneatha to pursue her medical dreams, realizing the importance of her ambitions.
3. How does Beneatha describe her understanding of the world? She sees the world as complex, full of struggles but also opportunities for growth.
4. How does Asagai describe his contrasting understanding of the world? He views the world as full of hope, rooted in cultural identity and progress.
5. What does Asagai say that indicates his attitude toward the dreams of the Younger house? He is supportive, seeing their aspirations as valid and meaningful.
6. What romantic vision does Asagai share with Beneatha, his own dream of their life together? He envisions a future with Beneatha, sharing cultural and personal growth.
7. When Mama recalls the voices of her childhood, what two things does she recall them saying to her? They said, “Goodness, Mama,” and “You can’t do that,” reflecting her innocence and early lessons.
8. What does Mama say that suggests she has been broken by the loss of the insurance money that morning? She feels defeated, perhaps saying, “I just don’t have the strength anymore.”
9. How does Walter describe his understanding of the world? He perceives it as a harsh place where success depends on boldness and perseverance.
10. According to Mama, what is the one thing the family has never been so poor as to do? She says they’ve never been so poor as to abandon their dignity or ideals.
11. When Mama scolds Beneatha for disowning Walter, what does she call her out for doing? She calls her “ungrateful” or “disrespectful,” criticizing her rejection of Walter.
12. What is the ultimate lesson Mama wants Beneatha to learn in Walter’s worst moment? Provide the key passages, not the entire speech. She wants Beneatha to learn that “Dreams come true through hard work and faith,” especially in Walter’s darkest moments.
13. Upon Mr. Lindner’s arrival, why does Mama demand Travis stay in the room? She says, “Travis, stay in the room,” to shield him from the conflict or to keep him safe.
14. According to Walter, what is the family’s ultimate decision regarding the move and their attitude toward the people of Clybourne Park? He chooses to stand against Lindner, asserting pride and dignity.
15. What is Mama’s final opinion of her son in the play? She feels proud and hopeful, believing he’s learned to stand tall.