Students address the Raisin in the Sun
Discussion Questions:
Danielle Kelley and Stacy Wilhelm
English 101 Online
Raisin in the Sun Discussion Questions
Walter Lee and Ruth. What are their expectations of each other?
Ruth expects Walter Lee to be a man and support his family in an honest way. Walter Lee expects Ruth to be 100% supportive of him no matter what.
Walter Lee and Beneatha. Are they sensitive to each other's needs, or have they become locked into the "sibling rivalry" syndrome?
I interpreted a lot of sibling rivalry between them and they aren't sensitive to each other's needs at all. They're too hardheaded, stubborn and selfish to realize anyone else has problems except for themselves. Walter Lee gives no support to Benethea when she talks about becoming a doctor and Benethea down plays Walter Lee's dreams of owning his own business.
Walter Lee and Lena. Is she unconsciously emasculating him? Is he behaving more like a son than a husband and father? What cultural traditions affect their relationship?
I don't think Lena is emasculating him at all; I think he does it to himself. Walter Lee is not acting like a husband or father, for example when Ruth is trying to teach their son to be responsible with money Walter Lee goes against her and behaves like his son's friend not father. He blames all of his inadequacies on other people and doesn't admit to his own flaws. He refuses to take responsibility for his own shortcomings. Culturally, I think that because he's the "man" he's supposed to be the one to make the decisions even though Lena would have been better at taking that role.
Lena and Ruth. Is Lena trying to undermine Ruth's maternal authority by commenting on what Travis eats, how he dresses, and her excusing his lapses as "he's just a little boy" [31]?
Some people might see it as undermining but I think it is just her way. I just think that most grandmothers pamper their grandchildren and Lena isn't any different. I think Lena wishes they could all provide Travis with a better life.
Beneatha and Asagai. What cultural differences cause tension in their relationship? How does he prove he really cares for her?
Beneatha is way too concerned about how other people view her, but culturally, Asagai
feels it's more about how you view yourself. They had different upbringings so they are
drawing from different experiences. Beneatha feels a little insecure around Asagai, I
think. She knows she's not being 100% true to who she is and is keeping a wall around her
in that regard. Asagai tries to get her to kick the wall down, and that is how you can
tell he really cares for her. He shows this by inviting her to go back to his country and
practice medicine. He also gives her one of his sister's dresses.
For the following, write one or two sentences that show your understanding of the following:
Walter, Ruth, Beneatha. The argument over the spending of the insurance money (20-29).
Walter wants the money for the liquor store so he can be the "man" and take care of his own. Beneatha feels she's owed some of it, but doesn't outwardly say she wants the money as much as Walter. Ruth, I think, is stuck in the middle somewhere…she wants everyone to be happy but is frustrated by the fighting over it and she views it as Lena's money.
Lena, Ruth, Beneatha. Beneatha's refuting the existence of God's will infuriates her mother (70-77).
Beneatha is a "college intellectual" and feels that there is more to life
than always looking to God for help and reassurance. Perhaps most of her speech about God
was to prove she was more of an individual and independent of what her family thinks and
feels. This is the way her mother has always lived her life-praising god and Lena is very
upset that her daughter would denounce God.
Walter, Lena, Ruth. Lena reemphasizes her objection to the liquor store; Ruth admits she is planning an abortion (102-110).
The idea that owning a liquor store and contributing to people's abuse of alcohol and
the abortion causes Lena to start feeling she's not doing a good job at keeping a moral
family together.Walter is portrayed as having a drinking problem and I think Lena see this
a bad business and he wouldn't be making an honest living. Ruth is afraid to bring another
child into the world with a husband who is refusing to work and not enough money to
support the one they have.
The Younger family. Lena announces that she has made the down payment on the house in Clybourne Park (121-127).
The idea of owning a home is exciting, but it also causes tension because Walter is
unable to put the money in with his buddies for the store and can't face living in an all
white neighborhood. They are going to be the only colored people there but it was the best
house Lena could get for her money. Ruth is thankful, but Walter can't see this as a good
thing because he wants the money for himself. He doesn't want to face living in an all
white neighborhood either.
Lena and Walter. Lena finally acknowledges Walter's need and entrusts him with the rest of the money (138-142).
When Lena gives Walter the money he finally feels that he has met his mother's approval. She gave Walter the money with the idea he'd actually do the right thing with it, set some aside for his sister, put the money where it belongs and prove his manhood. Walter failed his mother's trust and it is a turning point in their relationship.
Beneatha and Asagai. Asagai reveals his compassionate understanding of human nature and his wisdom; his proposal to Beneatha (180-190).
He explains to Benethea that the money Walter lost was not really hers at all. He makes
a good point when he says dreams should not be made from a man's death. He understands
that there is more to life than money. When he talks about taking Benethea home, he wants
to take her to Africa because he has found the woman he wants to marry.
The Younger family. Walter announces that he has agreed to accept Lindner's offer; Walter's moment of recognition when he subsequently refuses it (193-202).
Walter Lee has tremendous guilt for losing the money but it would be even worse to give
up his values. He feels that by denying his self-respect, he can make it up to his family.
However accepting the offer would have made things worse for himself and his family. He
finally realizes what's more important and refuses the offer. When Walter changes his mind
he shows that he is a man of honor and sets a good example for his son.
Compare Walter Lee, Beneatha, and Lena as rebels. How are the young people really like their mother? Use citations from the play.*
Walter Lee used the money his mother entrusted to him in a way he knew she would disapprove of. Beneatha's ideals about God, women and her independence were what made her a rebel. Lena's rebellion came when she bought a house in a white neighborhood.
Beneatha
Beneatha has her own sets of values and ideals
"Mama, you don't understand. It's all a matter of ideas, and God is just one idea I
don't accept." (51)
Benethea believes she can become a doctor and wants to make it on her own, "I have never asked anyone around here to do anything for me!" (37)
Walter
Walter: Mama…I never…went to the bank at all…
Mama: You mean…your sister's school money… you used that too…Walter?...
Walter: Yessss! All of it… It's all gone…(129).
Walter takes off to the bar when things get tough at home," Mama-I'm going out. I want to go off somewhere and be by myself for awhile." (72)
Lena
Lena goes out and buys a house in a white neighborhood, "Them houses they put up for colored in them areas way out all seems to cost twice as much as other houses. I did the best I could"
Ruth: Clybourne Park? Mama, there ain't no colored people living in Clybourne Park.
Mama: Well, I guess there's going to be some now (93).
Discuss Asagai, as the "modern" man. How are his values and those of the more traditional Lena surprisingly alike? Use citations from the play.*
They're both alike in the fact that they don't consider life to be all about what material things one has. It's about being a good person, making changes in people's lives, sustaining your own life by doing whatever you need to do and enduring til the end, whether or not your life ends up as you've wanted to expected. Asagai understands the value of family over money. He revels that character and morals are more important than wealth.
Asagai
"Then isn't there something wrong in a house-in a world-where all dreams, good or bad, must depend on the death of a man?" (135)
"And perhaps…perhaps I will be a great man… I mean perhaps I will hold on to the substance of truth and find my way always with the right course…and perhaps for it I will be butchered in my bed some night by the servants of empire…." (135)
Lena
"You something new, boy. In my time we was worried about not being lynched and getting to the North if we could and how to stay alive and still have a pinch of dignity too…" (74)
Analyze the function of each character in the screenplay according to the following guidelines: What does the character do to extend the plot; to explain another character; or to enhance a theme?
Mrs. Holiday, Lena's employer (31-42).
Shows that Lena not only has worked her entire life to raise her children, but is continuing to work to help and lead the family. She serves people to serve her family when she should be retired and enjoying her golden years.
Mr. and Mrs. Arnold, Walter's employers (43-45).
Shows that Walter is not a leader in his life, that he drives people around for a living and it's not a "respectable" job and that white people are better than their black servants.
Mrs. Johnson, the Younger's neighbor (54-55).
I think she expressed a lack of collective unity amongst fighting against the inequality in the world. It was almost as if she was just excited to watch them fail. She also represents the jealousy that the people in their neighborhood feel when someone escapes to a better place.
Bobo and Willy Harris, Walter's hoped-for business partners (81-84).
They're in the play to extend the plot for Walter Lee to lose the money. The idea that one person can ruin lives with dishonesty was pivotal. It also proved that Walter's family was correct about his using the money on the store.
Mr. Lindner, the insensitive emissary from the Clybourne Park Neighborhood Association (157-168).
He represents the prejudice shown towards black people during that time in history. He reflects the fear, ignorance and hatred is still abundant in their lives and that they must choose between self respect rather than cowering away..
Character Development
Marriage, Families in Crisis
Can you describe the dynamics of this family? Tell us who had the power and who had affection for whom?
Lena definitely led the family. There was affection for everyone, but it was all very hard to see through the selfishness and greed. Ruth was treating her son a lot like Lena treated Walter Lee. Benethea was the only one who had the education to actually do something with her life. However, Lena and Ruth seemed to have unconditional affection for everyone.
What problems did this family suffer from?
The lack of money posed some issues between family members but it seems that Walter and Benethea didn't want to be responsible. Walter was sick of his job so he stopped going and didn't care how his family survived. In the beginning of the play there wasn't much respect shown towards one another. They suffered from poverty, stress, a feeling of not having what they could potentially have.
What were the dysfunctional parts of the family?
The alcohol abuse by Walter was dysfunctional and the fact that no one seemed to
support one another. The lack of support caused bitterness between Walter and Ruth and
Walter and Benethea. They also suffered from impatience and lack of communication.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse
What role did alcohol and drug abuse play in the problems faced by this family?
Walter Lee turned to alcohol for comfort for his shortcomings instead of admitting them to his family. He used it as an escape and because of that, nothing ever really got solved and problems and hurt just deepened.
Female Role Model
Who do you think was a female role model in this film? Was there more than one?
I think Lena was the major role model. I think she was the only one who really stood her ground and did what she believed in throughout the entire play. Even though she made mistakes, she was trying to help her family get out of the ghetto. Ruth was also a rolemodel. She was trying to be encouraging, a good mother and she worked very hard.
Michelle Aldrich
English 101
RitS Discussion Questions
Section 1
1. Walter Lee and Ruth. What are their expectations of each other?
Walter Lee expects Ruth to listen and be supportive, even though his ideas and ambitions
are sometimes far reaching. He also desires that she will be a sounding board to bounce
his ideas off of. Ruth would love for Walter Lee to be an example of manhood for Travis by
leading his family. It seems they both long for the old days when they were courting and
deeply in love.
2. Walter Lee and Beneatha. Are they sensitive to each other's needs, or have they
become locked into the "sibling rivalry" syndrome?
Walter Lee and Beneatha are so caught up in their own future they are locked into
"sibling rivalry". However, it becomes evident that Walter Lee cares for
Beneatha's needs to some extent when he realizes he has lost the money entrusted to him to
invest for her educational future.
3. Walter Lee and Lena. Is she unconsciously emasculating him? Is he behaving more like
a son than a husband and father? What cultural traditions affect their relationship?
Lena is such a strong woman. She has gone through so much and has lost her husband along
the way. The loss of her husband has required her to lead her family. She does
unconsciously emasculate Walter Lee by trying to control his decisions all the time. He
acts more like a son than a father or husband which aggravates them both because he has
had such a wonderful example of manhood displayed for him in his father's leadings. The
cultural tradition of family sticking together causes Walter Lee to remain under his
mother's roof because he can't afford to provide for them all. Lena has brought her
children up under moral standing with a strong faith in God. I believe her children have a
strong sense of right and wrong due to this. You can see this displayed when Walter Lee
realizes he has given the family's money to a swindler.
4. Lena and Ruth. Is Lena's trying to undermine Ruth's maternal authority by commenting
on what Travis eats, how he dresses, and her excusing his lapses as "he's just a
little boy" (31)?
Yes, somewhat. Lena can't help herself because she is concerned for Travis' best interests
and maybe feels that Ruth lacks some of the best maternal skills. It would seem she feels
a little culpable because Travis has to grow up in this cramping environment. The things
she says to Ruth about Travis are because she doesn't agree with Ruth's methods as a
mother, but they come from her love.
5. Beneatha and Asagai. What cultural differences caused tension in their relationship?
How does he prove that he really cares for her?
Beneatha struggles between conforming to the society she is in and hanging onto her
African roots. Asagai is from Nigeria and is closely connected with African roots since it
is his way of life. He challenges Beneatha to be who she really is and not conform to
society's ideals. Asagai proves his love for Beneatha by correcting her when she is
pouting about her life and challenges her to move beyond it. He proposes marriage to her
and asks her to move back to Africa with him.
Section 2
1. Walter, Ruth, Beneatha. The argument over the spending of insurance money.
Walter Lee, Ruth, and Beneatha all have dreams and hopes for what Lena's insurance money
will go for: Walter Lee; a liquor store, Ruth; wants Lena do whatever she wants with the
money, but wouldn't be upset about a house Beneatha; medical school.
2. Lena, Ruth, Beneatha. Beneatha's refuting the existence of God's will infuriates her
mother.
For Lena, God's existence is his hope. She believes whole heartedly that God provides.
Beneatha is strong like her mother, but doesn't believe in God and hates that God gets
credit for things she doesn't think he is responsible for. When she voices her opinion to
Mama in a rude manor they have an argument. Ruth seems to be the buffer or the sounding
board for Lena's feelings of inadequacy as a mother.
3. Walter Lee, Lena, and Ruth. Lena reemphasizes her objection to the liquor store;
Ruth admits she is planning an abortion.
Try as he may, Walter Lee cannot convince Lena to see his business opportunity as an
investment that she wants to contribute to. It goes against what she stands for and
believes in. Walter Lee's behavior only adds to frustration. When Ruth tells of her
pregnancy there is no joy. She admits to putting a $5 down payment on an abortion. Walter
Lee says nothing and leaves.
4. The Younger family. Lena announces that she has made the down payment on the house
in Clybourne Park.
When Lena presents the news to the Younger family about the home everyone is excited and
inquisitive except Walter Lee. He quickly spirals into a rage and has an adult tantrum.
5. Lena and Walter. Lena finally acknowledges Walter's need and entrusts him with the
rest of the money.
Lena finds Walter Lee in the bar and tells him she trusts him to do the right thing. When
she gives him the rest of the money from the insurance check she tells him to take a
certain amount for his business venture and to put the rest in an account for Beneatha's
education.
6. Beneatha and Asagai. Asagai reveals his compassionate understanding of human nature
and his wisdom; his proposal to Beneatha.
Asagai basically tells Ruth to let it go and forgive her brother. He challenges her to
embrace a new dream. He asks her to marry him and be a doctor in Africa.
7. The Younger family. Walter announces that he has agreed to accept Linder's offer; Walter's moment of recognition when he subsequently refuses it.
Walter Lee accepting Linder's offer to be bought out of the home in Clybourne Park was a downer to the family. It was like lying down and accepting their fate to live in that tiny apartment forever. When Walter Lee told Mr. Linder they weren't going to be bought out and would move in he truly became a man and a good leader for the Younger family. It was like he was living up to his father's example of manhood.
8. Compare Walter Lee, Lena, and Beneatha as rebels. How are the young people really
like their mother?
Lena is willing to stand up against a society that chooses to oppress her family by
keeping them stuck in the projects. When Mama gets home to find Walter Lee upset about
what she might have been out doing with the insurance money and he asks her for an
explanation she decides to break her news to them by telling Travis. "What do you
think your grandmamma gone and done wit that money? … She went out and bought you a
house!" (91) Walter Lee gets explosive and furious then she asks Travis, "You
glad about the house? It's going to be yours when you get to be a man." (91)
Beneatha shows rebellious behavior when she decides to cut off all of her hair and wear traditional African dress. She is breaking away from the rules of societal norm. "Enough of this assimilationist junk!' (76) she says when she parades around for Ruth.
Walter Lee goes against Mr. Linder's and the Clybourne Park Neighborhood Association expectations when he decides to move into the home anyway. "What I am telling you is that we are very proud … and we have decided to move into our house because my father- my father- he earned it for us brick by brick" (148).
Beneatha and Walter Lee are really like their mother because they are willing to stand up for what is right and refuse to conform.
9. Discuss Asagai as the "modern" man period. How are his values and the
traditional Lena alike?
Asagai is traveling from Nigeria, Africa for schooling. He feels no need to conform to the
Western or American ideals of being culturally acceptable. Asagai seeks to be purposeful
and in touch with whom he really is. He asks Beneatha about why her hair isn't natural
"and so to accommodate that- you mutilate it every week" (63). He further states
"assimilationism is so popular in your country" (63).
Lena, too, refuses to conform. She will not be oppressed by society's ideas of where her family should live. When Ruth asks Mama where the new home she purchased is and Mama tells her it is in Clybourne Park Ruth and Walter Lee is shocked. Ruth says, "Mama, there ain't no colored people living in Clybourne Park" (93). Mama says, "Well, I guess there's going to be some now" (93).
Section 3
1. Mrs. Holiday, Lena's employer.
Mrs. Holiday serves as a piece of the outside world where racism is prevalent in Lena's
life. Lena is a leader in her, but in the home of Mrs. Holiday the fills the roll of a
servant.
2. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold, Walter's employer.
Mr. and Mrs. Arnold employ Walter Lee. He hates driving rich folks around and dreaming of
having their life. He sees it as being a servant. It drives him to desire more.
3. The white clerk in the neighborhood grocery.
I don't remember this person in the book.
4. Mrs. Johnson, the Youngers' neighbor.
Mrs. Johnson represents a critical voice. She's stuck in the projects and misery loves
company. She tries to instill fear in the Younger family so they won't move.
5. Herman, the white clerk in the liquor store.
I don't remember this person in the book either!
6. Bobo and Willy Harris, Walter's hoped-for business partners.
Bobo and Willy Harris offer Walter Lee what he thinks is a wonderful business opportunity
and his last chance to make it big. Walter Lee places great trust in these men when he
gives them his family's money. Of course the deal went sour when Willie Harris ran off
with Walter Lee and Bobo's money. This brings Walter Lee to the place where he has to make
new decisions on how to his family.
7. Mr. Linder, the insensitive emissary from Clybourne Park Neighborhood Association.
Mr. Linder is the voice of the Clybourne Park Neighborhood Association that tries to talk
the Younger family out of moving into their new home. He offers to buy them out. His offer
is a temptation to Walter Lee after his business deal goes sour, but he stands against Mr.
Linder's offer in the end.
8. Can you describe the dynamics of this family? Tell us who had the power and who had
affection for whom?
Mama/Lena is the mother and strong leader of the Younger family. She desires to break away
from the social situation, see her son lead his family like her husband did, and make a
better way for her Grandson Travis. Everything she did was out of love for her family.
Walter Lee, husband of Ruth and father of Travis, hates his job as a chauffer. Walter Lee desires a better life, but seeks to get rich quick using the money from the insurance check that belongs to his mother. Looses family's money in a bad business deal, but ends up taking family leadership role in the end.
Ruth is wife of Walter Lee and mother of Travis. She wishes her husband would show a good example of manhood and leadership to their son. She, too, is in a servant type job cleaning for others. She has trouble being there for her husband's hopes and dreams and her at attempts at nurturing are somewhat small. Ruth would love to have more room and feels cramped in the small apartment.
Beneatha is a young woman that is planning to be a doctor. She is torn between conforming to what society says she should be and finding out who she really is by looking at her roots and accepting herself. Beneatha would like very much to use the insurance money to pay for medical school. When Walter Lee looses the money in his bad business deal she feels great disgust for him. However, her friend and future husband Asagai helps her to realize her dreams aren't dashed by her brother's mistakes.
Travis is Walter Lee and Ruth's son. He is a ray of hope and innocence in the Younger family. He feels a special attachment to his grandmother as does she to him. Travis looks forward to living in a house and gardening with his grandmother.
9. What problems did this family suffer from?
This family suffered from cramped quarters in their tiny apartment, poverty, race
stereotyping, and a lack of joy.
10. What were the dysfunctional parts of the family?
The family was dysfunctional because no one worked together. They all seemed to be
concerned about their own goals; Walter Lee so much so that he was willing to ruin the
family financially for them. Alcoholism was a huge issue with Walter Lee. Living on top of
each other and sharing a bathroom with the neighbors they had no privacy what so ever.
11. What role did alcohol and drug abuse play in the problems faced by this family?
Alcohol seemed to be Walter Lee's crutch. He couldn't face his days with out it. If
anything happened he ran to the bar. To make matters worse when given to chance to handle
the family's finances he gave the money over for the alcohol business.
12. Who do you think was a female role model in this film? Was there more than one?
I think Lena was a role model because she cared so deeply for her family, would do
anything for them, and she had a great faith in God. Beneatha was also a good role model
for the female gender because she was willing to face the world head on and learn who she
was. She set her sites very high for a woman in the 1950's and was determined to stick to
her true self.
Works Cited
Hansberry, Lorraine. A Raisin in the Sun. New York: Random House, 1988.
Rose Kerns
Rits Discussion
11-20-02
Walter Lee and Ruth. What are their expectations of each other?
Walter Lee wants Ruth to be supportive of him regardless of how far fetched his ideas are and appears not to want to hear anything from her that isn't in his favor. Ruth seems to be longing for the old days when he told her that he loved her and they went to movies. She would also like him to act like the man of the house.
Walter Lee and Beneatha. Are they sensitive to each other's needs, or have they become
locked into the "sibling rivalry" syndrome?
I think on the surface it doesn't appear that they are sensitive to each others needs, but
deep down they are. Walter realizes that he needs to help Beneatha get through school and
Beneatha appreciates what Walter does for her.
Walter Lee and Lena. Is she unconsciously emasculating him? Is he behaving more like a son than a husband and father? What cultural traditions affect their relationship? Yes, I believe that Lena is unconsciously emasculating Walter. Walter is use to the man being the head of the household and since his father passed on he expects to retain the position, but Lena isn't letting him be head of household. This has made Walter act like a son. He is acting in an odd manner that isn't consistent with good traits for a husband and father.
Lena and Ruth. Is Lena trying to undermine Ruth's maternal authority by commenting on what Travis eats, how he dresses, and her excusing his lapses as "he's just a little boy" [31]? I think Lena feels guilty about the conditions that Travis is being raised in; therefore, she mettles in the parenting.
Beneatha and Asagai. What cultural differences cause tension in their relationship? How does he prove he really cares for her? He is teaching her about Africa and what the cultural practices are prevalent in that country. She changes her hair to be African and everyone freaks out. He says that he cares for her and he wants to take her to Africa to be married.
Section 2
Walter, Ruth, Beneatha. The argument over the spending of the insurance money (20-29).
Ruth wants Mama to do whatever she wants to do with the money, but Walter would like to buy a liquor store and Beneatha wants the money for school.
Lena, Ruth, Beneatha. Beneatha's refuting the existence of God's will infuriates her mother (51).
Benetha doesn't believe in god and she is upset that God gets all the credit for doing nothing. Mama reverses discuss this subject because she believes there is a god and that's all there is to say.
Walter, Lena, Ruth. Lena reemphasizes her objection to the liquor store; Ruth admits
she is planning an abortion (102-110).
Lena defends that the insurance money is hers and she will do what is right for the
family. Lena believes that buying a larger home will convince Ruth that there is room for
another family member.
The Younger family. Lena announces that she has made the down payment on the house in Clybourne Park (121-127).
Everyone except Mama is freaked out that she purchased a home in an white neighborhood. Mama is proud of herself because she feels that she will be giving her family a better life.
Lena and Walter. Lena finally acknowledges Walter's need and entrusts him with the rest of the money (138-142).
Mama finally decides that it is the right thing to do to make Walter Lee the head of the household since he is the eldest son. I think she did it out of respect for him because he was struggling emotionally with not being in that position.
Beneatha and Asagai. Asagai reveals his compassionate understanding of human nature and his wisdom; his proposal to Beneatha (180-190).
Asagai seems to be very wise and very in touch with his cultural background. He is trying to convince Beneatha that marrying him the best thing to do.
The Younger family. Walter announces that he has agreed to accept Lindner's offer; Walter's moment of recognition when he subsequently refuses it (193-202).
The Younger family is very upset and feels like he has sold them out when he announces that he is going to accept Mr. Linder's offer. Once he declines Mr. Linder's offer is when the family knows that Walter Lee has come back to his senses and is thinking of his family first.
Compare Walter Lee, Beneatha, and Lena as rebels. How are the young people really like their mother? Use citations from the play.*
Beneatha and Walter are rebels like their mother because they all want to have the last
word and they all want everyone to agree with their opinion. They also all seem to pick on
each other. Walter "Mama - I don't need no nagging at me today". Beneatha
"Sticks and stones may break bones, but names will never hurt me".(113)
Section 3
Mrs. Holiday, Lena's employer (31-42).
Lena's employer adds more to the plot about racism because she says that her employer
would immediately call up the agency and get a new person for her job.
Mr. and Mrs. Arnold, Walter's employers (43-45).
Walter doesn't like working for them because he is their chauffer. He wants to have a real job and not be a servant.
The white clerk at the neighborhood grocery (51-53).
Can't find this.
Mrs. Johnson, the Youngers' neighbor (54-55).
Mrs. Johnson is your standard noisy neighbor and tries to make the Younger's feel bad that they are able to better themselves. She lets them know all of the negatives about the purchase of the new house.
Herman, the white clerk in a liquor store (59-63).
Couldn't find.
Bobo and Willy Harris, Walter's hoped-for business partners (81-84).
Bobo and Walter Lee gave Willy Harris all of their hard earned money in order to start a
liquor store. Willy Harris got their money and then skipped town. Willy Harris' character
portrayed the theory of you should be careful who your friends are because they could take
all of your money.
Mr. Lindner, the insensitive emissary from the Clybourne Park Neighborhood Association (157-168).
Mr. Lindner represented the evil white man that didn't want the Younger's to move into his neighborhood. He said he came in peace, but he really was just trying to bribe the Younger's not to move into his neighborhood.
Can you describe the dynamics of this family? Tell us who had the power and who had affection for whom?
I think this family was in crisis because the leader of the family died and they were all still in the grieving process. I am sure that everyone cared for each other, but it was to tell it by the store. Mama and Ruth seemed to be the most in power and the most affectionate to everyone in the family. Walter and Beneatha seemed to show the most disrespect to all of the family members. Mama had the control because she retained the head of household functions and she had the money.
What problems did this family suffer from?
This family suffered from a lot of problems. They were grieving the death of Walter Sr., racism, poverty, rats & roaches, power struggles, struggling over what to do with the money, going to live in a white neighborhood, pregnancy and possible abortion.
What were the dysfunctional parts of the family?
Walter seemed to be very dysfunctional. He was on a mission to do whatever he wanted regardless of what the family wanted. Walter's attitude leads him down the path of destruction. Ruth also helps with the dysfunctional part of the family by putting money down on an abortion without talking to anyone. Mama buying the house without anyone's input as to where it should be located or if something else should have been done with the money.
What role did alcohol and drug abuse play in the problems faced by this family?
Walter drowned his sadness in alcohol. I don't recall any drug abuse.
Who do you think was a female role model in this film? Was there more than one?
Beneatha was the role model for the family because she was trying to break out of the stereotypical mold of the Africian American at that time period. She was also working against gender discrimination in the career that she chose. I didn't think there was more than one female role model.
Josh Bloom answers the Raisin in the Sun Discussion Questions.
For the following, write one or two sentences that show your understanding of the following:
Walter, Ruth, Beneatha. The argument over the spending of the insurance money (36).
Walter wants the money to buy a liquor store, and Beneatha hopes Mama will give her the money for school. Ruth just wants them to let it go and get along with each other.
Lena, Ruth, Beneatha. Beneatha's refuting the existence of God's will infuriates her mother (50).
Lena and Ruth are both religious people, Lena very much so, who will not allow Beneatha's atheist views to be voiced in their house. Ruth's part is to antagonize Lena into slapping Beneatha.
Walter, Lena, Ruth. Lena reemphasizes her objection to the liquor store; Ruth admits she is planning an abortion (75).
Walter sees the liquor store as the way out of their life in the slums. Lena is
disgusted by the way her son just walks out the door after learning that his wife put a
down payment on an abottion.
The Younger family. Lena announces that she has made the down payment on the house in Clybourne Park (90).
Walter is very upset that Lena spent the money, and he feels betrayed that he wasn't trusted to invest the money as he saw fit.
Lena and Walter. Lena finally acknowledges Walter's need and entrusts him with the rest of the money (106).
Lena tells Walter to be the head of the house, and she gives him the rest of her money. He is overjoyed to finally be the man of the house, and starts to make big plans for their future.
Beneatha and Asagai. Asagai reveals his compassionate understanding of human nature and his wisdom; his proposal to Beneatha (136).
Beneatha is distraught over the loss of the money because she doesn't have the money to become a doctor now. Asagai helps her realize it wasn't her money; then asks Beneatha to return to Nigeria with him.
The Younger family. Walter announces that he has agreed to accept Lindner's offer;
Walter's moment of recognition when he subsequently refuses it (141).
In a pit of despair Walter calls "the man"(142) and tells him they are going to sell out, but when the time to sign the papers Walter can't do it.
Compare Walter Lee, Beneatha, and Lena as rebels. How are the young people really like their mother? Use citations from the play.*
Lena goes out and buys a house with the money without telling anyone. Walter goes out and loses the money on a liquor store purchase. Beneatha considers giving up becoming a doctor and going to Nigeria with a man she likes.
Discuss Asagai, as the "modern" man. How are his values and those of the more
traditional Lena surprisingly alike? Use citations from the play.*
Asagai comes over on a Saturday during their cleaning time, and is very polite and
understanding. He says, "Please forgive me for coming at such an outrageous hour on a
Saturday." Lena seems to genuinely like him.
Analyze the function of each character in the screenplay according to the following guidelines: What does the character do to extend the plot; to explain another character; or to enhance a theme?
Mrs. Holiday, Lena's employer (31-42).
Lena is worried that she would call and ask for another woman to come in.
Mr. and Mrs. Arnold, Walter's employers (43-45).
They lead the kind of life that Walter longs to live, and seeing them every day makes him want it all the more.
The white clerk at the neighborhood grocery (51-53).
I couldn't find anything important about this character.
Mrs. Johnson, the Youngers' neighbor (54-55).
She gives some background on the violence some black families who move into white
neighborhoods have experienced.
Herman, the white clerk in a liquor store (59-63).
This character did not extend the plot, explain anyone or enhance a theme.
Bobo and Willy Harris, Walter's hoped-for business partners (81-84).
Willy is there to set up Walter for his big fall, and Bobo is the person who delivers the bad news.
Mr. Lindner, the insensitive emissary from the Clybourne Park Neighborhood Association (157-168).
He represents the white neighborhood that wants to keep the black family from moving
in.
Character Development
Marriage, Families in Crisis
Can you describe the dynamics of this family? Tell us who had the power and who had affection for whom?
In the beginning of the play Lena has the power in the family. Near the end she tells
her son Walter that he is the head of the family now and gives him the money.
What problems did this family suffer from?
Ruth is pregnant and thinks she should get an abortion. They all have plans for the
insurance money.
What were the dysfunctional parts of the family?
Walter goes out and gets drunk instead of dealing with his family and he stops going to work and just drives or walks around the city.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse
What role did alcohol and drug abuse play in the problems faced by this family?
Walter deals with his stress by going out and drinking.
Female Role Model
Who do you think was a female role model in this film? Was there more than one?
Ruth was a good wife, because she helped Water ask Lena for the money even though she disagreed with him. She felt he needed it to overcome him depression.
Michael Young
Katie Robinson
English 101
11/5/02
RITS Questions As a Group.
Walter Lee and Ruth. What are their expectations of each other?
I believe Ruth's wants to give her husband the best advise. She also doesn't want to tell
him what he wants to hear, which is the wrong advice. Ruth wants her husband to love her.
I believe that Walter loves his wife, but he wants her to see things his way. He is so
caught up in his own selfish world that he isn't taking care of the needs of his wife. He
thinks his wife is there for his support in buying the liquor store. The support he really
needs is what she already has given him, an objective view.
Walter Lee and Beneatha. Are they sensitive to each other's needs, or have they become
locked into the "sibling rivalry" syndrome?
I think Beneatha, like Ruth, are trying to get Walter to stop thinking on emotion and
think things through. Walter is so set in his ways; he is burning all the bridges in his
family and Beneatha doesn't seem too concerned about the money. I believe that Beaneatha
wants what's best for her mom. Walter to me is the one who created the rivalry. If Walter
would be more sensitive to Beneatha, she would be a good sister to him.
Walter Lee and Lena. Is she unconsciously emasculating him? Is he behaving more like a
son than a husband and father? What cultural traditions affect their relationship?
I don't think Lena is trying to make Walter powerless. If this were Walters's money, to
make mistakes with, that would be fine. But it's not his money. Lena had a feeling and
wanted Walter to use his head, she also knew that the alcohol business was shady. He is
behaving like the world owes him. This is setting himself up for failure before his quest
began. This has nothing to do with being a son or a father. He was failing at both. The
cultural differences were, Lena was born in a time where black men had something to prove.
Walter lives in a world of instant gratification and blaming others is a standard. This
affected the relationship because Mama grew up where men didn't sell their soul and Walter
was willing to end that tradition.
Lena and Ruth. Is Lena trying to undermine Ruth's maternal authority by commenting on
what Travis eats, how he dresses, and her excusing his lapses as "he's just a little
boy" [31]?
No, I believe Lena is wise and is trying to teach Ruth to be more objective in the raising
of Travis for everyone's good.
Beneatha and Asagai. What cultural differences cause tension in their relationship? How
does he prove he really cares for her?
I believe Asagai having strong ethnic ties and believes in tradition. I think that
Beneatha can see a small amount of this tradition but has her own American ideologies and
believes in her own traditions. He did this by asking her to not be so close-minded and by
giving her a symbol of his culture, a robe. When he asked her to Africa that was the real
proof he loved her.
For the following, write one or two sentences that show your understanding of the following:
Walter, Ruth, Beneatha. The argument over the spending of the insurance money (20-29).
Walter is asking Ruth to take sides, on how to spend the insurance money. Ruth wants to
remain neutral. Walter wants his wife to go to bat for him, by getting mama to see his
side. "Beneatha tell Walter its Mama's money", and she didn't care how she spent
it.
Lena, Ruth, Beneatha. Beneatha's refuting the existence of God's will infuriates her mother (70-77).
Lena wants Beneatha to respect God in her home. Lena gets slapped for being disrespectful in this manner.
Walter, Lena, Ruth. Lena reemphasizes her objection to the liquor store; Ruth admits
she is planning an abortion (102-110).
Lena Objects to the liquor store, because she thinks it's a bad business to be in. Ruth is
planning an abortion because Walter is not treating her right and doesn't want to bring
another child into this world with out a father
The Younger family. Lena announces that she has made the down payment on the house in
Clybourne Park (121-127).
When the announcement is made Walter is upset because it's in a white neighborhood. He is
also mad because he thinks his dream of the liquor store is no longer obtainable.
Lena and Walter. Lena finally acknowledges Walter's need and entrusts him with the rest of the money (138-142).
She entrust it because he makes her feel guilty. That somehow its Mamas fault for his having the feelings of ineptness.
Beneatha and Asagai. Asagai reveals his compassionate understanding of human nature and
his wisdom; his proposal to Beneatha (180-190).
Asagai was compassionate to Walter squandering all of the family's money in his remarks to
Beneatha. Asagai wanted to take Beneatha to Africa, to marry her and show her their roots.
The Younger family. Walter announces that he has agreed to accept Lindner's offer;
Walter's moment of recognition when he subsequently refuses it (193-202).
I think Mama telling Walter of his father's struggles. Mama is telling him, "don't be
a sell out". The disappointment of Beneatha calling him a "toothless rat"
was, was some of the reasons he saw the light and changed his mind on taking Linders
offer.
Compare Walter Lee, Beneatha, and Lena as rebels. How are the young people really like their mother? Use citations from the play. *
Beneatha is a rebel in that she knows what she wants an education, and nothing will
stand in her way. Reminds you of Mama's determination to have Beneatha see things her way
about god. Mama says, "In my house there is still a God" (51).
Walter is set in his ways of buying a liquor store. Mama knows what she wants, when she
comes home and tells Travis "She went out and bought you a house" (91).
Discuss Asagai, as the "modern" man. How are his values and those of the more
traditional Lena surprisingly alike? Use citations from the play. *
When Asagai has total politeness to an elder, when he is introduced to Lena, he says
"How do you do, Mrs. Younger. Please forgive me for coming at such an outrageous hour
on a Saturday" (64). Mama replies with politeness, "Well, you are quite welcome.
I just hope you understand that our house don't always look like this. You must come
again" (64).
Analyze the function of each character in the screenplay according to the following
guidelines: What does the character do to extend the plot; to explain another character;
or to enhance a theme?
Mrs. Holiday, Lena's employer (31-42).
That she had to work for a lady for years. And she could go back and still work there.
Mr. and Mrs. Arnold, Walter's employers (43-45).
Showed that he had a job he hated and didn't want to continue.
The white clerk at the neighborhood grocery (51-53).
The only thing I could see was the many times Travis was sent to get something from this
clerk.
Mrs. Johnson, the Youngers' neighbor (54-55).
I thought Mrs. Johnson was a jealous neighbor and a gossip.
Herman, the white clerk in a liquor store (59-63).
I remember them talking about him and something to do with Walter and the deal between him
and Willy Harris.
Bobo and Willy Harris, Walter's hoped-for business partners (81-84).
I thought Bobo was disappointed, because he lost just as much as Walter. And Bobo was the
bearer of bad news. Bobo seemed to be a bit slow. Willie Harris was considered by Ruth to
be notorious, even before he took off with the family's money.
Character Development
Marriage, Families in Crisis
Can you describe the dynamics of this family? Tell us who had the power and who had
affection for whom?
Ruth loved Walter and in the end Walter had the power. Mama gave in to Walter's power
struggles and Mama loved Walter a lot.
What problems did this family suffer from?
The family suffered from a life of poverty. Once they had money there wasn't enough to
fulfill everyone's dreams. They also took advantage of having money, which lead then
nowhere in the end.
What were the dysfunctional parts of the family?
The arguing was destructive and making money more important then the family.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse
What role did alcohol and drug abuse play in the problems faced by this family?
Walter wanted to drink his problems away, because no one wanted to be involved in his fly
by night schemes.
Female Role Model
Who do you think was a female role model in this film? Was there more than one?
Mama was a good role model, because she was wise and humble. Beneatha was a good role
model because she knew what she wanted, but wouldn't sell herself out to get it.