We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. So what you need me to say it was all right for? Beneatha wants to know everything about Africa and is more than pleased when Asagai gives her authentic Nigerian robes, along with some recordings of African music. Just bought a rat After Asagai leaves, Beneatha tries on her new identity. -Walter comes in drunk and starts to sing and dance (being really rude and loud). -By asking her if the money was hers Latest answer posted March 15, 2021 at 10:48:00 AM. They clearly do not communicate, and Ruth's pregnancy is an important issue for them to talk about. Explain Beneatha's argument with her mother about God in A Raisin in the Sun. For the next 7 days, you'll have access to awesome PLUS stuff like AP English test prep, No Fear Shakespeare translations and audio, a note-taking tool, personalized dashboard, & much more! -Need to decide if they are going to move or not Walter wants the larger freedom of being totally independent of everyone; he wants to be able to earn his living without having a "boss"; more important, he wants to be able to generate his own income without being dependent on a salary as a chauffeur. To honor her African identity, Beneatha realizes that she must allow her hair to display its natural, unassimilated form. $24.99 The issue of the money has caused none of the family's conflicts. Beneathas request that her mother refrain from asking ignorant questions about Africa underscores the fact that many mid-century African Americans knew little about African life and culture. How is it like Mama's childrenand Mama herself? -Need to decide if she is going to keep the baby or not. They need more salvation from the British and the French Beneatha says this to Mama as she attempts to "educate" her mother to what Beneatha feels are political realities. The four major groups are the Hausa and Falani people in the north, the Yoruba people in the southwest, and the Ibo people in the southeast. How does the piece of paper that arrives affect each member of the family? Even if Walter's ideas were unacceptable and offensive, someone in his family should have taken the time to listen. Ruth returns from seeing a doctor, who has told her that she is two months pregnant. Mama apparently donates money to missionary causes, while Beneatha believes that American and European missionaries do more harm than good in Africa. Varios estudiantes van a ir a esquiar este fin de semana. Eventually, Beneatha chooses Asagai, and, thus, her African heritage, over the assimilationist viewpoint embodied by George. In her desires to express herself and to become a doctor, Beneatha proves an early feminist who radically views her role as self-oriented and not family-oriented. Mamas refusal to support Walters dream frustrates and emasculates him, eroding his sense of his worth in being what he feels he should be: a husband and father, a man, who can support his family. A2S2 Why does Beneatha tell Mama that George is a fool? Walter explains that his work as a white mans chauffeur is emasculating and limits his hopes for a better future. -Mama is very happy and says nice things about it What does the interaction show you about each of them? -She will most likely take his offer because she's not happy with where e life is now and this would be a good change. In A Raisin in the Sun, Mama says, "He finally come into his manhood today, didn't he? Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! Walter's power struggles with Ruth and Mama would still simmer and Beneatha would still be willful and spoiled. Beneatha says that her hair was once like his, but that she finds it too raw that way. You don't have to ride to work on the back of nobody's streetcar Prior to the civil rights movement, which reached its peak in the sixties, segregated facilities, separating whites from blacks, were common in the south, where "Jim Crow" laws made it legal. Nigeria was ruled by the Portuguese at the end of the fifteenth century, followed by the Dutch, the Danes, the Spaniards, and the Swedes. What might Beneatha represent? Mamas plant symbolizes her version of this dream, because she cares for it as she cares for her family. He is described as silent and sullen. He walks slowly across the room to his bedroom, and before turning around speaks measuredly to Mama. Asked by Joshua M #671913 on 7/25/2017 2:30 PM Last updated by Aslan on 7/25/2017 10:26 PM Answers 1 Add Yours. Their different reactions illustrate the different ways this news impacted their lives. Nigeria The most populated nation in Africa with more than 250 different ethnic groups. Wed love to have you back! Mama, though, feels morally repulsed by the idea of getting into the liquor business. Contact us Do you side with one more than with the other? Mama attempts to discredit Walters money-centric worldview by reminding him of the life-or-death struggles endured by earlier generations of African Americans. After Asagai gives her this nickname, however, the name Beneatha could also point to the character's spiritual, "Alaiyo" nature, which dwells beneath the physical exterior. Contact us Beneatha easily gets worked up into a fury, and when angry, says things she does not actually mean, just as she did in Scene 1 with the comment about salt losing its savor. Struggling with distance learning? Hansberry includes these in order to give the characters a sense of roundness. -Because in his mind, he thought he was going to get that money to invest in one of his many dumb ideas. A2S1 What does George mean when he calls Walter "Prometheus"? To a great extent, Walters dreams center on the many things that he wants, highlighting the centrality of material wealth in his formation of a personal identity. -Ruth still wants them to move Central Idea Essay: Why Does Mama Want to Own Property? Mama, outraged at such a pronouncement, asserts that she is head of the household and that there will be no such thoughts expressed in her home. -She trusts him for the most part, but based on his past, she should not. A Raisin in the Sun Study Guide Act II - Ques, professional nursing chapter 18/19 review, A Raisin in the Sun Study Guide Act I - Quest, The Language of Composition: Reading, Writing, Rhetoric, Lawrence Scanlon, Renee H. Shea, Robin Dissin Aufses, Literature and Composition: Reading, Writing,Thinking, Carol Jago, Lawrence Scanlon, Renee H. Shea, Robin Dissin Aufses. To Asagai, this is the worst thing an African American can do. A3S1 How does Asagai answer Beneatha? BENEATHA: (Halting at the door) To become a queen of the Nile! Should she? How does Ruth try to handle his rudeness? -insurance money from her husband's death. Despite its harrowing past, Nigeria has become a leader in literature, art, music, and craftsmanship. Asagai hints at what is to come by telling Beneatha that by straightening her hair she is mutilating it. When he asks why his wife cannot wear pearls, he is asking why he has to resign himself to poverty, being ever grateful that he no longer has to ride at the back of a bus. This issue helps to emphasize the growing marital problems between Ruth and Walter. In Mamas mind, dignity and freedom are virtues far more precious than material wealth. What is his attitude toward Mama? Central Idea Essay: Why Does Mama Want to Own Property? Finally, while she seems to understand Ruth's despair, she does not condone her action. What will be his punishment? From what you have seen so far, how would you describe the relationship between Ruth and Travis? Beneatha claims that she is trying to express herself, an idea at which Ruth and Mama have a laugh. (She exits in a breathless blaze of glory )This statement is the turning point for Beneatha, showing that she has fully accepted her African heritage. $24.99 The interaction between Beneatha and Asagai reveals how serious Beneatha is about finding her identity. Ruth, the household manager, refuses to give her son the money; Walter, as a father trying to safeguard his sons ability to be accepted, gives Travis twice as much as he asks for. Beneatha argues that the money belongs to Mama and that Mama has the right to decide how it is spent. Hansberry may have selected the name Beneatha to represent the oppression of African-American women, drawing on the word 'beneath.' Indeed, her seeking of her roots in Africa to forge her identity (even though her family has been in America for five generations) precedes the New African movement of the 1960s. Please wait while we process your payment. Instant downloads of all 1725 LitChart PDFs Youve successfully purchased a group discount. Latest answer posted August 25, 2021 at 3:18:50 AM. Mama sits down with Walter who is upset byand ashamed ofhis poverty, his job as a chauffeur, and his lack of upward mobility. A2S2 What does Mama tell Walter to do with the money? She knows something is wrong, but does not know what, and essentially accuses Walter of having an affair when he is not. It is difficult in such a crowded atmosphere as the Younger household for one person to be singled out and heard. How does the mood of the play change when the postman rings the doorbell? Note his body language in this scene and how it compares to Ruths. Actresses seem to portray the character of Mama in two primary ways: either as a folksy relic of an earlier time, a woman who hopes one day to have a garden in the sun, or more recently, as a hardworking, powerful, all-knowing matriarch. Already a member? It is infested with cockroaches and there is not enough room for them all. Walterreceives a phone call from his friend Willy Harris, who is coordinating the potential liquor store venture. Joseph Asagai brings Beneatha a gift of African records and some Nigerian robes. Asagai scorns her wish, much to Beneathas disappointment. Despite her cramped living situation and the lifetime of hard work that she has endured, she maintains her focus on her dream, which helps her to persevere. 2023 eNotes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Masterplots II: Juvenile & Young Adult Literature Series A Raisin in the Sun Analysis, Masterpieces of Womens Literature A Raisin in the Sun Analysis, Critical Context (Masterplots II: African American Literature), Critical Context (Masterplots II: Juvenile & Young Adult Literature Series), Critical Context (Comprehensive Guide to Drama), https://www.enotes.com/topics/raisin-in-the-sun. Hansberry's stage direction may also reflect something of her own beliefs. When she gets her hair cut, she also cuts herself loose from her former assimilationist ideas, and begins to accept her African heritage. While the play takes place entirely within the Youngers apartment, Hansberry takes care to introduce external influences. Travis story highlights the harshness of life in the segregated South Side of Chicago and reignites Ruths fears that the familys current home is an unsuitable place for her son (or, now, her baby) to grow up. Thanks for creating a SparkNotes account! Why? -He doesn't support her dreams/ideas and just uses her as a sort of trophy. Do you think the relationship can be saved? She asks Ruth what she would do with the money, which amounts to $10,000. We've all got acute ghetto-itis Beneatha says this when Asagai drops by to visit, immediately after the Younger family has had a depressing conversation about their financial station in life and Ruth's possible pregnancy. on 50-99 accounts. What does the allusion "this here can is empty as Jacob's kettle" mean? -He comes home later than he was supposed to How do they react? creating and saving your own notes as you read. It appears that their plan is moving smoothly. Ruth does not want to have an abortion, but she considers it because she sees it as the only way to keep the family together. Circle the correct form These phone calls serve parallel functions for those who receive them and demonstrate what is important to both of the characters: Walter is waiting to move quickly on the investment, while Beneatha cannot wait to see Asagai and introduce him to her family. Why does Walter get so upset with Ruth and Mama? creating and saving your own notes as you read. -Travis wants to be a bus driver Do you think she is being fair? The frustration Walter Lee exhibits in this scene is recognizable by everyone who has ever felt ignored in spite of loud cries to be heard. Act One, Scene 2. - There is a mix of happy, excited, and curious to see what's next. What do we learn about each from this incident? How is that money beginning to cause conflict within the family? Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. A2S3 When do the Youngers finally realize Mr. Lindner's purpose for calling on them? eNotes.com will help you with any book or any question. Mr. Asagai, I am looking for my identity Asagai repeats Beneatha's words to her, poking fun at her desperation to connect with her African heritage. How does Ruth behave when she learns about the rat In raisin in the sun? This shows Mama's ignorance of their African heritage and its significance to Beneatha. Later, he is upset that Mama has decided about the liquor store without even seeing it; from his perspective, she does not have enough information, has not "listened" enough, to have made a decision. Her dream of a house and a better life for her family remains tenuous because it is so hard for her to see beyond her familys present situation. The insurance check prompts intra-family conflict, as arguments about money quickly become larger struggles concerning personal identity, personal dreams, and family dynamics. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. When Asagai telephones for permission to drop by, Beneatha consents reluctantly because she knows that her mother would not want company to see the house in disarray. The issue of the check serves only to exacerbate the conflicts that already exist. The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. What does it reveal about each of the characters? TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. Do Eric benet and Lisa bonet have a child together? They discuss the man that Beneatha has been dating, George Murchison. How does George react? -Happy but very worried A3S1 Why does Walter call Mr. Lindner? The Youngers also seem to want to live this dream, though their struggle to attain any semblance of it is dramatically different from the struggle a similar suburban family might encounter, because the Youngers are not a stereotypical middle-class family. Similarly, the speculation over Ruths pregnancy imbues the scene with a sense of anxiety and tension. The following morning, Saturday, is the day that the check is expected to arrive. However, with these other conflicts involved, the Youngers seem like a real family facing real problems. Read more about Mamas plant as a symbol. he ringing of the doorbell signifies that the check has finally arrived. -Asagai teases Bennie bc her hair is straightened (not embracing her natural hair) "My students can't get enough of your charts and their results have gone through the roof." A1S2 Why has everyone been waiting for the mailman's arrival? How can you tell that she feels guilty? CliffsNotes study guides are written by real teachers and professors, so no matter what you're studying, CliffsNotes can ease your homework headaches and help you score high on exams. -Business partner with Walter and Willy -To tell him why she wants to be a doctor (something she once cared about). Previous How then might the character's name be ambiguous? She and Mama discuss Beneathas worries about her familys ignorance about Africa and African people. Through the announcement of Ruths pregnancy, we can see the power that Mama wields as the matriarch of the family. WebRuth gets up first and after some noticeable difficulty, rouses Travis and Walter as she makes breakfast. A3S1 How do you feel right after Lindner leaves? You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. -That she comes to Africa with him when he goes back WebTravis is chasing the rat with his friends, which is symbolic of the myriad of forces that are "chasing" and seeking to "trap" children of color in America. How do you form that impression? The stage directions indicate that the furniture, though apparently once chosen with care, is now very worn and faded. Beneatha recants and leaves for school, and Mama goes to the window to tend her plant. Walter exclaims at one point, "Will somebody please listen to me today?" Mama and Ruth begin to tease Beneatha about the many activities that she tries and quits, including her latest attempt to learn how to play the guitar. In contrast, Walter is quiet and visibly disappointed because the news means he no longer has a chance to achieve his dream. Summary and Analysis Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Walter and Ruth continue to argue about their unhappy lives, a dialogue that Ruth cuts short by telling her husband, Eat your eggs, they gonna be cold.. A1S1 Why do you think Mama likes the plant so much? Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# Why is there so much apprehension about the check? The scene is included in the PBS presentation, however. Hansberry wrote the "rat scene" to dramatically point out the graphic terrors that daily confront the children of the poor and also to show that these children must learn to incorporate such horrific realities into their playtime activities. Glossary April 30, 2023, SNPLUSROCKS20 | Hay-lo Beneatha answers the telephone with this greeting, a combination of "Hey" and "Hello.". What is Beneatha's reaction? (one code per order). A2S3 What effect does Mr. Lindner's visit have on the family's mood? Mama wants what is best for the family, but she clearly does not understand her son. Why? -Shows that she cares about the little things. WebWhile waiting for Travis, Mama asks Ruth about her visit to the doctor, and Ruths use of the pronoun she to refer to the doctor makes Mama immediately suspicious. Travis How does he react when confronted? SparkNotes PLUS for a customized plan. | -Ruth is annoyed and keeps on telling him to stop In A Raisin in the Sun, explain George's reference to Prometheus. Asagai teases Beneatha for straightening her hair in order to conform to the European or Hollywood standard of beauty. -No, she is just trying to provide a safe and happy home for her family. SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. -It is an all white area A1S2 Why does Mama tell Walter that he is a disgrace to his father's memory? The issue of abortion, which Ruth considers and Mama implicitly rejects, highlights the generational differences between the women. eNotes Editorial, 16 June 2020, https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/explain-the-different-reactions-of-ruth-and-262577. A2S1 How does Beneatha's Nigerian dress and music affect Walter? Beneatha and Travis start fighting, and Beneatha threatens him with the spray gun. The scene is included in the PBS presentation, however. Mama comes into the room, and Beneatha introduces her to Asagai. Ruth and Walter? (Even in the northern cities, vestiges of segregation were apparent.) What is the significance of the fact that Walter does not know where Ruth is? A2S1 How can you tell that Walter is bitter about Mama's decision to buy a house? for a customized plan. - Shows that Travis is very nice and doesn't judge anyone. In the 1950s, the stereotypical American dream was to have a house with a yard, a big car, and a happy family. Act I Scene 1, Next Asagai visits Beneatha, and they spend some time together by themselves. He promises to bring the money to Willy when he receives it. The phone rings, and Beneatha answers. Later, Beneatha will put these robes on and become a "Nigerian Princess," symbolizing her acceptance of her heritage. $18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25% Walter does so knowing that he faces the emasculating task of having to ask Ruth for money himself as a result. Purchasing A1S1 Why does Mama slap Beneatha? WebMama is upset when she realizes that Ruth is contemplating an abortion. One for Whom Bread Food Is Not Enough Asagai gives Beneatha the Nigerian name "Alaiyo," which he translates roughly as: "One for whom bread food is not enough," meaning that his perception of Beneatha is that she is a totally developed person, both intellectually and spiritually, and that she demands answers to all of life's questions. Asagai is also more serious about their relationship than Beneatha is and appears not to fully understand or accept Beneatha's "liberated college woman's attitude." Beneatha refers to the "ghetto" in which they live as though it brings with it a disease that she calls "ghetto-iris.". Did you know you can highlight text to take a note? The family will have room for another, and therefore she can finally recognize and await the new life she is creating with joy. Do you think she will agree to his offer? Mama tries so hard to impress Beneatha's Nigerian friend that her remarks are almost comical, clearly not her intent. She expresses sympathy for her grandson, Travis, while she questions Ruths ability to care for him properly. Beneatha made this statement to Asagai when they first met, a remark he had found amusing. They do not seem happy, yet they engage in some light humor. For Mama, the next generation their hope. How is Mama's reaction to the gift different from the way the others react? The bureau is the taller piece of bedroom furniture, containing only drawer space for clothing. on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. Some commentators believe that Naomi was instructing Ruth to be Thus, she tells Travis that Ruth is out on an errand and will be back eventually. on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts. A2S3 What does Ruth buy for the new house? She reveals this information to Mama and Beneatha. -Lots of emotions at once. My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class., Requesting a new guide requires a free LitCharts account. Cite examples. Answered by Aslan on 7/25/2017 10:26 PM Ruth Does Mama agree? Mama's can of kitchen cleanser is always empty because she must at least keep her home very clean, since she cannot keep it looking new. Suddenly, there is a commotion in the street, and. Why do the Youngers decide to go through with the move? But now, all of a sudden all of those concerns are obsolete. For her, their present abode is a source of oppression for them and is a great stress. Mama eventually has to be the one to tell him about Ruth's dilemma and is surprised that his desire for the money overshadows his concern for both Ruth and his unborn child. A2S3 Who is Mr. Lindner? -Walters insults George by insulting to his father and the way he dresses Mama is confused because she does not understand the reference to the queen of the Nile. Act II Scene 1. Read an in-depth analysis of Lena Mama Younger. Ruth brings herself closer to her child, while Walter isolates himself in the other roomliterally and figuratively shutting his mother out. It was your money and you did what you wanted with it. WebRuth calls the doctor she, which arouses Mamas suspicion because their family doctor is a man. -Comes to tell Walter that Willy took all their money As the two talk about their entrapping situation, Ruths reply of [e]at your eggs answers every statement that Walter offers, reflecting the stereotypical perception that Black peoplehave an inability to overcome problems. Although the Younger family seems alienated from white middle-class culture, they harbor the same materialistic dreams as the rest of American society. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. 1. in secticide 2. in tellectual 3. missionary 4. dejection 5. suppress 6. mutilate 7. Mama, however, can see into Ruth's mind and heart and knows what she intends. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. -Always arguing Complete the following sentence by choosing the word that best fits the context, based on information you infer from the use of the italicized word. 2023 Course Hero, Inc. All rights reserved. During the 1950s, abortion was illegal, but Ruth has valid reasons for not wanting her pregnancy. He teases her a bit about being very serious about finding her identity, particularly her African identity, through him. Ruths maternal responsibilities force her to consider broader social forces at play. Walter and Beneatha have never know the problems Mama and her husband faced, but they are aware of the social and financial inequalities that still exist, and which that they would like to eradicate. Mama and Beneatha are, of course, a generation apart, while Ruth occupies a place somewhere in the middle; Hansberry argues that Beneatha is the least traditional of the women because she is the youngest. A3S1 Why does Beneatha attack Asagai's dream about Africa? Beneathas statement that the family suffers from ghetto-itis draws attention to the perils of life in a segregated ghetto neighborhood. What is the significance of the last exchange between Ruth, Walter, and Mama about the abortion? TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD.
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