A Raisin in the Sun (Act I) Flashcards
exasperated
annoyed; irritated; fed up
tyrant
ruler who exercises power in a harsh, cruel manner
tentatively
subject to further confirmation; doubt
ledger
a book used to record accounts and transactions
undistinguished
common; nothing special
graft
the illegal or unfair acquisition of money
vengeneance
with violence or fury
permeated
spread throughout; diffused
proposition
proposal or plan
vindicated
justified; proven right
stupor
a daze; mental unawareness
defiance
resistance
forlornly
looking pitiful, desperate, or hopeless
assimilationist
to try to blend in with the more dominant culture
suppress
to restrain or prevent from developing
mutilated
maimed; damaged; ruined
insinuatingly
with more meaning than what is actually spoken
inappropiately
unsuitably; improperly
evading
to escape or avoid
Heathenism
“religion” of those who don’t believe in God and/or are uncivilized
Why was Ruth upset that Walter gave Travis money?
he undermined her power by not listening to her commands of not to give him money
Who are Willy and Bobo?
Walter’s friends that want to open a liquor store w/ Walter
What does Walter do for a living?
a chaffeur for a white man
What does Ruth do for a living?
works in someone else’s kitchen to cook for them
Why was Mama receiving a $10,000 check?
insurance money for her husband’s death
What does Mama want to do with the insurance check at first?
put aside some money for Beneatha’s education and put a down payment on a nicer home
What was Mama and Big Walter’s dream 35 years ago that was deferred?
buy a house on Morgan Park and renovate it with a small garden in the back
What event made Mama “lose” Big Walter?
lost a baby because of poverty
What are some activities Beneatha is involved in?
guitar, playacting, horseback riding, and photography
Why do Mama and Ruth not understand Beneatha?
she does not follow the traditional gender roles and isn’t sure of marriage
Why did Beneatha not want to marry George?
he’s too shallow and thinks that her wanting to become a doctor is humorous (her family is also snobby)
What does Mama’s little plant symbolize?
her dreams that were deferred
What happens to Ruth at the end?
she faints
How old is Mama?
early 60s
How old is Walter?
35
How old is Ruth?
about 30
How old is Beneatha?
about 20
How old is Travis?
10 or 11
What is Walter’s view on women?
stereotypical; men should be in power and women should stay in the kitchen
What is Beneatha most worried about when Joseph Asagai comes over?
her mother will say something offensive or ignorant
What is ironic about Mama’s comment to Beneatha about Africans?
she says why should she know anything about Africa.
It’s ironic because her origins stem from there
Ruth comes home from the doctor. What does she learn?
she’s pregnant
Where did Ruth actually go to?
an abortion clinic
Why is Mama happy about the new baby?
she’s religious and a new baby is a gift from god
Beneatha thinks the baby will be a hindrance, why?
there’s no space in the apartment
Who is Joseph Asagai? Where is he from?
Beneatha’s friend from school that is teaching her about African culture. He’s from Nigeria from the Yoruba tribe
Why does Beneatha get so mad when Asagai calls her an assimilationist?
she wants to be connected to her unique culture and is trying to break away from the traditional expectations
What is Asagai’s nickname for Beneatha?
Alaiyo, meaning “One for Whom Bread - Food - is not enough”
Why’s Alaiyo an appropiate nickname?
Beneatha is one who always strives for more and isn’t satisfied with the bare necessities
When Mama is arguing with Walter, what does she say is “dangerous”?
She says that a man going outside of his home to look for peace is dangerous
How much was the down payment that Ruth put down on the abortion?
$5
Why did Mama call Walter a disgrace to his father’s memory?
he failed to uphold his father’s value of protecting their children’s live at whatever cost
What is the unspoken argument that goes on between Walter and Mama?
Walter should be the head of the household instead of Mama because he is a man
What is Mama so worried about for Walter?
he has lost his values and has become too obsessed with money
Why does Mama not understand Walter and Beneatha?
Mama has suffered through worse things and the fact that she can be safe with the necessities is enough. She can’t fathom why Walter and Beneatha still want more despite the fact they have enough.
