Raisin in the Sun TEST Flashcards
Why did Mama call Walter a disgrace to his father’s memory?
He was more concerned with the money that traditions and values
Is Walter excited when he learns that Ruth is pregnant?
NO
Why does Mama slap Beneatha?
She denies God’s existence
Why should Beneatha be with George - according to Ruth?
He is rich
Why doesn’t Beneatha want to be with George?
Because he is too shallow
When is the play set?
1950”s
Where did the title of the play come from?
A poem by Langston Hughes
Who is the author of A Raisin in the Sun?
Lorraine Hansberry
What does Walter Lee Younger do for a living?
Chauffer
Why does Lena :mama” Younger receive a large check?
The life insurance payout from her dead husband
Who makes the final decision that the family will move?
Walter Lee
Who is Karl Lindner?
The representative from the Clybourne Park Improvement Association
Why didn’t Walter take Lindner’s money?
He valued his pride and family over the money
What is a restrictive covenant?
- Legal racism permitted under Jim Crow
- A contract amongst neighbors agreeing not to use property in a certain way
Who steals the Youngers’ money?
Willy Harris
What does Beneatha’s nickname “Alaiyo” mean?
Is the nickname accurate?
The one for whom bread (food) is enough. Yes - she is driven by a spiritual hunger - she wants to do good in the world.
Which character best shows respect for Black/African culture?
Joseph Asagai - He id not want to escape Nigeria, but he wanted to take advantage of his opportunity in American - then return to Nigeria to lift it up.
What is assimilation? Why isn’t Beneatha an assimilationist? Which character is the most assimilated to American Culture?
A small group being absorbed and made to be like a larger group. George is the most assimilated - - his views about Black/African culture are those that one might hear from a white southerner. He is wealthy - college-educated, a sexist and full of himself.
What is the difference between matriarchy and patriarchy - - which is the Younger household?
Matriarchy is a system of rule by a woman - - Patriarchy is a system of rule by a man.
At the beginning it is a Matriarchy - what Mama says GOES. She says where they live - to how they should act. She controls the insurance check.
It becomes a Patriarchy when Mama understand the importance of Walter’s dream.
What might Mama’s sun-starved plant symbolize? How does her treatment of the plant characterize her?
It represents Mama’s hope for a better future - a new beginning. She treats it with tender affection just the same as her children
In the book - - Hansberry evokes pride by having Walter repeat the following: “pride and proud” Why did Hansberry do this? Why does he replace “I” with “we”? How does it change his values? What is the significance of Walter’s last words to Lindner - - “We don’t
want your money.”
Use your notes
What is the term for a person who is guided more by ideals than by practical considerations?
idealist
What is the term for the acquisition of gain (such as money) in dishonest or questionable ways?
graft
What is the term for the acceptance of something undesirable but inevitable?
resignation
What is the term for a phrase or form of words written in memory of a person who has died, especially as an inscription on a tombstone?
epitaph
What is the term for (of a person or their behavior) unconventional and lightly strange?
eccentric
What is the term for having or showing sharp powers of judgment - astute?
shrewd
What is the term for a humble submission and respect?
deference
What is the term for old fashioned?
outmoded
What is the term for intensely irritated and frustrated?
exaperated
What is the term for bad tempered and sulky - gloomy?
sullen
What is the term for in a way that attempts to avoid notice or attention - secretively?
furtively
What is the term for the quality of being full of energy, excitement, and cheerfulness - ebullience?
exuberance
What is the term for forcibly put an end to?
suppress
What is the term for to creep with the face to the ground?
grovel
What is the term for extreme tiredness - fatigue?
weariness
