Rasin In The Sun Flashcards
what is the plot
it’s a story about a black family where the dad dies and leaves money to his wife (Mamma) from an insurance policy. The play discusses what they want to do with the money to make their lives better.
where does it take place
south side Chicago
when does it take place
in the 1950s
Mamma
She is a woman in her early 60s and has white hair and is full-bodied and strong she is a beautiful woman. with a soft voice
mamas dream
dream is to buy a house for her family
walter
son of Mamma is a chauffeur, always talks about money, wanting money and he is lean and intense and early 30s.
walters dream
his dream is to open up a liquor store/ business
ruth
about thirty pretty women and disappointment has aged her, a little bitter
travis
age 10 has a job carrying groceries from the supermarket and is sturdy and handsome.
beantha
And that she is skinny and she is 20 and intense like her brother Walter. She is in college… dates two boys who are very different.
beanthas dream
Wants to be a doctor and go to medical school
Asagai: symbolic character
wants beantha to go to Africa and believe in her African culture and not forget her Aricanan roots.
George symbolic character
wants beantha to live his life
johnson: symbolic character
she is a nosy neighbor because she tells them what could happen in a white neighborhood.
Lindner:symbolic character
he symbolizes racism of the white American people of that time
Bobo: symbolic character
A messenger and he is not bright and we feel bad for him because thats never going to change.
who said this “you were it well…. very well…. mutilated and all” (61)
Asagia
She changes herself to look like white people
who said this “ I am not an assimilationist!” (63)
benetha
She wants to change and fit in
who said “sometimes I can see the future stretched out in front of me just plain as day. the future, mama. Hanging out there at the edge of my days. just waiting for me a big looming blank space full of nothing.” (73)
walter
That there’s no future unless he takes a jump to do the business for his life to change
who said “mama job? I opened and closed doors all day… and I say yes sir no sir… that ain’t nothing at all. mama I understand.” (73)
walter
He agrees with George about money “Walter just cares about money. Also “he feels helpless doesn’t feel like he can change his life unless he gets a new job and feels like mama doesn’t understand him”
who said, “ Because [money] is life mama!”(74)
Walter“
Walter only thinks money is important. Mama wants Walter to be like her husband who she thought was a good man we can infer that she doesn’t think Walter is a good person”
who said “ Well son Im waiting to hear you say something… I’m waiting to hear how you be your father son. be the man he was.”(75)
mama
“ mama wants Walter to be like her husband who she thought was a good man we can infer that she doesn’t think Walter is a good person”
“let’s face it, baby, your heritage is nothing but a bunch of raggedy assed spiritual and some grass huts!” (81)
george
“George doesn’t want Bethea to be like white people and ignorer her
Cutral and George cares more about money and thinks he’s better than beanthea
” Hallelujah! AND GOODBYE misery…. I DON’T WANT TO SEE YOUR UGLY FACE AGAIN”.(93)
ruth
Ruth wants a better life and is happy that she gets to leave the small apartment