How is that money beginning to cause conflict within the family? What is the significance of the discussion between Mama and Beneatha about Africa? Why does he visit? The fact that Ruth considers an abortion, an illegal practice at the time, shows the lengths to which she would go to protect her family from further financial strain. It is clear that Beneatha and Asagai love each other, but there are hints of philosophical disagreement. Mama, though, feels morally repulsed by the idea of getting into the liquor business. How does Ruth behave when she learns about the rat In raisin in the sun? Ace your assignments with our guide to A Raisin in the Sun! Central Idea Essay: Why Does Mama Want to Own Property? Finally we see a side of Beneatha that is not just spoiled and demanding. Why does she lie to Travis? 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. What are the qualities of an accurate map? on 50-99 accounts. She not only wants to have a careera far cry from the June Cleaver stay-at-home-mom role models of the 1950s (June Cleaver was the name of the mother on Leave it to Beaver, a popular late-1950s sitcom about a stereotypical suburban family)but also desires to find her identity and pursue an independent career without relying solely on a man. Instant PDF downloads. Mamas recitation shows that she, while perhaps not as interested in her African heritage as Beneatha, is willing to make an effort in order to make her guest feel at home. Mama implores Walter to honor his fathers memory and take pride in his own manhood by convincing Ruth to not have an abortion. In A Raisin in the Sun, Mama says, "He finally come into his manhood today, didn't he? Explain Beneatha's argument with her mother about God in A Raisin in the Sun. Contact us What is the significance of the exchange between Mama and Walter? She reveals this information to Mama and Beneatha. -Visits to tell them that they do not want colored people in their neighborhood and offers to buy them out. She is, to Asagai, a person for whom "bread food is not enough.". Ruth | Commentary | John Currid | TGCBC - The Gospel Coalition Ruth brings herself closer to her child, while Walter isolates himself in the other roomliterally and figuratively shutting his mother out. Sometimes it can end up there. -No, she is just trying to provide a safe and happy home 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. TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. Walter is either more optimistic, or in greater denial. From his perspective, he enters the apartment excited about the money, and is dismissed and treated like a child. A2S3 Who is Bobo? 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. Some word pairs will be antonyms, some will be synonyms, and some will simply be words often used in the same context. -Mama joking why they would know anything about Africa We can see from this quote that, although the new house represented a hope and future to Ruth, to Walter it represents the way that his dreams and hopes have been squashed. Mama's generation worked hard so that their children could have a "better life," which, to her, meant a life without segregation. 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. -Asagai teases Bennie bc her hair is straightened (not embracing her natural hair) This important part of the play comes at the end of Act Two Scene 1 and we can clearly see the various hopes of dreams of the characters involved. -Moving the furniture, spraying insecticide, washing walls, listening to music. The Youngers do not mean to ignore Walter Lee and are not totally aware that they are doing so. The issue of the money has caused none of the family's conflicts. Beneatha, of course, reacts angrily to Asagai's criticism and judgment. Travis asks them for moneyhe is supposed to bring fifty cents to schooland Ruth says that they do not have it. 2023 Course Hero, Inc. All rights reserved. SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. Subscribe now. 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. What do you think Walter will do now? What subtle glimpse into Beneatha's soul does this conversation provide? The tantalizing arrival of the insurance check creates an expectant atmosphere. How does Walter react to that idea? Contact us Walter explains that his work as a white mans chauffeur is emasculating and limits his hopes for a better future. Why would Hansberry include this small exchange in the play when it does not seem to develop any of the themes? -When he says their neighbors have offered to buy their house By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. -By giving him more responsibility and trusting him more Asagai obviously cares for Beneatha very much, and he wonders why Beneatha does not have the same feeling for him. A1S1 When family members argue, the reasons may be more complex than they at first appear. Hansberry's stage direction may also reflect something of her own beliefs. (object of a preposition). Why do you think he says these things? Mama sees an abortion as inconceivable for a number of reasons: first there are her religious She is at the center of her familys life, and she controls many of the interactions of the members of her household. What is Beneatha's reaction? WebWhen the local neer-do-well Ruby Dahl falls for Ruth, she notes that he was the first man in the history of the universe that noticed my feminine lure (127). Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. A1S2 Why does Mama tell Walter that he is a disgrace to his father's memory? 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. A2S2 How does Ruth find out that Walter has not been showing up for work? Youve successfully purchased a group discount. Ruth never had a To Mama, that particular measure of equality is enough; to Walter, it is an outrage. How does his visit change the family's mood? Struggling with distance learning? Completa la siguiente frase de una manera original. 1. in secticide 2. in tellectual 3. missionary 4. dejection 5. suppress 6. mutilate 7. -Bennie really likes him and he gives her a gift Beneatha made this statement to Asagai when they first met, a remark he had found amusing. An intellectual gap, however, also compounds the generational difference between Mama and her daughter Beneatha. They injected the Beneathas statement that the family suffers from ghetto-itis draws attention to the perils of life in a segregated ghetto neighborhood. It is infested with cockroaches and there is not enough room for them all. -Based on their personalities they will probably stay together but it's not a good ides. Walter then leaves for his job as a chauffeurhe has to ask Ruth for money to get to work because the money he gave Travis was his car fare. Do you think you would like him? The original production of this play, as well as the original movie screenplay, does not contain the incident involving Travis' chasing a huge rat while he is downstairs playing with his friends in the street. Beneatha refers to the "ghetto" in which they live as though it brings with it a disease that she calls "ghetto-iris.". How does Asagai tease Beneatha about her hair? Why does he say that the money Walter gave away wasn't hers? Why does she choose this moment to talk about it? Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# eNotes Editorial, 16 June 2020, https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/explain-the-different-reactions-of-ruth-and-262577. -He's a drunk and doesn't care that Ruth may kill her maybe It foreshadows two things: first, that she will allow her hair to return to its natural state, and second, that Beneatha will get together with Asagai and possibly go to Africa with him. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. 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. Answered by Aslan on 7/25/2017 10:26 PM Ruth Complete your free account to request a guide. Unsure of her identity as a Black woman joining an overwhelmingly white world, Beneatha turns to Asagai to see if he can supply a lost part of her self. A Raisin in the Sun Student Packet.pdf - YUMPU SparkNotes PLUS The Book of Ruth Character Analysis | SuperSummary The fact that he explains the issue softly and gently shows his gentle, yet strong nature. She is experiencing a spiritual longing. When the voiced th sound arise, include a final e. List examples of each of these rules in poems. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. Note what he says to Mama in his anger: What you need me to say you done right for? So what you need me to say it was all right for? Act I Scene 1, Next -George doesn't care. Ruth comes into the room just as Travis goes downstairs to get the mail. Walter returns home and wants to talk about his liquor store plans. on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% Just bought a rat For him, Mamas news does not represent a hopeful future, but betrayal. 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. Raisin In the Sun Study Guide- Act I Scene Two Flashcards Mama tries so hard to impress Beneatha's Nigerian friend that her remarks are almost comical, clearly not her intent. She reminds the family of the importance of family and history, and she holds the power to make economic decisions. -They get very upset and ask him to leave. Mama then recites Beneathas views on Africa and African people as best she can. What time does normal church end on Sunday? Mama explains to Walter that for her generation, freedom from lynching, the end of segregation, and the ability to find work were all considerable social advancements. (one code per order). -Walter gets upset because he wants Travis to have/be something more in life. What is significant about the exchange between Beneatha and Asagai about Beneatha's hair? Their small dwelling on the South Side of Chicago has two bedroomsone for Mama and Beneatha, and one for Ruth and Walter Lee. When does Walter change his mind? Which one do you think is more compatible with Beneatha? Do you side with one more than with the other? (one code per order). The Nigerian robes symbolize African heritage. Do you think she is being fair? She repeated her experiment to focus on this area using a method called fiber photometry, which let her team monitor neural chatter in living rats. A1S2 How do the various family members use humor to reduce the stressfulness of their situation? He felt entitled to the money for his dream and now feels that he will never have a chance at it. Kind of like a rainbow after the rain." -Bennie is going on about she doesn't believe in God. You'll also receive an email with the link. Ruth and Beneatha, part of a younger generation of women, differ from Mama in their reactions to the news. Hansberry uses this allusion to emphasize Mama's need to keep the appearance of a nice home. 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! Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. Please wait while we process your payment. Another issue that arises is that of Walter's manhood: how he defines it and how his mother defines it. Latest answer posted August 25, 2021 at 3:18:50 AM. It is possible that Hansberry is attempting to make a bold feminist statement with this plot twist. Thus, she tells Travis that Ruth is out on an errand and will be back eventually. Read more about the nuanced use of dialect by each character in A Raisin in the Sun. All of the characters in A Raisin in the Sun have unfulfilled dreams. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. What decisions does she need to make? How is it like Mama's childrenand Mama herself? With the nickname, Asagai acknowledges and celebrates Beneathas aspirations and desire for something more than just the basics, whether in love or life, which she deeply appreciates. 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. -Blending in with white culture It was your money and you did what you wanted with it. A1S1 Why do you think Mama likes the plant so much? Ruth returns from seeing a doctor, who has told her that she is two months pregnant. Their different reactions illustrate the different ways this news impacted their lives. In most cultures, the arrival of a child is a blessed, wonderful thing, the continuation of the culture into the next generation. For Ruth, Mamas announcement that she has bought a house is one of the first bursts of optimism in a long time. -Graham S. Asagais comments about Beneathas hair make her question whether she is an Africanist or an assimilationist. Walter admits that he does not think he is able to make her understand his feelings and motives. Tudo Sobre Ansiedade - Home of the pronoun in parentheses. While the play takes place entirely within the Youngers apartment, Hansberry takes care to introduce external influences. WebRuth and Benetha appear to have the stereotypical sister rivalry. -surface: been married a long time and are struggling to be happy together. He does not appreciate the depth of Ruth's despair, and cannot imagine her choosing not to have their baby. This is the beginning of the "inciting incident," and now the action and emotional mood will begin to rise to its crisis or climax. Asagai sees Beneatha's haircut as an example of assimilationisman acceptance of white oppression and a rejection of her African heritage. Ruth and Beneatha? A3S1 How do you feel right after Lindner leaves? Ruth and Walter? Beneathas spraying of the apartment seems symbolic of her dissatisfaction with her surroundings. -Business partner with Walter and Willy The fact that Beneatha leaves in a "blaze of glory" may suggest Hansberry's approval of Beneatha's new mindset. Teachers and parents! A2S3 What does Ruth buy for the new house? Meanwhile, Beneatha is spraying the apartment with insecticide in an attempt to rid it of cockroaches. You the head of this family. 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. You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. Objects placed on top of the bureau often landed behind it, which, because of its size and weight, was often a difficult piece of furniture to move. 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! 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.. When the unvoiced th sound arise at the end of a word, spell it with the letters th. Continue to start your free trial. BENEATHA: It is my businesswhere is he going to live, on the roof? Still, no matter how much Mama works, the plant remains feeble, because there is so little light. I DON'T EVER WANT TO SEE YOUR UGLY FACE AGAIN! 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. In contrast, Walter is quiet and visibly disappointed because the news means he no longer has a chance to achieve his dream. behind the bureau A bureau is a piece of furniture that was usually kept in the bedroom and used for storing clothing. For her, their present abode is a source of oppression for them and is a great stress. What do you think will happen to Ruth? Hay-lo Beneatha answers the telephone with this greeting, a combination of "Hey" and "Hello.". Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. Feminism had not fully emerged into the American cultural landscape when Hansberry wrote A Raisin in the Sun, and Beneatha seems a prototype for the more enthusiastic feminism of the 1960s and 1970s. Walterreceives a phone call from his friend Willy Harris, who is coordinating the potential liquor store venture. -George just wants her to be a pretty and respectful girl and Asagai wants her to be who she really is How does Walter lose the insurance money? -Walters insults George by insulting to his father and the way he dresses As she asks him to sit down, she scurries to throw the spray gun off the couch in the hopes that Asagai wont see it. A2S3 What does Travis get for Mama? Accessed 1 May 2023. Who are the experts?Our certified Educators are real professors, teachers, and scholars who use their academic expertise to tackle your toughest questions. What does it reveal about each of the characters? Act II Scene 1. A2S1 How can you tell that Walter is bitter about Mama's decision to buy a house? In this conversation, Mama represents a colonial/imperialist view of Africans as savages who need to be "saved" and "civilized." A2S3 What effect does Mr. Lindner's visit have on the family's mood? -Need to decide if they are going to move or not Already a member? Also, Mama is asking Walter to save his unborn child from a death inflicted by poverty, but Walters obsession with material wealth prevents him from taking such a stand because the baby will only make that poverty worse and make his dreams even less achievable. The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. - Because she tries to make an intellectual comment about many African Americans ignorance The check represents an outside force that enters into their lives and changes everything, for better or for worse. What does the plant represent in the play A Raisin in the Sun? Refine any search. What is Mama suggesting when she says to Beneatha: "I guess I see why we done commence to get so interested in Africa 'round here"? Para saber lo que dijo el crtico de espectculos, escribe las oraciones en el condicional. Owning a house had always been a dream she had shared with her husband, and now that he is gone she nurtures this dream even more powerfully. Mama tries to help her relax. 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. Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. LitCharts Teacher Editions. A3S1 What does Mama mean when she observes that Walter has finally "come into his manhood"? Beneatha and Travis start fighting, and Beneatha threatens him with the spray gun. This is another point that reveals Beneatha's explosive and apparently selfish character. Why does Mama look at Beneatha when she speaks to Travis about his mother? Before Asagai's arrival at the Younger apartment, Beneatha sternly admonishes her mother not to say anything embarrassingly naive or patronizing about Africa. At the beginning of the eighteenth century, the British gained control over the slave trade there. Walter, in contrast, and others of his generation, take that particular "freedom" for granted. This little scene may seem insignificant, but it develops Mama's character. Beneatha and Mama are busy doing weekend housecleaning when Ruth comes in, announcing sadly that she is pregnant. To Asagai, this is the worst thing an African American can do. Although Beneatha takes interest in her African heritage, her straightened hair projects a message of assimilation, of managing her black attributes to make it easier to fit in, which Beneatha abhors. 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. 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 What does the following statement by Beneatha reveal about her character? Please wait while we process your payment. This is a biblical allusion to John 4:6, in which Jesus is sitting at Jacob's well and talks with a Samaritan woman who has come to fill her water bucket (kettle). Cite examples. They clearly do not communicate, and Ruth's pregnancy is an important issue for them to talk about. -Lots of emotions at once. Finally, Mama tells him that Ruth is pregnant and that she fears that Ruth is considering having an abortion. 20% -To tell him why she wants to be a doctor (something she once cared about).