Use pages 54-75 from your copy of "A Raisin in the Sun" to answer the following questions. The questions get progressively more complicated as the sections continue.
Who is Joseph Asagai?
Asagai arrives, bringing gifts for Beneatha. What gifts does he bring to her?
How does Mama try to influence Walter at the end of the scene (pg. 74-75)? What does she reveal to him?
Why did Mama call Walter a disgrace to his father’s memory?
How does Mama react to finally getting the check?
Mama shows concern when Ruth reveals that she saw a female doctor (pg. 59). Why do you think Mama is so concerned about Ruth seeing a female doctor? What suspicions might Mama have about Ruth?
How is Beneatha different from other Younger family members?
Why is Beneatha worried about Mama meeting Mr. Asagai? What does this tell us about how Bennie views her mother?
Asagai's nickname for Bennie is "Alaiyo," which he reveals to mean "someone for whom food is not enough."
Why do you think he gave Bennie this nickname?
What are Asagai’s views on women? How does Beneatha react to these views?
On page 69, we see Mama's reaction to receiving the physical check at last. What is her mood? Why do you think she reacts this way to the check?
How does Walter show his insensitivity regarding the money and the situation at home?
(insensitivity: not caring about other people's feelings or circumstances)
What evidence shows that Walter is not entirely selfish in wanting to have the insurance money?
Add a quote with page numbers. Be sure to use quotation marks.
What overall impression/mood does Hansberry create in describing the apartment?
Why do you think Asagai is making fun of Bennie for "mutilating" her hair and being an "assimilationist"? What does this reveal about how Asagai sees Bennie?
Compare and contrast Mama and Walter's reaction to finding out about Ruth's pregnancy. How are they different?
How do Walter's and Mama's views of the meaning of life conflict?
Often, pressure from other people or outside forces might make a person to do something that they may not have normally done. Discuss how this statement applies to Ruth in this Act.