Act III Discussion

Act III Review & Discussion

For "A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry

Open Ended

By the end of the play, each main character has lost something but gained in other ways. What Beneatha lost and gained? (Sentence stem: Beneatha has lost__________________________________, but has gained___________________________.

​Act 3: A Dream Deferred

Asagai arrives to help pack and scolds Beneatha for losing her idealism because she feels sorry for herself. Then, he invites her to come to Nigeria with him when she is a doctor. Mama announces they won't move, to Ruth's dismay. Walter rushes out of the house to call Mr. Lindner about his offer. The family opposes the move, believing Walter has died inside as he imitates a racist caricature. Afterwords, Mama scolds Beneatha for not loving and supporting her brother when he needs it the most. Mr. Lindner arrives, and Mama insists Travis stay to watch what his father is doing. Walter recovers his dignity and tells Mr. Lindner the Youngers will be moving to Clybourne Park. The movers begin taking the family's things to their new home, and Mama exits the apartment for the last time, taking her plant with her.

Poll

If you and your family were faced with a similar situation, what would you decide to do?

• Move into the house at Clybourne Park (don't take the money).

• Take the money from the housing association and move into a different neighborhood.

• Decide not to move and not to take the money.

Open Ended

Explain your answer from the previous poll. Make sure give a complete answer.

Open Ended

We've seen how characters in the play encounter conflicts with each other and within themselves. Describes Mama's conflict with herself. Use an example from the text.

Open Ended

Why does Mama decide the moving me shouldn't come? Who is to blame? Cite evidence from the text to support your answer.

Open Ended

What is Walter's reason for deciding the family should move after all? Why is this moment important? Cite evidence from the text to support your answer.