A Raisin in the Sun: Act 1 | Scene 2

Why does Hansberry begin Act 1, scene 2 by showing the Youngers cleaning? What is she trying to show the audience?

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.7

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.10. RL.11-12.10

What did Ruth find out at the doctor's office?

• She is pregnant.

• Beneatha is pregnant.

• She is suffering from depression.

• She is exhausted and needs rest.

Tags

CCSS.RI.1.1

CCSS.RI.2.1

CCSS.RI.3.1

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.3.1

Now knowing her situation, what does Ruth’s reaction tell you about her feelings towards it?

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Asagai arrives, bringing gifts for Beneatha. What are the gifts?

• Books about assimilation

• Two kittens - Willy & Bobo

• Clothing & records from Nigeria

• An invitation to go to Nigeria with him

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.7

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.10. RL.11-12.10

How might Asagai's gifts impact or change Beneatha’s identity?

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What does Beneatha most likely mean by the term "assimilationist"?

• Rejector of the norm

• "White washing"

• Unadaptive

• Integrator

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What is Asagai’s dream for himself and Beneatha? How does this dream fit into the stereotypical American Dream for women during this time? Why, for Beneatha, is this feeling alone not enough?

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Describe the tone and mood of the scene when Mama’s insurance check finally arrives. What are some examples of significant actions/words used by characters in this scene to promote this tone/mood?

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Mama tells Walter that something is eating him up, something that “has to do with more than just money.” What do you think this is? How might Walter represent the epigraph at the beginning of the play (“A Dream Deferred”)?

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.7

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.10. RL.11-12.10

How does Walter react to the knowledge of Ruth’s situation at the end of scene 2?

• He cries tears of joy.

• He suggests that she terminate it.

• He insults her.

• He walks out.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.8.7

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.10. RL.11-12.10