Act 1 Scenes 1 & 2

Ruth’s negative change in behavior is a result of… (R7.3)

• A. Her sickness

• B. Her sickness (stuffy nose, body aches)

• C. Her pregnancy

• D. Her husband’s lack of money to support their family

How does Ruth’s discovery about herself in this scene affect the plot of the play? (R7.3)

• A. Ruth finds out that she is offered a better job. She can better support her family.

• B. Ruth considers not having the baby because her family is financially unstable (suffering). She is willing to make sacrifices for her struggling family.

• C. Ruth finds out that she can no longer work at her current job. This contributes to the plot because she has to stay home and become a housewife.

What does Beneatha mean when she states: “It is my business-where is he going to live, on the roof”? (R7.4)

• A. The Younger family has to build another room in the house for the baby.

• B. The Younger house is overcrowded. There is no room for another person.

• C. Beneatha is determined to become a doctor, by making this statement, she implies that she does not want any more distractions that will prevent her from reaching her goals.

Which statement best summarizes Beneatha’s character in Act I, Scene II? (R7.2)

• A. Since Beneatha is studying in school, she is more educated and therefore becomes more helpful to her family.

• B. Sometimes she can be a bit conceited and seems to forget that her mother worked hard to help put her through school.

• C. Beneatha becomes curious as she begins to question her African roots after meeting Joseph Asagai.

Based on Act I, Scene II, readers can conclude that Joseph Asagai is? (R7.1)

• A. Beneatha's African friend

• B. Walter's business partner

• C. Ruth's doctor

• D. Beneatha's teacher from Africa

As Asagai gives Beneatha the gift of Nigerian robes, he mentions that her hair is mutilated. What does the word mutilated mean in this context? (R7.4)

• A. Mutilated means her hair is beautified.

• B. Mutilated means her hair was trimmed.

• C. Mutilated means her hair has been straightened from its natural curly style.

How does the photo best contribute to the central idea that American Blacks have "assimilated"(adapted) into White American culture? (R7.2)

• A. Like many American Blacks who are dealing with identity and deciding how to embrace their African culture, Beneatha has changed her hair from its natural state to a straightened Caucasian hairstyle.

• B. Hair does not represent who a person is. There are more important qualities that make up a woman.

• C. Different hairstyles have become a new trend that many women, mainly American Black young women like Beneatha are trying.

Asagai gives Beneatha his sister’s Nigerian African clothing from her personal wardrobe. What do these actions best reveal about Joseph Asagai? (R7.3)

• A. Asagai feels Beneatha is more attractive in the Nigerian clothing.

• B. Asagai only wants to be with a woman who dresses in traditional clothing which represents his culture.

• C. Asagai really likes Beneatha and believes she’s worthy (deserving) to receive the traditional clothing.

Based on Act I, Scene II which statement best explains how Beneatha’s African friend, Asagai, views American Blacks? (R7.1)

• A. Asagai values the American Blacks. He feels they made many contributions to society.

• B. Asagai feels that American Blacks do not honor, or know enough about their African heritage (culture). He feels that black women who straighten their hair try to be similar to white American culture.

• C. Asagai thinks Blacks living in America do very well with keeping their unique cultural identity.

Travis, the sole idle one, is leaning on his arms, looking out of the window. What does the term idle mean as used in this context? (R.4)

• A. playful

• B. very helpful

• C. extremely tired

• D. not in action or at work