Questions on A Raisin in the Sun

Answer any 8 questions, but make sure to answer #8

1. What does Mama’s plant represent, and how does the symbol evolve over the course of the play? Examine the end of the play. Why is Mama returning for her plant the last action we see on stage ?Mamas plant represents her faith in her dreams.
That regardless of their living arrangements and life’s struggles, but never to give up on anything. She took care of it every day it was a representation of her dreams to always live in a bigger and better house with a yard. It showed how strong she was throughout everything life gave her. That’s why she took the new plant to the new house to show that never giving up and keeping your faith her strength in believing in dreams that they come true. Struggle but to maintain your dignity. Dreams do come true.

2. How does the description of the Younger’s’ apartment contribute to the mood of the play? The apartment sets the mood because it sets the surroundings and the environment . It is a small apt with one window it gives the feeling of being cramped and trapped. It lets you know there in the ghetto and are poverty stricken.

3. How does the idea of assimilation become important? The family shows in the hope to succeed regardless of any obstacles. The struggles with their identity as with being African Americans. Beneatha with her academics to be a doctor to heal, and as well as her conflicts with
Everyone.

4. Think about the role of money in the play. How does it affect different characters? It causes conflict within the family as well as their inner obstacles’ within themselves. Ruth considers a abortion due to the economics as well as her marriage seemed to be falling apart until Walter had money and it changed their relationship. Walter thinks it will fix all his dreams and problems, and money is an indication of success and happiness. It brought out the desperation and greed, as well as deceit.

5. How do power and authority change hands over the course of the play? In the beginning mama was head of the family and the authority she gave it to Walter to be head of the family as men are suppose to.

6. Discuss how minor characters such as George Murchison, Willy Harris, and Mr. Lindner represent the ideas against which the main characters react.

7. What sort of statement does Hansberry seem to be making about race? Does she make more than one statement? If so, do these statements conflict with each other?

8. The title of the play was taken from a poem by Langston Hughes called "Harlem” (see page 1771). Discuss the relationship between the poem and the play. What themes do the two pieces share? Why do you think Hansberry chose to name her play A Raisin in the Sun? How does it relate to the dreams of each of the characters? What are the dreams of the main characters—Mama, Ruth, Beneatha, and Walter—and how are they deferred? The relationship is to bring exposure to the real African life and their struggle within society, the conflicts, poverty and discrimination. I believe the title was given because it says if you give up on your dreams you’re as good as a raisin that just transforms and shrivels up. The play relates the importance of dreams and the frustration of deferred dreams. The strength within the family and the importance of family. The social and economic status within a family structure. About race and gender roles and that dreaming can be motivation and have and have effects on your life both positive and negative. Mama’s dream is to live in a bigger nice home with a yard and a garden. Ruth’s dream is also to have a nice home for her family. Beneathas dream is to be a doctor she can heal and save her race and culture from ignorance. Walters dream is to be rich and successful. Mamas is deferred because her husband moved into the apartment and could never get ahead to move out. Ruth’s, Walters and Beneata’s are deferred due to no money and poverty.

9. What was happening in the country in the political and cultural realms in 1959, when the play was first produced? What elements from "real" life did Hansberry reflect in her play?
Segregation and discrimination, as well as with the society and the south and north and self-segregated within racial and economic realm. Hansberry also experienced the hatred first hand when her family was the first black family to move into an all-white Chicago suburb.

10. How do you think this play would be received today? Would specific themes or characters need to be altered to have meaning to a contemporary audience? What would you alter or change in the play to make it relevant today, and why?

11. The family is an important element in the play. Describe the complex familial relationships in the play. How are conflicts between characters resolved through the course of the play?

12. What is the significance of the Welcoming Committee? The welcome committee represents something insidious, as well as the segregation and the racism that existed and stereotyping individuals also.

13. If you viewed one of the films or saw a production of the play, please write how the performance helped you understand better the different characters, the plot, and Hansberry’s message?