A Raisin in the Sun

Reading Guide Questions

Act I, Scene I

1. The stage directions say that the living room in the Younger apartment might be comfortable and
well-ordered, but ''weariness" has "won in this room." What physical details of the living room set show
these qualities?

A table and chairs are moved to cover up the worn places in the carpet and and put coverings on the
couch.

2. What details of the setting show that the apartment is crowded?

There is a small kitchen area, they eat in the living room which also serves as a dining room, the
mother and daughter have to share a room, the dining room is used as a bedroom for two people, and
travis has to sleep in the living room.

3. Walter's wife, Ruth, is described as a pretty "girl," who is changing into a "set�tled woman." What
has happened to change Ruth's beauty?

Since her life has changed and not turned out the way she has wanted, her dreariness has begun to
show in her face.

4. How does the apartment building itself create problems for the Younger family as they begin the day?

There is only one bathroom shared by their whole family.

5. When Walter comes into the living room, what thoughts are on his mind? What does he ask Ruth?

He is wondering if Travis is out of the bathroom yet. He asks Ruth why she woke him up while Travis
was still in the bathroom.

6. When is the check coming?

Saturday morning

7. Walter tells Ruth that she looks young this morning and calls her "baby." What do his remarks and
Ruth's responses reveal about their relationship?

That they once really loved each other and had good times together.

8. When Walter's son, Travis, comes out of the bathroom, what does he ask?

He asks for 50 cents and when the check is coming.

9. Walter and Ruth react differently when Travis asks for money for school. What are Walter's and
Ruth's attitudes about money?

Ruth is more practical and wants to save money and Walter is more willing to spend money.

10. Ruth tells Walter she doesn't want to know what he has been thinking about Why? What has Walter
been thinking about?

He has been thinking about the liquor store and she thinks that it is a risky investment.

11. How does Walter think women should treat their men?

He thinks that women should support their men.

12. How does Ruth react to Walter's desire for her support?

She ignores him and and wants him to be more practical

13. Describe the immediate exchange of words between Walter and his sister, Beneatha, when she
comes into the living room.

They start fighting and there is tension between them. Walter tells Beneatha that she looks terrible.

14. What are Beneatha's hopes for her own future? Why is Walter concerned about Beneatha's plans?

She hopes to be a doctor. Walter is concerned with her plans because college is expensive.

15. What sacrifices does Walter say have been made for Beneatha's sake? How does Beneatha react
when she hears this? How does their conversation end?

Walter says that he works hard to clothe her and have food for her. She gets upset and says forgive
me for ever wanting anything at all.

16. Why does Walter return to the apartment? What does he do?

He returns for the carefree money and then leaves again

17. How is Mama described in the stage directions?

She is described as strong and brave

18. What does Mama retrieve when she opens the window? What is unique about this object?

Her plant. It is unique because it has survived with little sunlight.

19. How does Mama interfere in Ruth's life?

She told Ruth that she needed to eat more and questions the breakfast that she gave Travis.

20. In conversations with Ruth and Beneatha in this scene. Mama's values become more clear. How
does Mama feel about money?

She feels that money should be spent on the school and the house.

21. What kind of man was Big Walter? Why does Mama claim he worked himself to death?
He was a family man and worked hard for the family.

22. How much does Mama value religion? How does she react to Beneatha's denial of God?

She slaps Beneatha and because she strongly values religion.

23. Mama compares her plant to her children. How are the plant and the children alike? What does the
plant symbolize to Mama?

They both don’t have a lot to grow up with and resources but they still grow. The plant symbolizes
growth.

24. What does Mama ask Ruth to do at the end of this scene? What happens to Ruth?

She asks her to sing, then she faints.