Act II Discussion
A Raisin in the Sun
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING
QUESTIONS ON A WORD DOCUMENT AND SAVE IT ON YOUR
Act II, sc i
1. What is the setting at the beginning of this scene? How is it different from the end of Act I?
2. What does Beneatha mean when she says, Enough of this assimilationist junk!”?
3. What is George’s reaction to Walter & Beneatha’s performing their African dance?
4. Explain 3 differences between George Murchison and Joseph Asagai.
5. What is Beneatha’s definition of assimilation? How does this definition present conflict for Benatha?
6. How do Walter & Ruth describe their relationship?
7. What news does Mama bring home and why do Walter & Ruth react as they do? Why is this both good & bad news?
8. Do you think that Walter’s closing comments to Mama beginning “What do you need me…” (p. 94) are justified? Explain your answer/
Act II, sc ii
1. Explain the disagreement between Beneatha & George regarding studying and education. How does the argument end?
2. Beneatha thanks her mother for understanding her. Specifically what understanding does Beneatha mean?
3. What does Mama learn about Walter and his job?
4. What does Mama do when she hears about Walter’s 3 days?
5. Explain what Mama means when she talks to Walter about dreams again?
6. Walter says “You trust me like that?” To what is he referring?
7. Describe the fantasy world that Walter paints to Travis when he tells him of his plans for the future.
Act II, sc iii
1. What is the atmosphere at the opening of the scene?
2. How has the Younger family changed at the end of the week?
3. What dream does Mr. Linder mention?
4. Explain the irony in Beneatha’s statement: “This,friends, is the Welcoming Committee!”
5. Where is the irony in Linder’s statement: “People can get awful worked up when they feel that
their way of life and everything they’ve worked for is threatened.”
6. Why does Walter throw Linder out of his home?
7. When she is asked about her plant, Mama replies, “It expresses me.” Explain the significance
of the wording that she chooses. Also cxplain the symbolism of the plant.
8. What does Mama receive as a gift from her family and why is this gift appropriate?
9. Explain the allusions to Scarlett O’Hara.
10. Why does Ruth look ‘as though somehow she senses death’?
11. Who is BoBo and what news does he bring to Walter?
12. Why does Walter say, “That money is made out of my father’s flesh”?
13. Besides the money, what else will the loss mean for the family?
14. Why is the last scene appropriate to the Younger family and to Mama in particular?