She knows that Mama believes in giving money to her church for the missionary work, but the Africans, she says, "need more salvation from the British and the French," who were the dominant colonial rulers at that time. -The hope of a better future and better things coming. What is Beneatha's reaction? -Ruth is annoyed and keeps on telling him to stop With the nickname, Asagai acknowledges and celebrates Beneathas aspirations and desire for something more than just the basics, whether in love or life, which she deeply appreciates. The news of this house gives her hope and a future for both her family and for the unborn baby inside of her. Contact us Mama, however, ignores Walter in the same way that Walter earlier ignored Ruth's attempts to tell him about her pregnancy. He is described as silent and sullen. He walks slowly across the room to his bedroom, and before turning around speaks measuredly to Mama. - There is a mix of happy, excited, and curious to see what's next. Beneathas request that her mother refrain from asking ignorant questions about Africa underscores the fact that many mid-century African Americans knew little about African life and culture. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. -They get very upset and ask him to leave. Already a member? The fact that Ruth considers an abortion, an illegal practice at the time, shows the lengths to which she would go to protect her family from further financial strain. A2S1 How can you tell that there are problems in Walter and Ruth's marriage? One for Whom Bread Food Is Not Enough Asagai gives Beneatha the Nigerian name "Alaiyo," which he translates roughly as: "One for whom bread food is not enough," meaning that his perception of Beneatha is that she is a totally developed person, both intellectually and spiritually, and that she demands answers to all of life's questions. She wants to become an independent and liberated woman. A1S1 What is your impression of Ruth? This scene significantly dramatizes the lack of understanding between parent and child. They need more salvation from the British and the French Beneatha says this to Mama as she attempts to "educate" her mother to what Beneatha feels are political realities. A1S2 Why does Mama mention Tarzan to Asagai? -Thinking about having to raise another child in the small apartment, in an unsafe/unsanitary area. It is clear that Beneatha and Asagai love each other, but there are hints of philosophical disagreement. Why does Lindner try to convince the Younger family not to move? Beneatha argues that the money belongs to Mama and that Mama has the right to decide how it is spent. What does the following statement by Beneatha's foreshadow? He teases her a bit about being very serious about finding her identity, particularly her African identity, through him. Do you believe it was the right decision? Everyone is worried about the check arriving safely because the check is the physical symbol of their freedom from their current life. A Raisin in the Sun Act I, Scene ii Summary & Analysis Asagai sees Beneatha's haircut as an example of assimilationisman acceptance of white oppression and a rejection of her African heritage. What are the surface reasons for the arguments between Walter and Ruth? Discount, Discount Code She embraces natural hair as an alternative ideal of beauty, and sees herself as embracing her African heritage. Summary and Analysis Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! Travis then leaves for school, and Walter tells Ruth that he wants to use the check to invest in a liquor store with a few of his friends. What is her "dream"? For her, their present abode is a source of oppression for them and is a great stress. In her desires to express herself and to become a doctor, Beneatha proves an early feminist who radically views her role as self-oriented and not family-oriented. Just bought a rat However, with these other conflicts involved, the Youngers seem like a real family facing real problems. -Bennie joking about Tarzan and with Asagai. Putnam admits that she sent Ruth to Tituba. If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. Purchasing Read an in-depth analysis of Lena Mama Younger. Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. Latest answer posted June 28, 2020 at 11:07:39 AM. While the play takes place entirely within the Youngers apartment, Hansberry takes care to introduce external influences. The other conflicts, such as the special treatment that Beneatha receives from Mama, Walter's resentment at not being head of the house, etc., might not have come to the foreground without the arrival of the check. -Comes to tell Walter that Willy took all their money Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! Why does he come to see Walter? Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! After Asagai gives her this nickname, however, the name Beneatha could also point to the character's spiritual, "Alaiyo" nature, which dwells beneath the physical exterior. Mama and Ruth begin to tease Beneatha about the many activities that she tries and quits, including her latest attempt to learn how to play the guitar. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. WebRuth gets up first and after some noticeable difficulty, rouses Travis and Walter as she makes breakfast. A1S2 How does Beneatha feel about the church? Hansberry uses similar minor interactions to develop the characters throughout the play. TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. behind the bureau A bureau is a piece of furniture that was usually kept in the bedroom and used for storing clothing. WebTravis is chasing the rat with his friends, which is symbolic of the myriad of forces that are "chasing" and seeking to "trap" children of color in America. How does Walter plan to use the insurance money? Mama and Beneatha are, of course, a generation apart, while Ruth occupies a place somewhere in the middle; Hansberry argues that Beneatha is the least traditional of the women because she is the youngest. -Moving the furniture, spraying insecticide, washing walls, listening to music. | A2S2 What does Mama tell Walter to do with the money? This scene includes two phone calls: one for Walter from Willy about the liquor store investment and the other for Beneatha from Joseph Asagai, her good friend and fellow intellectual. Beneatha gives Mama some facts about Africa which Mama later parrots for Asagai's acceptance and Beneatha's approval. Beneatha takes pride in her African nickname and its ability to accurately represent her dedication to her dreams. -Ruth talks happily about him and how they have been holding hands Did you know you can highlight text to take a note? He brings her some Nigerian clothing and music as gifts. How does Ruth behave when she learns about the rat In raisin Why does he visit? -Mama is very happy and says nice things about it Some of the vocabulary words have related meanings. Although Asagai is not offensively sexist, perhaps due to his Western education and worldly sophistication, still his views are traditionally African, circa 1959, and, therefore, somewhat chauvinistic. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. Especially given her condition, as she is expecting again, she was despairing of how to bring up another child in such a location but also provide for it. How does this fit Walter's character? Feminism had not fully emerged into the American cultural landscape when Hansberry wrote A Raisin in the Sun, and Beneatha seems a prototype for the more enthusiastic feminism of the 1960s and 1970s. on 50-99 accounts. Raisin In the Sun Study Guide- Act I Scene Two Flashcards Read more about the nuanced use of dialect by each character in A Raisin in the Sun. Read more about what Walter plans to do with the insurance money. Read an essay about how A Raisin in the Sun debuted at the start of the volatile 1960s. The Youngers do not mean to ignore Walter Lee and are not totally aware that they are doing so. A1S1 Why do you think Mama likes the plant so much? They discuss the man that Beneatha has been dating, George Murchison. Refine any search. It was your money and you did what you wanted with it. -Blending in with white culture When the voiced th sound arise, include a final e. List examples of each of these rules in poems. How is it like Mama's childrenand Mama herself? eNotes Editorial, 16 June 2020, https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/explain-the-different-reactions-of-ruth-and-262577. During the 1950s, abortion was illegal, but Ruth has valid reasons for not wanting her pregnancy. How does this contrast with her mother's feelings? A2S1 How does George's reaction to Beneatha's costume compare with Asagai's reaction to her hair? The fact that she later gets her hair cut shows that she recognizes that she had indeed been conforming to the ideas around her. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. Objects placed on top of the bureau often landed behind it, which, because of its size and weight, was often a difficult piece of furniture to move. Mama is upset when she realizes that Ruth is contemplating an abortion. What is the significance of the fact that Walter does not know where Ruth is? WebMama is upset when she realizes that Ruth is contemplating an abortion. Despite her cramped living situation and the lifetime of hard work that she has endured, she maintains her focus on her dream, which helps her to persevere. Beneatha easily gets worked up into a fury, and when angry, says things she does not actually mean, just as she did in Scene 1 with the comment about salt losing its savor. -He doesn't support her dreams/ideas and just uses her as a sort of trophy. LitCharts Teacher Editions. Asagai teases Beneatha for straightening her hair in order to conform to the European or Hollywood standard of beauty. Why do you think she is so upset? 16. Suddenly, there is a commotion in the street, and. Act II Scene 1. When does Walter change his mind? This shows Mama's ignorance of their African heritage and its significance to Beneatha. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. In his opinion, her hair should look as it does naturally: she should stop straightening it to look like white hair and instead wear an afro. They injected the -She will most likely take his offer because she's not happy with where e life is now and this would be a good change. Dont have an account? In most cultures, the arrival of a child is a blessed, wonderful thing, the continuation of the culture into the next generation. To those of Mama's generation, it should have been enough that Walter Lee's generation can ride at the front of a bus. The fact that Beneatha leaves in a "blaze of glory" may suggest Hansberry's approval of Beneatha's new mindset. The only window is in their small kitchen, and they share a bathroom in the hall with their neighbors. She is very pleased that Asagai sees her as she sees herself. Walter, who usually has a lot to say, is suddenly quiet. Mama sees an abortion as inconceivable for a number of reasons: first there are her religious beliefs. Note the way she responds:HALLELUJAH! From what you have seen so far, how would you describe the relationship between Ruth and Travis? How can you tell that she feels guilty? What, if any of the family's current conflicts has the issue of the insurance money caused? Eventually, Beneatha chooses Asagai, and, thus, her African heritage, over the assimilationist viewpoint embodied by George. What are the duties of a sanitary prefect in a school? They keep mentioning a check. sentence 1 (subject of a question): 2 (subject of a subordinate clause): 3 (direct object of a verb); 4 Open hostility, however, between the numerous rival factions within the country bred chaos, with several attempts to overthrow the government, civil war, and finally mass starvation. Read more about why Mama wants to own property. Free trial is available to new customers only. How does Ruth behave when she learns about the rat. What does the plant represent in the play A Raisin in the Sun? Finally, Mama tells him that Ruth is pregnant and that she fears that Ruth is considering having an abortion. for a customized plan. -Makes the mad, sad, and fearful of the pronoun in parentheses. It is difficult in such a crowded atmosphere as the Younger household for one person to be singled out and heard. -Going sledding down steep stairs when it snowed and one time a kid splitting his face open -Asagai teases Bennie bc her hair is straightened (not embracing her natural hair) CliffsNotes study guides are written by real teachers and professors, so no matter what you're studying, CliffsNotes can ease your homework headaches and help you score high on exams. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. This little scene may seem insignificant, but it develops Mama's character. Through the announcement of Ruths pregnancy, we can see the power that Mama wields as the matriarch of the family. Mama, though, feels morally repulsed by the idea of getting into the liquor business. Compare and contrast Joseph Asagai with George Murchison in A Raisin in the Sun. Beneatha represents the beginning of the postcolonial view of Africans as people who are only in need of the freedom to be themselves. He does not appreciate the depth of Ruth's despair, and cannot imagine her choosing not to have their baby. Finally, the check arrives. What does the allusion "this here can is empty as Jacob's kettle" mean? -A gardening hat -By giving him more responsibility and trusting him more This scene emphasizes the clash of cultures between the American-born black and the African. -Based on their personalities they will probably stay together but it's not a good ides. Walter then leaves for his job as a chauffeurhe has to ask Ruth for money to get to work because the money he gave Travis was his car fare. (Even in the northern cities, vestiges of segregation were apparent.) -That she comes to Africa with him when he goes back Complete the following sentence by choosing the word that best fits the context, based on information you infer from the use of the italicized word. Ruth wants to discuss her pregnancy with him and becomes upset when he will not listen. Ruth comes into the room just as Travis goes downstairs to get the mail. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. Mamas recitation shows that she, while perhaps not as interested in her African heritage as Beneatha, is willing to make an effort in order to make her guest feel at home. Not until Rosa Parks dramatically refused to sit at the back of a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1954, an act which accelerated the civil rights movement, did most blacks in the south even think about the absurdity of the "Jim Crow" laws. Thanks for creating a SparkNotes account! Youve successfully purchased a group discount. Why would Hansberry include these? The small potted plant acts as a temporary stand-in for her much larger dream. Still, no matter how much Mama works, the plant remains feeble, because there is so little light. Mamas reaction to the check shows the negative consequences of money, as the question of its use weighs heavily on Mama, as well as the fact that this money was earned through the death of her husband, and as such cant possibly be worth what it cost to get it. SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. Hay-lo Beneatha answers the telephone with this greeting, a combination of "Hey" and "Hello.". Meanwhile, Beneatha is spraying the apartment with insecticide in an attempt to rid it of cockroaches. In this movement, Black Americans embraced their racial history, stopping their attempts to assimilate, even in physical appearance. What is Hansberry saying by including the subsequent stage direction? Ruth | Commentary | John Currid | TGCBC - The Gospel Coalition What is significant about the exchange between Beneatha and Asagai about Beneatha's hair? For Mama, the next generation their hope. -Bennie really likes him and he gives her a gift If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. He felt entitled to the money for his dream and now feels that he will never have a chance at it. What is his attitude toward Mama? How does Asagai tease Beneatha about her hair? They do not seem happy, yet they engage in some light humor. Completa la siguiente frase de una manera original. -Walter comes in drunk and starts to sing and dance (being really rude and loud). Ruth and Mama talk about Walter and Beneatha, and Ruth suddenly faints. -Others says it looks like she should be in the fields. Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. Beneathas spraying of the apartment seems symbolic of her dissatisfaction with her surroundings. 20% Removing #book# for a group? How does Hansberry use it in this scene? How is Mama and Walter's conflict generational, as well as a clash of ideals? Walter does so knowing that he faces the emasculating task of having to ask Ruth for money himself as a result. WebWhile waiting for Travis, Mama asks Ruth about her visit to the doctor, and Ruths use of the pronoun she to refer to the doctor makes Mama immediately suspicious. Travis How does the piece of paper that arrives affect each member of the family? -Mama likes her plant so much because it makes their tiny apartment homier. The tantalizing arrival of the insurance check creates an expectant atmosphere. -starts out in a worn-out, older, small, crowded living room. Why? A1S2 How do the various family members use humor to reduce the stressfulness of their situation? Mama apparently donates money to missionary causes, while Beneatha believes that American and European missionaries do more harm than good in Africa. Will he try to stop Ruth? It is possible that Hansberry is attempting to make a bold feminist statement with this plot twist. You'll be billed after your free trial ends. How does Ruth behave when she learns Work with a partner to research a female scientist from the Scientific Revolution. $18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25% So what you need me to say it was all right for? She asks Ruth what she would do with the money, which amounts to $10,000. What subtle glimpse into Beneatha's soul does this conversation provide? Struggling with distance learning? Finally we see a side of Beneatha that is not just spoiled and demanding. His persistent nagging quickly irritates her. You may cancel your subscription on your Subscription and Billing page or contact Customer Support at custserv@bn.com. What is the significance of the meaning of the word "Alaiyo"? What does Asagai's use of a different name imply and foreshadow? Earlier in the play, Ruth was stressed about the knowledge that she was pregnant. -Punishment is a whipping Walter, however, wants more for himself and his family. -Because in his mind, he thought he was going to get that money to invest in one of his many dumb ideas. A1S1 Why does Mama slap Beneatha? What does her purchase show about her personality? A2S1 How can you tell that Walter is bitter about Mama's decision to buy a house? Although Beneatha takes interest in her African heritage, her straightened hair projects a message of assimilation, of managing her black attributes to make it easier to fit in, which Beneatha abhors. Ruth, however, has reached a point of despair. Once upon a time freedom used to be lifenow its money. Para saber lo que dijo el crtico de espectculos, escribe las oraciones en el condicional. His character is meant to represent a kind of broken masculinity that society perceived among Black men of the 1950s, men who were shut out of the American dream by racism and poverty. Finally, while she seems to understand Ruth's despair, she does not condone her action. Beneatha struggles against any reference to being subservient, which is often the cause of her conflict with the rest of the family. -She trusts him for the most part, but based on his past, she should not. While Travis gets ready in the communal bathroom, Ruth and Walter talk in the kitchen. Do you think she is being fair? She even indicates to Ruth and Mama that she might not get married, a possibility that astonishes them because it runs counter to their expectations of a womans role. Beneathas hair is also tied to her identity as a woman and traditional i.e., white notions of feminine beauty. How much is a biblical shekel of silver worth in us dollars? As Beneatha tries on one of the robes, Asagai asks about her straightened hair. The fact that he explains the issue softly and gently shows his gentle, yet strong nature. The interaction between Beneatha and Asagai reveals how serious Beneatha is about finding her identity. In short, Walter is questioning the reasons he cannot live the way his bosses live. She shuts herself into their bedroom. 2023 Course Hero, Inc. All rights reserved. This scene also reveals Walters growing restlessness, as well as the desperation with which Ruth is trying to hold her family together. Asagai obviously cares for Beneatha very much, and he wonders why Beneatha does not have the same feeling for him. Do you think you would like him? She repeated her experiment to focus on this area using a method called fiber photometry, which let her team monitor neural chatter in living rats. What does the following statement by Beneatha reveal about her character? 20% Mama comes into the room, and Beneatha introduces her to Asagai. Ruth feels ill and anxious about her pregnancy. When he asks why his wife cannot wear pearls, he is asking why he has to resign himself to poverty, being ever grateful that he no longer has to ride at the back of a bus. A+ Student Essay: The Role of Money in the Play, Lorraine Hansberry and A Raisin in the Sun Background. When she gets her hair cut, she also cuts herself loose from her former assimilationist ideas, and begins to accept her African heritage. By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. Renews May 7, 2023 What do you think will happen to Ruth? This is another point that reveals Beneatha's explosive and apparently selfish character. Accessed 1 May 2023. Who are the experts?Our certified Educators are real professors, teachers, and scholars who use their academic expertise to tackle your toughest questions. Wed love to have you back! Mama also imagines a garden that she can tend along with her dream house. She is, to Asagai, a person for whom "bread food is not enough.". Act I Scene 2 - CliffsNotes Ruth and Beneatha, part of a younger generation of women, differ from Mama in their reactions to the news. Why does Beneatha want to become a doctor? Beneatha claims that she is trying to express herself, an idea at which Ruth and Mama have a laugh. How do you form that impression? Why does Mama buy a house in an all-white neighborhood? Did Billy Graham speak to Marilyn Monroe about Jesus? -George just wants her to be a pretty and respectful girl and Asagai wants her to be who she really is A1S2 Why has everyone been waiting for the mailman's arrival? Explain how the ruins of Great Zimbabwe reflected the capital's wealth. (object of a preposition). Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. To Asagai, this is the worst thing an African American can do. Central Idea Essay: Why Does Mama Want to Own Property? Beneatha argues that God does not seem to help her or the family. Ruth and Mama get along the best Ruth is a strong , independent woman who wants to steer away form what is With or without the arrival of the insurance check, Walter would still long for independence and a sense of self worth. You may cancel your subscription on your Subscription and Billing page or contact Customer Support at custserv@bn.com.
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