“A‌ ‌Raisin‌ ‌in‌ ‌the‌ ‌Sun”‌ ‌-‌ ‌Study‌ ‌Questions‌ ‌ ‌ Act‌ ‌I‌ ‌-‌ ‌Scene‌ ‌II‌

1. According to Mama, what sad little errand did Ruth go on?

2. Consider Beneatha’s visitor in this scene. Who is he, and what is his background? What is he like? Describe him and Beneatha’s relationship. What role do you predict he will play in the story?

3. Mama is uncomfortable with visitors when the house is such a mess. In contrast, what worries Beneatha about Asagai’s visit? Why?

4. Beneatha, Ruth, and Mama are interrupted by a commotion out in the street. What is going on? How do Mama and Ruth react when they learn what is happening? Explain why Ruth reacts as she does.

5. What present does Asagai give Beneatha?

6. What, according to Asagai, do all American girls –black and white—talk about too much? What does their talking so much about it indicate to him?

7. Asagai calls Beneatha by a different name, “Alaiyo.” What does it mean in Yoruba? Why do you think he chooses this particular name for her?

8. When the check finally arrives and Mama is holding it in her hands, what is her reaction? Why?

9. At the end of this scene, Mama expresses her feelings of disconnection from Walter and Beneatha and from their whole generation. Why does she feel disconnected? How are Beneatha and Walter’s values different from her own? Explain how Mama’s feelings reflect a universal experience between parents and children.

10. Mama does not support Ruth’s decision to have an abortion, but she rationalizes it to Walter: “When the world gets ugly enough—a woman will do anything for her family.” What does Mama mean?