Characters
This character is the matriarch of the Younger family.
Who is Lena Younger or Mama?
This item represents Mama's dream and the family's resilience.
What is Mama's plant?
The central concept of the pursuit of happiness/better life is closely tied to this theme.
What is the American Dream?
Which character said the following quote: "I was lookin' in the mirror and thinking about it...I'm thirty-five years old, I been married eleven years and I got a boy who sleeps in the living room--and all I got to give him is stories about how rich white people live"
Who is Walter?
The play's title comes from this literary work by Langston Hughes.
What is "Harlem" or "A Dream Deferred"?
This character wants to become a doctor and is dating Joseph Asagai.
Who is Beneatha Younger?
This item is the catalyst (the main reason behind) much of the play's conflict.
What is the insurance money/check?
Beneatha's storyline particularly explores this theme related to her heritage.
What is cultural identity?
Which character said the following quote: "No--there's something come down between me and them that don't let us understand each other and I don't know what it is. One done almost lost his mind thinking 'bout money all the time..."
Who is Mama?
Mama's plant is an example of this literary device.
What is symbolism?
This character works as a chauffeur and dreams of opening a liquor store.
Who is Walter Lee Younger?
This piece of furniture symbolizes the family's poverty and dreams of a better life.
What is the worn-out sofa/couch?
Walter's actions and attitudes often bring this theme to the forefront.
What is masculinity/gender roles?
These characters are involved in the conversation below: (1) "Were you born with it like that?" (2) "No...of course not." (1) "How then?"
Who are Beneatha & Asagai?
This character brings ominous news to the Younger household.
Who is Mrs. Johnson?
This character is Walter's wife and works as a domestic servant.
Who is Ruth Younger?
This African instrument represents Beneatha's search for identity.
What are the Nigerian robes or records?
The family's decision to move challenges this social issue prevalent in 1950s Chicago.
What is housing racism/segregation?
This character says the following quote: "I guess maybe I better go on and do what I started...I guess I just didn't realize how bad things was with us..."
Who is Ruth?
Walter's drunken "African" dance is an example of this literary device, highlighting his disconnection from his heritage.
What is irony?
This character is the representative of the Clybourne Park Improvement Association.
Who is Karl Lindner?
This household pest symbolizes the family's current living conditions and their desire to escape them.
What are the cockroaches/rats?
This theme is tested throughout the play but ultimately triumphs, as evidenced by the family's final decision despite external pressures.
What is family unity?
This character said the following quote: "And at the moment the overwhelming majority of our people out there feel that people get along better, take more of a common interest in the life of the community, when they share a common background."
Who is Mr. Lindner?
Beneatha is so upset that Walter gave away her portion of the money that she contemplates making this life decision.
What is giving up on being a doctor?