Conflict
Walter Lee says, “WILL SOMEBODY PLEASE LISTEN TO ME TODAY!”
What conflict is this referring to?
Walter feels completely ignored and not taken seriously by his family in relation to his dreams and ideas. However, he ignores what his wife and mother are telling him.
The check arrives; how do the different characters react?
Ruth and Travis are excited and happy for the check to finally be there. Mama’s first reaction is to not make a big deal about the arrival of the check and then later becomes sad due to it seeming like the check symbolizes her husband’s death
Define Assimilationsim.
the process of absorbing something new and making it part of an existing system, often by adopting the customs, attitudes, or characteristics of a dominant group or culture, or by incorporating new information into existing mental frameworks.
When Walter says "my biggest mistake" when referring to his wife, what does show us about Walter?
Walter feels as if Ruth holds him back in life in going after his goals; she doesn’t support him at all (according to him). He is scapegoating Ruth into being the cause for all of his problems.
-Walter views himself as having made past mistakes beside the choice of his wife.
What does "Alaiyo" mean, and why does Asagai call Beneatha this?
This nickname, meaning “For whom bread is not enough,” tells us that Asagai is truly aware of how Beneatha wants more from life than the expected (marriage, family, etc.).
Define Afrocentrism.
Afrocentrism is a cultural viewpoint that centers on creating pride around the experiences, histories, and cultures of people of African descent
When Walter says, “Mama, a job?" what is he showing us about his internal conflict?
Walter despises his job, as he sees it as a joke, serving someone else in menial or trivial way (driving someone else’s car, opening car doors, etc.). Being a chauffeur is not fulfilling.
Mama says, “I don’t aim to have to speak on that again” to Walter Lee. What does this show us about Mama?
Mama’s religion has a huge influence over her disregarding the liquor store idea.
Mama is asserting dominance or superiority over her grown son. She is showing yet again that she is the leader of the family.
Define low S.E.S.
low socioeconomic status, referring to individuals or households with limited access to resources, typically due to low income, low educational attainment, or lower-prestige occupations.
This statement by Mama is in reaction to when Walter said it prior to.
What conflict exists between the two generations in regards to this quotation?
Walter despises his job, as he sees it as a joke, serving someone else in menial or trivial way (driving someone else’s car, opening car doors, etc.). Being a chauffeur is not fulfilling.
Why is the conversation Beneatha and Asagai have important regarding relationships?
The conversation shows each character's perspective on love and what the other expects from the relationship. Beneatha believes Asagai wants romance, while Asagai wants a deeper connection that Beneatha realizes.
Define, and explain where and what "Nigeria" is.
a federal republic located in West Africa that gained independence from Great Britain in 1960. It is the most populous country in Africa and has a mixed economy driven by oil production, agriculture, and services, with a population of over 200 million people.
“When the world gets ugly enough—a woman will do anything for her family.”
How does this quotation comment on Ruth's conflict as well as foreshadowing a future one?
Literal: Ruth is considering an abortion since her family cannot support another child.
Deeper Meaning: Mama too will have to decide what is best to do with the check’s funds, even if it makes some disappointed (Walter).
“Something eating you up like a crazy man. …you always tied up in some kind of knot about something.” What is Mama pointing out about Walter?
Mama is saying that Walter is always anxious and tense. Walter is unfulfilled and is a walking bomb of frustration. She doesn’t understand why he isn’t satisfied with what he has in life.
Define and explain where Liberia is.
a country in West Africa on the Atlantic coast, bordered by Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d'Ivoire. Founded in the 19th century by freed American slaves, it is known for its lush rainforests, tropical birds, and surfing beaches, with the capital city being Monrovia. The country has a diverse population of indigenous ethnic groups and a rich, complex history, having declared its independence in 1847.