Characterization
Q: What does Walter's obsession with the liquor store reveal about his personality?
A: He is ambitious but feels powerless and desperate.
Q: What is the central external conflict in Act 1?
A: Walter’s conflict with Ruth and Mama about how to use the insurance check.
Q: “Seem like God didn’t see fit to give the Black man nothing but dreams.”
What device is used here?
A: Hyperbole or metaphor – expresses deep frustration.
Q: What major theme is revealed through Walter’s dream?
A: Dreams deferred and the struggle for success.
Q: What is the main idea of Act 1 overall?
A: A struggling family faces tension over money, identity, and dreams.
Q: How does Ruth show her exhaustion in Act 1?
A: She collapses and seems detached, showing emotional and physical fatigue.
Q: What internal conflict does Ruth face in Act 1?
A: Whether she can handle raising another child given their situation.
Q: Walter says, “I want so many things that they are driving me kind of crazy.”
What does this line show?
A: Emotional pressure and conflict from unfulfilled dreams.
Q: What does Ruth’s silence after the doctor’s visit show about tone?
A: A tone of dread or quiet desperation.
Q: What can you infer from Ruth’s reaction to the pregnancy?
A: She feels hopeless and overwhelmed.
Q: What do Mama’s words about dreams and God show about her values?
A: She believes in moral strength and family values over money.
Q: What plot event causes Ruth to visit the doctor?
A: Her physical collapse and emotional state suggest she may be pregnant.
Q: Asagai says Beneatha’s hair shows her assimilation. What is her hair an example of?
A: Symbolism – her search for identity and cultural pride.
Q: How is the theme of identity shown in Beneatha’s scenes?
A: Through her exploration of African culture, hair, and career path.
Q: What does the family's excitement over the check imply?
A: They view it as a chance to improve their lives and escape poverty.
Q: What can you infer about Beneatha based on her career goal and interests?
A: She’s intelligent, progressive, and searching for her identity.
Q: Why is the setting important to the family’s struggles?
A: The cramped apartment symbolizes financial hardship and tension.
Q: What figurative meaning does Mama’s plant have?
A: It symbolizes her nurturing nature and hope despite poor conditions.
Q: What tone is created in Mama and Walter’s arguments?
A: Tense and emotional.
Q: What can you infer from Mama’s care of the plant?
A: She keeps hope alive even when things seem bleak.
Q: Why is Walter’s anger toward Beneatha and Ruth really about something deeper?
A: He feels unseen and unsupported in his role as a provider and dreamer.
Q: How does Act 1’s structure build tension?
A: It introduces dreams, arguments, and the looming arrival of the check.
Q: “You’re a nut. The world’s most backward woman.”
What figurative device is used here?
A: Hyperbole – exaggeration for emphasis on Beneatha’s nontraditional views.
Q: What theme is reflected in Mama saying, “Once upon a time freedom used to be life…”?
A: Generational differences about values—freedom vs. money.
Q: What message does Hansberry send through the Younger family's struggles?
A: That dreams matter, but so do values, sacrifice, and family unity.