Elements of Plot
Name the plot element that best fits:
The first scene of play. Meeting the main characters: Mama, Beneatha, Walter, and Ruth. Getting vivid description of the apartment where the play takes place. Hearing about the insurance money for the first time.
Exposition
Which character could best be described as:
pugnacious, disgusted with current status, passionate in speech
Walter
Name the symbol which represents Mama's American dream.
The flower pot
"When the world gets ugly enough-- a woman will do anything for her family"
Mama
Name the characters involved in the conflict described.
The traditional views vs. new (challenging) views
Mama & Beneatha
This part of the plot could be seen as the Youngers began expressing their desires for how the insurance money should be used and arguing over their differing opinions.
Which character could best be described as
intelligent, strong-willed, independent
Beneatha
What in the play could be a symbol for the societal and economic restraints that are keeping the Youngers in their current way of living?
The apartment
"People have to express themselves one way or another"
Beneatha
Name the type of conflict experienced by both Ruth and Walter as they both seem to be separately struggling with the news of the pregnancy.
(Hint: this type of conflict usually involves a character struggling to make a decision)
Internal conflict
As we continue reading the play, we suspect the climax will likely occur when...
A decision is made for the insurance money.
Which character could best be described as
self-controlled, tired, selfless
Ruth
What in the novel could be seen as a symbol for pride in one's heritage and defiance against assimilation.
Beneatha's new hair (natural) or clothes
"Look honey, we're going to the theatre-- we're not going to be in it... so go change, huh?"
George
Name the type of conflict described below.
Mama hits Beneatha for being disrespectful under her roof.
person vs. person conflict
Name the element of plot in which the conflict winds down and loose ends are tied up.
Falling Action
Which character could best be described as
hardworking, dedicated to family and values, honest (genuine)
Mama (Lena)
What in the play could be seen as a symbol for hope and new opportunity?
The insurance check
"Do you know what this money means to me? Do you know what this money can do for us?... I want so many things...."
Walter
What is the main (or central) conflict in the novel?
Mama will have to decide how to spend the insurance money (and the family's ideas conflict).
If the play ENDED with Mama on plane to Paris about to live out the rest of her days taking in the European culture, which element of plot would it be?
Resolution
educated, of African culture, admirable
Joseph Asagai
Cockroaches, rats, and other critters in the novel help to reinforce what idea/truth in the novel?
The Youngers are not living in a pleasant conditions. They are plagued by their current status and wealth situation.
"I hopes to God you ain't going to get up here first thing this morning and start talking to me 'bout no money-- 'cause I 'bout don't want to hear it"
Ruth
Beneatha's struggle to assimilate and meet expectations ..... as well as Walters frustrations with his current job and status could be described as what type of conflict?
Person (Man) vs. Society