Character and relationships
Who is the head of the Younger family?
Lena Younger/ Mama
What is Beneatha's dream, and how is it seen as unconventional?
Beneatha's dream is to become a doctor. Her dream is unconventional because of the time period in which the play takes place and because she is a woman of color trying to establish such a prestigious goal.
What is the importance of the younger family receiving the insurance money?
It will help their financial situation.
What kind of conflict is seen when Mama and Walter disagree of what should be done with the insurance money?
Character vs character
How does Mama feel about Walter wanting to invest the $10,000 insurance money in a liquor store?
Mama doesn't approve because it goes against her values as a religious woman.
How does Walter’s frustration with his current life and his job as a chauffeur influence his dream of owning a liquor store?
Walter believes that owning a liquor store will gain him respect and money, which, he doesn't receive in his current job as a chauffeur.
How does Ruth's pregnancy affect the family?
Ruth's pregnancy means they will need to be financially responsible for yet another life which isn't ideal considering they can barely afford to live comfortably.
Identify the type of conflict and answer the question. How does Walter’s internal conflict about his role as a man and provider shape his interactions with his family?
Walter's internal conflict revolves around the fact that he wants to be deemed worthy as a man and become the head of the household, which is why he tries to pitch his dream to Mama, so he can feel like he is responsible for his family.
What does Travis ask his father, Walter, for, and how does this interaction reflect their relationship?
Travis asks Walter for 50 cents for school, and despite not having the money, Walter gives it to him, showing Walter’s desire to provide for his son even when it strains him financially.
How does Mama's dream of owning a house with a garden reflect her character?
It shows Mama's nurturing side which she has for her family and her love for plants.
What is the significance of Walter saying "WILL SOMEBODY LISTEN TO ME" when the insurance money came?
This moment highlights Walter's frustration in being heard, and getting his dream across to Mama and Ruth, but instead gets dismissed.
What is the ongoing conflict that is happening in the Younger household?
They are all trying to make their dreams happen.
How does Walter’s relationship with Ruth reflect his growing sense of frustration and powerlessness within the family?
- He feels emasculated by his inability to achieve his dreams and constantly lashes out at Ruth because of money.
How does Ruth’s reaction to discovering her pregnancy reveal the tension between her personal dreams and her reality?
Although Ruth desires stability for her family such as wanting a house she fears that another baby will add to the financial burden.
How does the introduction of George Murchison, Beneatha’s love interest, reveal Beneatha’s values as a modern woman?
Beneatha finds George to be "shallow" due to his wealth. she isn't swayed by such matters like Ruth and Mama were
How does Walter’s response to being denied the opportunity to invest in the liquor store highlight a Character vs. Society conflict?
Walter's dream of having a liquor store directly ties into Character vs. Society because he will deem himself respected by society if he owns a business
What is the significance of Mama’s relationship with her plant in relation to her family?
The plant symbolizes Mama’s care and hope for her family. Just as she nurtures the struggling plant, she tries to keep her family together despite their difficulties.
How does Walter’s fixation on the liquor store investment represent not only his personal aspirations but also his deep-seated need for validation in a society that limits his opportunities?
His need for a liquor store is not just a dream to him, but his obsession with desiring to be something in a society full of established, well-respected people.
What kind of sacrifice is Ruth willing to make to make sure her family doesn't struggle even more? (hint it's related to her pregnancy)
She is willing to move forward with an abortion to spare her family any more financial struggles?
How does Beneatha’s internal conflict between her desire for personal independence and her reliance on her family's financial support reflect a Character vs. Self struggle?
Beneatha experiences character vs. self because she is torn between wanting to live independently and achieve her dreams, but would feel guilt since her family doesn't have much money to cover her tuition.