Characters
Who is the matriarch of the Younger family in A Raisin in the Sun?
Hint: Matriarch means "a woman who is the head of a family".
Mama (Lena Younger)
What does Mama want most for her family in A Raisin in the Sun?
A better life and home of their own
What main conflict stands between Mama and Walter?
They disagree about how to use the insurance money
What major action does Mama take in A Raisin in the Sun that changes everything?
She uses the insurance money to buy a house
What is Ruth’s relationship to Mama?
Daughter-in-law
Which character in “Sucker” tells the story from a first-person point of view?
Pete
What does Walter Lee want to do with the insurance money?
Invest it in a business to gain wealth and independence
What keeps Ruth from fully enjoying the house news?
Walter’s anger and tension in the family
What action shows Ruth’s excitement about Mama’s news?
She praises God and celebrates joyfully
How does Mama show her love for Travis?
She tells him the news about the house first and buys it for his future
Which character shows joy about the new house but also worries about Walter’s reaction?
Ruth
What does Ruth want when she says “Please, honey—let me be glad”?
Peace and unity in the family; for Walter to share in her happiness
In “Sucker,” what obstacle keeps Pete from treating Sucker kindly at first?
Pete’s selfishness and distraction with Maybelle
In “Sucker,” what does Pete do to show kindness toward Sucker after their talk?
Gives him gifts like books and boxing gloves
How does Pete’s relationship with Sucker change after their talk?
He begins to appreciate Sucker more deeply
Who is the character that looks up to Pete and wants to be close to him?
Sucker
What does Pete want at the start of “Sucker”?
Maybelle’s attention and affection
What social obstacle might the Youngers face after Mama buys the house?
Racial segregation and hostility in Clybourne Park
How does Sucker change after Pete starts treating him better?
He becomes more confident and open
In “Sucker,” what happens to Pete and Sucker’s relationship by the end of the story?
It weakens; Sucker becomes distant after Pete’s embarrassment
In A Raisin in the Sun, which character reacts with anger and disbelief when Mama reveals what she did with the insurance money?
Walter
What does Sucker want from Pete during their late-night conversation?
To feel loved and accepted like a real brother
What emotional obstacle prevents Pete from showing pride in Sucker at the movie theater?
Embarrassment and uncertainty about how others will see him
What action at the movie theater reveals Pete’s conflicting feelings toward Sucker?
He almost introduces him to Maybelle but hesitates out of embarrassment
What theme about family relationships connects both stories?
Families struggle with conflict and misunderstanding, but love and connection remain central