Category 1: Character Detective
At the beginning of the scene, what does Walter keep asking Mama?
Where she has been all day.
In line 178, the stage directions state, 'MAMA clamps her lips together.' What does this action suggest about her reaction to Ruth's words?
Mama is holding back what she wants to say.
Rationale: Ruth has just told Mama to stay out of the disagreement with Travis, so Mama stops herself from responding.
Who is the playwright (author) of A Raisin in the Sun?
Lorraine Hansberry.
Question: At the beginning of the scene, what is Ruth planning to do to Travis when he returns home?
Text Evidence — Line 174:
RUTH: “You’re going to get it, boy! Get on in that bedroom and get yourself ready!”
A. Give Travis a reward for coming home
B. Punish Travis for leaving without permission
C. Ask Travis to help Mama
D. Tell Travis about the new house
Correct Answer: B. Punish Travis for leaving without permission.
Rationale: Ruth is angry because Travis stayed out without returning when expected. Her words suggest she intends to punish him physically.
n line 191, Ruth tells Walter, 'Please, honey—let me be glad … you be glad too.' Why is this statement important to understanding Ruth's character?
Ruth is happy about the house but also cares about Walter's feelings and wants him to share her happiness.
Rationale: She notices his anger and tries to comfort him instead of ignoring his reaction.
A student writes, 'Walter was upset Mama bought the house he turned away.' Which revision BEST improves the sentence?
A. Walter was upset, Mama bought the house he turned away.
B. Walter was upset when Mama bought the house, so he turned away.
C. Walter was upset Mama bought the house, turned away.
D. Walter upset when Mama bought the house and turned.
Answer: B. Walter was upset when Mama bought the house, so he turned away.
Rationale: It fixes the run-on and clearly shows the cause-and-effect relationship.
What is the difference between dialogue and stage directions?
Dialogue is what characters say. Stage directions tell actors what to do, how to move, or how to speak.
Question: In line 176, Mama says:
“Why don’t you all never let the child explain hisself.”
What does this dialogue reveal about Mama's character?
A. Mama believes Travis should never be disciplined.
B. Mama wants Travis to make his own rules.
C. Mama believes Travis deserves a chance to explain himself before being punished.
D. Mama does not care whether Travis follows directions.
Correct Answer: C. Mama believes Travis deserves a chance to explain himself before being punished.
Rationale: Mama shows compassion and fairness. She wants Ruth to listen to Travis before deciding how to respond.
In line 190, Mama speaks 'quietly, looking at her son with pain.' Later, she describes the house as 'good and solid' (line 198). Explain how these TWO details reveal different sides of Mama's character.
Mama is hopeful because she believes the house will give her family stability, but she is also hurt and worried because Walter is unhappy with her decision.
Rationale: A strong response explains both her confidence in the house and her concern about Walter's reaction.
In line 195, Ruth throws back her head with 'jubilance' and says, 'Praise God!' What does jubilance mean in this context?
Great happiness or excitement.
Rationale: Ruth's celebration provides a context clue.
In line 163, Mama asks, 'Where's Travis?' immediately after Walter questions her. How does this response affect the conversation?
Mama redirects the conversation away from Walter's questions.
Why: Rather than answer Walter, she brings up Travis. This helps create tension between them.
Question: Which line from the excerpt BEST reveals that Mama is emotionally hurt by Walter's reaction to buying the house?
A. Line 163: “Where’s Travis?”
B. Line 180: “I want him to be the first one to hear.”
C. Line 190: “(Quietly, looking at her son with pain) Yes, I did.”
D. Line 194: “First of the month.”
Correct Answer: C. Line 190.
Rationale: The stage directions directly describe Mama looking at Walter with pain. This shows that his negative reaction hurts her, even though she believes buying the house was the right decision.
In line 204, Ruth says, 'Mama, there ain’t no colored people living in Clybourne Park.' Mama responds, 'Well, I guess there’s going to be some now.' How do these statements reveal different attitudes toward the neighborhood?
Ruth is concerned about the racial makeup of the neighborhood, while Mama shows determination to move there anyway.
n line 184, Mama tells Travis, 'It’s going to be yours when you get to be a man.' What does this detail suggest about Mama's hopes for the house?
She wants the house to provide security and something valuable for future generations.
Rationale: She thinks about Travis owning the house when he grows up.
Which transition BEST completes the sentence? 'Mama believes the house will help the family. ______, Walter disagrees with her decision.' A. For example B. However C. Therefore D. Similarly
Answer: B. However.
What Stage Directions Do NOT Reveal
Question: In line 191, the stage directions describe Walter's reaction:
“She has laid her hands on his shoulders, but he shakes himself free of her roughly, without turning to face her.”
Which conclusion is NOT supported by these stage directions?
A. Walter is upset about Mama's decision.
B. Walter refuses Ruth's attempt to comfort him.
C. Walter is excited and ready to celebrate with Ruth.
D. Walter's actions create tension between him and Ruth.
C. Walter is excited and ready to celebrate with Ruth.
Rationale: Walter pulls away from Ruth rather than celebrating. His actions show anger and emotional distance, not excitement.
alter says in line 206, 'So that’s the peace and comfort you went out and bought for us today!' Explain why Walter's words are ironic or sarcastic, using what happens in lines 200–205.
Walter does not actually believe the house will bring peace and comfort. After learning that it is in Clybourne Park, where no Black residents live, he believes the move may create more problems.
Rationale: His bitter tone and the neighborhood revelation show that he means the opposite of what his words seem to say.
In line 201, Walter turns toward Mama with 'incredulity and hostility.' Perform this reaction without speaking, then explain what BOTH words mean.
Incredulity means disbelief, and hostility means anger or unfriendliness. The actor might turn slowly with a shocked expression and an angry stare.
In line 196, Mama lists bedrooms, a yard, flowers, and a basement. Why might Hansberry include so many specific details instead of simply writing that the house is nice?
The details help the audience picture the house and understand why Mama believes it will improve her family's life.
Rationale: They also show Mama trying to persuade Walter that the house is a good decision.
Question: In line 198, Mama tells Walter:
“It’s just a plain little old house—but it’s made good and solid—and it will be ours.”
Why does Lorraine Hansberry include this dialogue?
A. To show that Mama regrets purchasing the house
B. To emphasize that Mama values ownership and stability more than luxury
C. To explain that Mama plans to sell the house
D. To suggest that Mama is disappointed by the house's appearance
Correct Answer: B. To emphasize that Mama values ownership and stability more than luxury.
Rationale: Mama acknowledges that the house is not fancy, but she emphasizes that it is solid and will belong to the family. This reveals her belief that homeownership provides pride, security, and a better future.