Tuesday, March 6, 2012

A Raisin in the Sun- Question 1

1. Show how two characters from A Raisin in the Sun are searching for a better way of life. Explain what each character is hoping to gain throughout this search and discuss the ways in which each character attempts to bring about a change in his or her life.


"Beneatha Oh, I probably will...but first I'm going to be a doctor, and George, for one, still thinks that's pretty funny. I couldn't be bothered with that. I am going to be a doctor and everyone around here better understand that!" (I.i.50).


Beneatha doesn't want to be like other girls. She wants to pursue a career as a doctor and be intelligent and successful enough to be independent. Beneatha attempts to bring about a change in her life by going to school so that she can get an education. She also attempts to bring a change in her life by talking to Asagi. Asagi believes in change and being individual and he inspires Beneatha to think differently and pursue radical ideas like thinking that there is no God. Walter also is searching for a better way of life. He hopes to be successful and rich and someone that his son can look up to. He attempts to change his life by putting all his money into a liquor store. He feels like starting his own business will make him successful and get out of the career of driving rich people around. Walter thinks that he has what it takes to live a high class life. 

A Raisin in the Sun- Question 11

11. Discuss a character from Raisin who experiences loneliness because of the difference in his/her ideas, feelings, or circumstances.


" Walter(Crossing slowly to his bedroom door and finally turning there and speaking measuredly) What you need me to say you done right for? You the head of this family. You run our lives like you want to. It was your money and you did what you wanted with it. So what you need for me to say it was all right for? (Bitterly, to hurt her as deeply as he knows its possible) So you butchered up a dream of mine-you-who always talking 'bout your children's dreams..." (II.i.95)


I think Walter feels extremely lonely throughout the play. He has a dream of making money and being successful and he wants to open a liquor store. First, his wife shoots down his dreams and won't show him any support or compassion. Then, his sister wants to use the money for her schooling and doesn't think it's wise for Walter to invest in the liquor store. His own mother doesn't even support his dreams and thinks it's also a bad idea for Walter to get involved in the liquor store. Although the liquor store is a bad idea, I think the reader can sympathize with Walter. Family is supposed to be the people you can always count on to support you and Walter doesn't have any of his family members' support. This causes him to not want to come home and go out and get drunk. He feels alone in this confined apartment because no one understands him and his pursuit of his dream. 

A Raisin in the Sun- Question 2

2. Discuss the ways in which the setting of Raisin has a profound effect upon two of the characters.


"Ruth(Turning and going to Mama fast- the words pouring out with urgency and desperation) Lena- I'll work...I'll work twenty hours a day in all the kitchens in Chicago...I'll strap my baby on my back if I have to and scrub all the floors in America and wash all the sheets in America if I have to-but we got to MOVE! We got to get OUT OF HERE!!" (III.i.140).


I think the setting has a lasting effect on Ruth and Walter. Judging from the above quote, Ruth was obviously very unhappy with the apartment and wanted desperately to move. I think she felt like living in there, there was no way out. She didn't listen to Walter and his dreams because she felt like they could never happen. She realized that her entire family was stuck in this small apartment and she didn't see a hopeful possibility that they would get out. When the chance of moving comes about, we see Ruth come to life. She actually becomes excited about something because she sees moving as a chance to start over and have some value in her life. The setting also affects Walter. I think the confinement of the apartment affects him the most. He feels trapped in this tiny apartment with his mom, wife and sister constantly nagging at him. He has big dreams but he can't accomplish those dreams because none of his family members believe in him and support him. Like Ruth, moving would be a chance to start over and a big house would mean less confinement and more freedom.