Study Questions

SHORT ANSWER STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS - A Raisin in the Sun
Act I Scene One
1. Why did Walter ask Ruth what was wrong with her?
2. Why was Ruth upset when Walter gave Travis the money?
3. Who are Willy and Bobo?
4. Walter said, "Damn my eggs . . . damn all the eggs that ever was!" Why?
5. Who is Beneatha?
6. Why was Mama getting a check for $10,000?
7. Why did Beneatha say she wouldn't marry George?
8. What was Beneatha's attitude towards God?
9. What happened to Ruth at the end of Act I Scene One?
Act I Scene Two
1. Who is Joseph Asagai?
2. What did Ruth find out at the doctor's office?
3. Why is Asagai's present to Beneatha appropriate?
4. Why is Asagai's nickname appropriate?
5. What does Mama say is "dangerous"?
6. Where did Ruth actually go instead of the doctor's office?
7. Why did Mama call Walter a disgrace to his father's memory?
Act II Scene One
1. What was Beneatha's family doing when George came in?
2. What are "assimilationist Negroes"?
3. What did Mama do with her money?
4. What was Walter's reaction to Mama's purchase? Ruth's reaction?

Act II Scene Two
1. How did Ruth find out Walter hadn't been going to work?
2. Where had Walter been going instead of to work?
3. What did Mama do for Walter?

Act II Scene Three
1. Who was Karl Lindner, and why did he visit the Youngers' house?
2. What was Walter's reaction to Lindner?
3. What presents did Mama get?
4. What news did Bobo bring to Walter?