A Raisin in the Sun: Act 2 scene 1 Discussion Questions

Directions: With your partners, discuss the questions below. Write answers to each question in complete sentences.

1. What kind of person does George Murchison seem to be? When forming your answer, consider: a. his reaction to Beneatha’s outfit and hairstyle, b. his comments about the theater and New York, and c. his attitude toward Walter
2. How does Walter treat George in this scene? What does Walter’s behavior tell you about these two characters?
3. At the end of the scene, Mama announces that she has spent the money on a house. This means Walter won’t be getting his liquor store; however, Walter seems to be upset about more than the loss of the store. What is really bothering him? What does Mama’s action say about the way she sees Walter? About Walter’s position in his family?

Act Two, scene 2 Quick Discussion Questions

1. Beneatha and George’s date ends badly. Why? What do they argue about? Explain their argument thoroughly.

2. What does Mrs. Johnson think of the Younger family? How do you know?

3. Ruth discovers that Walter has not been to work in three days. What has he been doing?

4. Why do you think Mama gives Walter all of the leftover money? What effect does it have on him?

5. When Travis tells Walter that he wants to be a bus driver, Walter doesn’t like it. Why not?

6. What kind of life does Walter envision for himself after Mama gives him the money?

Going Deeper: Explaining and Analyzing

A. Pull lines that reveal the characters of (1) George Murchison or (2) Mrs. Johnson. Then explain how Hansberry has revealed just who they are without telling the audience. Finally, why do you think Hansberry put these characters in the play?

B. The Money

1) Explain why Mama gives money to Walter? Be sure to be specific about how much he is getting and what her expectations are.

2) Analyze how Mama's giving Walter the money might be both a good and a bad idea.