Raison in Sun

A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry – Study Questions

Act 1, Scene 1

1. The stage directions say that the living room in the Younger apartment might be comfortable and well-ordered, but “weariness” has “won in this room.” What physical details of the living room set show these qualities? 2. What details of the setting show that the apartment is crowded? 3. Walter’s wife, Ruth, is described as a pretty “girl,” who is changing into a “settled woman.” What has happened to change Ruth’s beauty? 4. How does the apartment building itself create problems for the Younger family as they begin the day? 5. When Walter comes into the living room, what thoughts are on his mind? What does he ask Ruth? 6. When is the check coming? 7. Walter tells Ruth that she looks young this morning and calls her “baby.” What do his remarks and Ruth’s responses reveal about their relationship? 8. When Walter’s son, Travis, comes out of the bathroom, what does he ask? 9. Walter and Ruth react differently when Travis asks for money for school. What are Walter’s and Ruth’s attitudes towards money? 10. Ruth tells Walter she doesn’t want to know what he has been thinking about. Why? What has Walter been thinking about? 11. How does Walter think women should treat their men? 12. How does Ruth react to Walter’s desire for her support? 13. Describe the immediate exchange of words between Walter and his sister, Beneatha, when she comes into the living room. 14. What are Beneatha’s hopes for her own future? Why is Walter concerned about Beneatha’s plans? 15. What sacrifices does Walter say have been made for Beneatha’s sake? How does Beneatha react when she hears this? How does their conversation end? 16. Why does Walter return to the apartment? What does he do? 17. How is Mama described in the stage directions? 18. What does Mama