A Raisin in the Sun Quotes and Introduction Flashcards
Walter’s frustration when trying to talk to Ruth and she tells to just…
Man say to his woman: I got me a dream. His woman say: Eat your eggs.
(Walter unveils the depth of his frustration which will defines his character. He pits men and women against each other, implying Ruth’s focus on the domestic sphere and lack of ambition is typical of women—especially black women who are often forced into service roles.)
- “his woman” sexism, possession, gender roles to comment on
Mama trying to provide her unaccomplished dreams for her children/family
[God] did give us children to make them dreams seem worth while.
( Her motivation is to use her husband’s money to help her children and grandchildren achieve their dreams.)
Mama’s argument with Beneatha and religious beliefs
In my mother’s house there is still God.
(Mama’s conflict with Beneatha stems from Beneatha’s atheist worldview, which puts power and miracle making in the hands of humans. Mama asserts her authority in the house and reminds Beneatha that family will always be a more important force in her life than education and new ideas.)
Asagai explaining his nickname for Beneatha
One for Whom Bread—Food—Is Not Enough.
(Asagai gives Beneatha the Yoruba name Alaiyo, bringing her closer to her roots and summing up her motivations and personality. The name’s meaning encapsulates the main characters’ longing for more than mere survival.)
Mama and Walter’s disagreement on the main goal of life
Once upon a time freedom used to be life—now it’s money.
(Mama and Walter disagree on the most important goal in life. Mama is content with freedom and the ability to make her own choices, but Walter tells her she isn’t actually choosing what she wants—she’s limited by poverty.)
metaphor
Walter’s encounter with George and his anger
Bitter? Here I am a giant—surrounded by ants!
(The contrast between how he sees himself and how the world treats him is a sore point for Walter.)
metaphor
Beneatha’s loss of hope when talking to Asagai after Walter’s mishap with the money
There isn’t any real progress … only one large circle that we march in.
(Beneatha’s uncertain about her family’s fate and frustrated with how far so-called progress has gotten them. This leads to a view of the world that denies the possibility of real change. Asagai disagrees with her about the possibility of real progress, saying he’s seen true change in the cycles of African history, even though the process has been difficult.)
metaphor
Asagai supporting and telling Beneatha to continue fighting
I wonder if the quiet was not better than … death and hatred.
(Here Asagai speaks about the cycles of history—he believes that violence, struggle, and revolution do lead to lasting, positive change and better lives. He helps show Beneatha that the life she and her family want is worth fighting for.)
Ruth not wanting to call in sick but Mama looking after her x3
“It’s something white people get too”
“you been cut up or something”
“respectable to them”
Mama not giving up on Walter even after he lost their money
When you starts measuring somebody, measure him right.
(Knowing that family members see each other at their worst she reminds Beneatha of the importance of loyalty. Mama agrees with Asagai that struggle and pain can lead to great accomplishments and provide the true measure of a man or woman.)
ARITS Introduction
“A Raisin in the Sun” by playwright Lorraine Hansberry is a modern domestic drama; set in Southside Chicago in 1957. The drama explores the themes: dreams, race and money.
Mama telling Beneatha not to be so enraged at Walter
You need to love him most when he’s at his lowest.
Sexism
What women understand about the world
that woman , she?
tied to a race of women with small minds
Racial prejudice
coloured people ain’t never… getting ahead till they start gambling
divide between races
“real-live rich coloured people”
“more snobbish than rich white people is are rich coloured people”
