some pretentiousness to press the point Hansberry does not mention the slave trading aspect of West African history in this play; possibly she believed that this fact would be intentionally misinterpreted. In 1959, the dream was to work hard and live a comfortable life. He goes quickly to his bedroom, and Mama remains sitting and worrying. Walter imagines himself as a great chief, a fantasy that connects to his desire to fulfill a traditional male role as a powerful protector and provider for his family. George proves to be as pedantic as Beneatha, peppering his arguments with literary allusions and oftentimes esoteric references for example, calling Walter "Prometheus." Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. Mamas unending devotion to her small houseplant signifies her Using garment catalogs, compare sizing charts. Walter then employs the phrase to illustrate how women keep men from achieving their goalsevery time a man gets excited about something, This symbol signifies Beneatha's anti-assimilationist beliefs as well as her desire to shape her identity by looking back to her roots in Africa., Mama decides to . Finally, in this scene, Hansberry makes an emphatic statement about integration. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. Lorraine Hansberry's father was a successful real estate businessman; apparently, the Murchison family of Raisin is equally successful, for Walter refers to the Murchisons' purchase of a big hotel on the "Drive." Mamas explains that her choice of neighborhood was financial, but, as evidenced by her reluctance to sharing this detail with Ruth and Walter, she clearly has some concerns about the situation. This scene portrays both George Murchison and Booker T. Washington as assimilationists, and Mama refers to them both as fools. While Mama calls George a fool only in response to Beneathas remark, her branding of Booker T. Washington with such an insult has profound historical and cultural implications. Walter both abhors Georges outward signs of wealth, such as his outfit, and deeply covets them, as evidenced by his attempt to interest George in his business ideas. wits by a third, Rhett Butler. Youve successfully purchased a group discount. Beneathas statement that equates Mrs. Johnson and the KKK show the extent to which she believes assimilationist ideology is a scourge on the African-American community. This scene emphasizes Beneatha's naivete about African culture, for although she is wearing the Nigerian robe and headdress, she is "fanning herself with an ornate oriental fan" and inadvertently appears more Asian than African. Hansberry wrote her story in 1959. Act II, Scene 2: Questions and Answers . Though Georges wealth and bearing impress Mama at first, she eventually shares Beneathas point of view. two husbands and finally is matched in black people, Muslims, Jews, Catholics, They all become worried when they hear that the house is in Clybourne Park, an entirely white neighborhood. Walter has lost all hope and motivation, completely abandoning his duties as a husband and father. Packing crates, signifying the family's upcoming move, dot the room. As was evident during her conversation with Mrs. Johnson, Mama realizes that her denial of Walters dream has only added to the many limitations that already curb Walters opportunities for advancement. She has come to visit to tell them about a Black family who has been bombed out of their home in a white neighborhood. Murchison, on the other hand, knows nothing of his African past, despises the little he knows of his heritage, and, therefore, hates himself. She named this child Ibn-alHakim, which means "son of the wise man," but he was popularly known as Menelik. The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. Jacobs kettle A Raisin in the Sun: Act 2 What would you do if you suddenly came into more money than you ever thought possible? Mama and Ruth offer her food and drink, and she gladly accepts. Discount, Discount Code lynching Act 1, Scene 1 84 A RAISIN IN THE SUN. Hansberry's description of Walter as he chants to the African music with Beneatha includes a reference to Shaka Zulu, or Chaka: "On the table, very far gone, his eyes pure glass sheets. Alludes to Greek mythology when Prometheus took fire from the gods and shared it with people. They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. refers to the character "Madame Butterfly" $24.99 Refine any search. She seems to resent their desire to escape from the place where she herself lives. The Man / Capn Boss / Mistuh Charley This character, however, was cut from the original stage production in order to reduce production costs. A Raisin In The Sun Allusion Analysis 652 Words | 3 Pages. Last updated by Aslan on 9/14/2014 2:37 PM . George is pedantic an academic show-off constantly making literary allusions even when he knows that this information is lost upon his audience. The "Mrs. Johnson" character brings laughter to the scene, for she is a comical figure, but she also expresses sentiments that have always been prevalent in the black community. Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. Although they clearly do not enjoy Mrs. Johnsons visits, they treat her kindly as a courtesy. Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# When Mrs. Johnson enters, she brings the Youngers a newspaper that tells of a bombing of a black family's home in an all-white neighborhood. Mama returns unexpectedly and announces to Travis especially and also to Walter and Ruth that she has put a hefty down payment on a house in an all-white neighborhood. But Mama explains that a comparable house in a black neighborhood would cost twice as much. Also, embarrasses Walter Lee because he is uneducated and doesn't understand the allusion. Describe Walter's change in attitude toward Beneatha. never been 'fraid of no crackers After Mama has announced her plans to buy a house in an all-white neighborhood, Ruth at first expresses fear. dramatic, mysterious; George calls Although Asagai has received a Western-style education, as George Murchison has, Asagai does not have a problem of identity. Allusions/Essential Terms in A Raisin in the Sun. Mali's most well-known king, Mansa Musa, advanced his civilization to a point of such great wealth that when he made his pilgrimage to Mecca, he spent more than a hundred camel-loads of gold on his holy trip. I guess I better be going . When he heard about Hampton Institute in Virginia, a school for blacks, he enrolled in order to study brick masonry, paying for his education by working as the janitor. Struggling with distance learning? He implies in his speech that men do not like aggressive, independent, liberated women, and that if she ever hopes to get married and have a family, she is going to have to "drop the Garbo routine," meaning she will have to stop studying and thinking so much, and start acting "like a [submissive] woman.". Later on the same Saturday, Beneatha emerges from her room cloaked in the Nigerian clothes that Asagai has brought her. He says that he feels depressed, despondent, and useless as the man of the family. and then adds that Beneatha is as "fresh PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. read analysis of Mamas Plant, Beneathas natural hair symbolizes her pride in her African heritage and her desire to explore her African roots. Share your findings with the class. Youve successfully purchased a group discount. George tells Beneatha that she is too much of an intellectual and that men don't like opinionated, liberated women. Walter believes that the insurance money Mama gives him can provide him with financial success and educational resources for his son, a priority he values more highly than his sisters goal of becoming a doctor. . Because of their strong philosophical differences, any marriage between these two is destined to fail. 20% Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1699 titles we cover. The possibility of achieving his dream reinvigorates Walter and permits him to regain his identity as a worthy husband and father. The lion is waking This phrase refers to all of the African countries that were beginning to demand their independence of colonial rule. Prometheus, the god who was punished for having brought fire to mortals, was chained to Mt. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. In the play A Raisin in the Sun written by the playwright Lorraine Hansberry the reader witnesses various acts of betrayal from family members and friends throughout the selection based on a black family living in the South Side of Chicago during the 1950s. After Mrs. Johnson leaves and Mama learns that Walter has not been to work in three days, she feels responsible for his despair ("I been doing to you what the rest of the world been doing to you"), so responsible, in fact, that she gives him $6500, all that's left of the insurance check after her downpayment of $3500 on the Clybourne Park house, so that he can feel that he is the "man of the house." PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. His comments put him further at odds with Beneatha, and she begins to feel more of an affinity with Asagai and her African roots than with George and what she considers to be his false roots in American society. 7), F. Period 4 1800 - 1848 Amsco Note Taking Guide (Ch. winking for . Because Beneatha is not accustomed to African dress, she does not "wear" it properly. A+ Student Essay: The Role of Money in the Play, Lorraine Hansberry and A Raisin in the Sun Background. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. that she knows the Bible from an pot or to receive waste water from a She dances around the apartment, claiming to be performing a tribal dance while shouting OCOMOGOSIAY and singing. Complete your free account to request a guide. $24.99 George Murchison arrives to pick up Beneatha. [Y]our daddys gonna make a . Ashanti Beneatha's reference to the Ashanti people, along with George Murchison's references to the Songhay Empire, Benin, and the Bantu language, shows that Hansberry herself had some knowledge of the African continent and its culture. Mrs. Johnson says white folks in Chicago are acting like the ones in Mississippi. on 50-99 accounts. You may cancel your subscription on your Subscription and Billing page or contact Customer Support at custserv@bn.com. He sees Beneatha all dressed up and acts out some made-up tribal rituals with her, at one point standing on a table and pronouncing himself Flaming Spear. Ruth looks on wearily. Thus began the Benin practice of making bronze-brass castings to memorialize important events. Benin was the art produced in Africa To say that A Raisin in the Sun has a lot of allusions is an understatement. Mama asks for their understandingit was the only house that they could afford. At rise: RUTH is ironing again. Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun provides a compelling and honest look into one family's aspiration to move to another Chicago neighborhood and the thunderous crash of a reality that African Americans faced when attempting to do so. Act I Scene 2, Next and any corresponding bookmarks? Ruth is elated to hear this news because she too dreams of moving out of their current apartment and into a more respectable home. shows how the life of an unassuming Act II, Scene i Summary: Act II, scene i Later on the same Saturday, Beneatha emerges from her room cloaked in the Nigerian clothes that Asagai has brought her. the best little combo in the world This phrase refers to the band of musicians that Walter admires in the Green Hat. especially in the South, directed against may appear on any quiz! for a customized plan. read analysis of Beneathas Hair, The insurance payment that results from Big Walters death illustrates the tremendous sacrifice that makes at least some of the Youngers dreams a reality. Uncle Tom: reference to Harriet Beecher . Still, her desire is somewhat radical, because Black Americans were largely left out of depictions of the American dream during this period. threw a revolt against the oppressive pots. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. With this money, Mama says, Walter should becomeand should act like he has becomethe head of the family. Walter, whether consciously or not, is acting as if his and his sons interests are more important than Beneathas, even though Beneatha has proven she is intellectually capable. Mama's unending devotion to her small houseplant signifies her read analysis of Mama's Plant. Part of her dream is the simple desire for consumer goods. Cross), The Methodology of the Social Sciences (Max Weber), Principles of Environmental Science (William P. Cunningham; Mary Ann Cunningham), Psychology (David G. Myers; C. Nathan DeWall), Brunner and Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing (Janice L. Hinkle; Kerry H. Cheever), Give Me Liberty! In Beneatha and Georges conversation, Hansberry reveals two sets of values regarding education. Mrs. Johnson's intent is clearly to belittle the importance of the Youngers' getting away from the horrid conditions of their cramped apartment. Free trial is available to new customers only. Hughes was a prominent Black poet during the 1920s Harlem Renaissance in New York City, during which Black artists of all kindsmusicians, poets, writersgave innovative voices to their personal and . Her pregnancy is no longer a burden, but instead signifies hope and expectation. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. The doorbell rings suddenly, and George Murchison arrives for his theater date with Beneatha. Period 5 1844 - 1877 Amsco Note Taking Guide (Ch. The British attack on Benin, ironically, was initially to retaliate for the killing of nine European travelers. Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. The inexcusable complicity of the Africans in the heinous slave trade, however miniscule it might have been, is often exaggerated perhaps in an attempt to assuage guilt over the grand scale involvement in the violation of human rights by all those connected with the Atlantic slave trade. He gets into a heated debate with her over the history and heritage of black people, all of which he belittles as insignificant, and then he antagonizes Walter by dismissing Walter's attempts to discuss his "big" business plans with him. lead lives of quiet desperation." He thinks He also says that Beneatha is a bit too "moody" and artistic; he tells her that he didn't ask her to go on a date with him to discuss her "thoughts.". Dont have an account? touched by World War II. Morgan Park: Many Black peoplehad begun to reject assimilationist ideals, believing by this time that mainstream America would always mean white America and that assimilating into this culture would always mean degrading themselves to fit white societys perceptions of how Black peopleshould be and act. Mrs. Johnson's implication is that it is easier to survive the blatant racism of a 1959 southern town than it is to be prepared for the hidden, and therefore more dangerous, racism of the urban ghettos. George is trying to persuade Beneatha to abandon her feminist principles when he utters this philosophical truth, but throughout the play, Hansherry shows that many of the characters in Raisin do indeed lead lives of quiet desperation: Mama, although outwardly strong, is consumed with anxiety over the various, disparate directions her children are going; Walter Lee is clearly a desperate man, trying to secure a dream that eludes him; Ruth is pregnant but afraid to have this child (one more mouth to feed), especially since it will be born into a marital relationship that is deteriorating from within; Beneatha is desperately seeking her own identity while simultaneously attempting to escape the stereotypical barriers of her class and gender; and last, even Karl Lindner is a desperate man, rationalizing his rigid beliefs in a rapidly changing world. When George Murchison refers to Walter Lee as "bitter," Walter Lee agrees that he's bitter; Walter also wonders how George can be content having to live as a second-class citizen in spite of his wealth and not be bitter himself. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1699 titles we cover. The coastal people who had once been ruled by empires in the interior soon began to trade slaves and gold for firearms and ammunition since lances, spears, and arrows were no match against the rifles and cannons of the Arabs and Europeans. fight prejudice, lynching, and Jim Crow Traditionally, "crackers" refers to bigoted whites, especially those living in Georgia; here, Ruth is using the term to derogatorily refer to all white racists. Mrs. Johnson - historical First, the phrase "30 pieces and not . Mama is not moving to Clybourne Park because she wants to integrate a neighborhood; instead, she simply wants the best deal for her money. She predicts that the Youngers will also be scared out of the all-white neighborhood once they move in and insults much of the family by calling them a proud-acting bunch of colored folks. She then quotes Booker T. Washington, a famous Black thinker and assimilationist. Near the end of the play, Mama is talking to Beneatha about marrying George Murchison. And after a little bit of reading in my own Bible, since I don't know enough about it to just assume, I found out what those allusions meant. A+ Student Essay: The Role of Money in the Play, Lorraine Hansberry and A Raisin in the Sun Background. domination of a white man without Songhai (Songhay) The Sunni dynastry of Songbai conquered Mali after Mali had progressively grown weaker with its line of ineffective kings. Beneatha believes in education as a means to understanding and self-fulfillment, while George sees education as a means to get a good job. The bigger the dream gets, the more preposterous it sounds because Walter soon begins to talk about his future gardener, to whom he has given the first name of "Jefferson." Hansberry makes it clear here that George and Beneatha are not compatible. Mrs. Johnson criticizes the pride that Beneatha takes in her education, which Mrs. Johnson believes is excessive. Queen Makeda was known by many names: "Bilquis" to the ancient Moslems, "Black Minerva" and "Ethiopian Diana" to the Greeks, "Queen of Sheba" to King Solomon, and to her own people, she was "Makeda, the beautiful." Under his reign, roads were constructed, formal education and social services were instituted, and electricity was introduced. Ku Klux Klan: a secret hate group to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. "Combo" is a synonym for "band." (including. Act II Scene 2, Mrs. Johnson (Mrs. Wilhelmina Othella Johnson). Booker T. Washington Booker T. Washington (1856-1915) was one of the most influential black leaders during the period immediately following Reconstruction (1865-77). A Raisin in the Sun: Act 2, Scene 2 Summary & Analysis Next Act 2, Scene 3 Themes and Colors Key Summary Analysis On a Friday night a few weeks later, George and Beneatha enter the apartment after a date. My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class., Requesting a new guide requires a free LitCharts account. Chaka: he became chief of the Zulu clan slop jars: a large pail used as a chamber Contact us It's also worth noting that he dreams of sending his son to college, though he mocks Beneatha's ambitions to get an education. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. The act addresses themes of race, assimilation, dreams, gender, and money from the vantage points of the Youngers, an African American. After Joseph Asagai refers to Beneathas Caucasian-style straightened hair as mutilated, Beneatha reevaluates the significance of her After George's exit, Walter Lee and Ruth reminisce about their early days together and contrast their early dreams and warm feelings for one another, compared to now, when they seem to be slipping away from one another. Read more about Beneathas hair as a symbol. The dancing scene with Beneatha and Walter is difficult to interpret, as the drunken Walter seems to mock the African dances and practices, while Beneatha seems not to comprehend this mocking. Summary and Analysis She values her mothers support, especially as it bears on her identity and self-worth as a woman. He suggested that blacks devote themselves to agriculture, mechanics, domestic service, and the professions placing more value on acquiring an industrial skill than on attaining a seat in Congress. Now, rather than insisting that she can't understand her children, Mama is trying to support them. Perhaps, because of such abuses by its kings, Mali, once one of the world's great trading nations, was eventually conquered by the neighboring kingdom of Songhai (Songhay). Kenyatta: Jomo Kenyatta, a Kenyan Gimme some sugar then a southern expression that means "Give me a hug, a kiss." Ruth and Walters conversation reveals that they do have love left in their marriage and that they have both been oppressed by their circumstances. Mama takes immense pride in the realization of her and Big Walters deferred dream. In his "Atlanta speech," Booker T. Washington urged blacks to cultivate friendly relations with white men. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. Ace your assignments with our guide to A Raisin in the Sun! A Raisin in the Sun Study Guide Literary Elements: Be ready to identify examples that fit with the following terms. The most dominant figure in recent Ethiopian history is Haile Selassie I, also known as "the Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Elect of God, and King of Kings." rights organization founded in 1909 to Beneatha uses the quote with PDF downloads of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. Beneatha uses her natural hair as a visible marker of her protest against assimilation, while George uses his social status in order to reap the benefits of membership in the mainstream of society. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. Ruth "affects" or "puts on" a tea party voice, purposely sounding pretentious . Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. How does Walter plan to use the insurance money? Mamas feeble plant represents her familys deferred dreams for a better future, which have struggled to survive under the strain of life in Chicagos South Side. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. Georges cynical response about the purpose of schooling, that it's really just a game to get the piece of paper that helps you go out in the world and make moneyruns counter to Beneathas idealistic belief in the transformative power of education. By 1180, however, a group of rival tribes united as the nation of Mali, ravaged Ghana, and put an end to its empire. This phrase also refers to the Lion of Judah. George and his family, however, believe that they should become wealthy and perhaps achieve respect through their economic status, which demands a certain degree of assimilation into the dominant, white culture. Beneatha wants to pursue a degree in medical science. and any corresponding bookmarks? Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. As Beneatha dances in a robe that Asagai gives her, George deems her interest in her African roots absurd. Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs Allusions from each act of the book Raisin in the Sun School Best notes for high school - US Degree Standard Grade Junior Course English literature and composition Academic year2017/2018 Helpful? Madame Butterfly: Beneatha is dressed in manipulative southern belle who survives the back of his hand, and straddling a chair back-. betterment of "people of color." W. E. Submitted By. He thinks, void in our lives, and we attempt to fill it. Blacks began to "choose sides," debating constantly over who was right, and over which philosophy was actually in the best interest of black people. Teachers and parents! This also marks a change in Mama, brought about by the harm she sees that she has done to Walter. He is overwhelmed and his sudden exuberance over this financial windfall leads him to share some of his many fantasies with Travis. Why does Mama buy a house in an all-white neighborhood? As the economy of Benin grew to depend upon the slave trade, internal strife once again claimed an empire as Benin declined and was eventually overwhelmed by the British. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. Walter then becomes belligerent as he makes fun of Georges white shoes. Shaka Zulu initiated the idea of complex battle formations in order to outflank and confuse his enemies, not unlike those strategies used in football formations. An opportunity for the family to escape the poverty comes when the family receive an 10,000 insurance check.
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