knowledge of the Bible by quoting a business transaction thats going to change our lives. Refine any search. the best little combo in the world This phrase refers to the band of musicians that Walter admires in the Green Hat. A Raisin in the Sun: Act 2 What would you do if you suddenly came into more money than you ever thought possible? Ruth is apprehensive, almost frightened, when she hears that the new house is located in the all-white neighborhood of Clybourne Park. At this point, we should note that although Hansberry lauds the Ashanti empires specifically and speaks highly of the art of Benin through the dialogue of her character, Beneatha, Hansberry, herself, in other essays, refers specifically to the Ashanti as "those murderous, slave trading Ashanti." $18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25% After Joseph Asagai refers to Beneathas Caucasian-style straightened hair as mutilated, Beneatha reevaluates the significance of her Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! 84 A RAISIN IN THE SUN. Read more about Beneathas hair as a symbol. They all become worried when they hear that the house is in Clybourne Park, an entirely white neighborhood. intellectual point of view but that she does, lead lives of quiet desperation." Teachers and parents! Despite Mrs. Johnson's meddling and overly familiar manner, Mama and Ruth keep a cool head and maintain their politeness, showing the pride that they take in their family and its reputation for hospitality. simple . They ground the work in a specific time Georges obsessions seem similarhaving achieved wealth, he sees it as justifying his own sense of superiority. If those men were not a part of the entertainment industry, they were either denizens of the underworld or full-fledged or potential gangsters. lynching Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. Period 5 1844 - 1877 Amsco Note Taking Guide (Ch. Allusions/Essential Terms in A Raisin in the Sun. 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. Read more about why Mama buys a house in an all-white neighborhood. for African-Americans in Alabama. Owimoweh "Owimoweh" is the title of an African chant, referring to the waking of the lion. Ruth cannot contain her happiness at the thought of their finally being able to move out of the overcrowded apartment. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. Gone With the Wind. In 1959, the dream was to work hard and live a comfortable life. Clearly, Hansherry uses her own family's livelihood as being the livelihood of the rich black family in Raisin. Additionally, at this point Ruth is unable or unwilling to combat her husbands irresponsibility with the familys financial security, leaving the room after she hears enough of his drunken ramblings. The fulfillment of Ruths hope for an escape from the familys cramped living situation gives her the opportunity to imagine a happy future for her unborn child. . 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. You'll also receive an email with the link. She feels she needs to buy the house to hold the family together. Scarlett is a shrewd, Walters communion with his African identity centers on regaining the lost status and majesty of African leaders, which was stolen from many African-Americans through the transatlantic slave trade. To say that A Raisin in the Sun has a lot of allusions is an understatement. Wed love to have you back! 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. Walter seems to care more for Traviss education than for Beneathas, partly because Travis is his child and partly because Beneatha is a woman. Why does Mama buy a house in an all-white neighborhood? Beneatha believes in education as a means to understanding and self-fulfillment, while George sees education as a means to get a good job. can't say her opinion, then she's nothing. He is overwhelmed and his sudden exuberance over this financial windfall leads him to share some of his many fantasies with Travis. Zip. and then adds that Beneatha is as "fresh Allusions In A Raisin In The Sun. Taking a defensive stance, Walter describes himself as a volcano in an attempt to fortify his male identity. from your Reading List will also remove any Beneatha wants to pursue a degree in medical science. Period 4 1800 - 1848 Amsco Note Taking Guide (Ch. It means that Asagai is proposing to Beneatha, Beneatha tells Walter Lee he is a prophet leading them out of the wilderness. Du Bois, educated at Fisk, Harvard, and the University of Berlin, was a writer and political activist, activities which Washington perceived as frivolous. Acd English I / Duryea-Lojko Name ____________________ LitCharts Teacher Editions. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. The new Mali Empire, larger and more wealthy that the former empire of Ghana, reached from the Atlantic Ocean to the Niger River and north to the Sahara Desert. Ruth is elated to hear this news because she too dreams of moving out of their current apartment and into a more respectable home. Hansberry makes it clear here that George and Beneatha are not compatible. Booker T. Washington Booker T. Washington (1856-1915) was one of the most influential black leaders during the period immediately following Reconstruction (1865-77). Beneatha alludes to the KKK when Ms. Johnson is racist towards their own kind. A Raisin in the Sun: Act 2, Scene 1 Summary & Analysis Next Act 2, Scene 2 Themes and Colors Key Summary Analysis That evening, Ruth is ironing and listening to the radio when Beneatha enters "grandly" from her bedroom, wearing the robes and headdress that Asagai gave her that morning. 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. Washington, historically a hero to many in the Black community, preached assimilation into mainstream America as the primary goal of Black Americans. This also marks a change in Mama, brought about by the harm she sees that she has done to Walter. It's not education he doesn't believe init's education for women. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. read analysis of The Insurance Payment, Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. washbowl or the contents of chamber Packing crates, signifying the family's upcoming move, dot the room. Refine any search. (One of Washington's first staff appointments was Dr. George Washington Carver, whose brilliance in the field of agriculture is not as well documented as his "peanut" discoveries.) Allusions, serve several purposes in a work of literature. Mama tries to convince Walter to accept her dream and to recognize its value, but he cannot. 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. Extremely hard working, he attended school at night. They are fair game and 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. domination of a white man without 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. Instead, she wants to engage George in a conversation about the plight of Black Americans. Act II, Scene 2: Questions and Answers . His self-hatred manifests itself in his contemptuous attitude toward other blacks, especially toward less wealthy and less educated blacks like Walter. SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. For Mama, ownership of the house symbolizes personal freedom as well. SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. While reading A Raisin In The Sun, various allusions appear throughout the play. TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. Words 412. . directions she is said to look more like You can view our. She stipulates that $3000 is to go in a savings account for Beneatha's medical schooling, but it is not clear that he even hears Mama. rights organization founded in 1909 to Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. Still, her warning to the Youngers was a reality in 1959, when this play opened, and, unfortunately, in some communities, even today. This alludes to Emmett Till. Garbo: legendary actress of 1930s; However, after the death of Askia, the Songhai Empire weakened and was finally conquered by neighboring enemies. On a Friday night a few weeks later, Beneatha and George return from a date. 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. Mama's Plant. A frustrated and angered Mama retaliates by calling him a fool. Mrs. Johnson leaves the apartment. that she knows the Bible from an the actors are excellent. Although Walter's frustrations of establishing his own business appear to devour his hopes, his obsession with his dream restores his hope. George says, "Goodnight, Prometheus!" Period 5 1844 - 1877 Amsco Note Taking Guide (Ch. A summary of Act II, Scene ii in Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun. 10), L. Period 5 1844 - 1877 Amsco Note Taking Guide (Ch. Did you know you can highlight text to take a note? essay see discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: have dream discrimination in lorraine raisin in the sun They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. 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. Act II Scene 2, Mrs. Johnson (Mrs. Wilhelmina Othella Johnson). About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . Walter explains that he has been wandering all day (often way into the country) and drinking all night (at a bar with a jazz duo that he loves). 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! If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. Means that you should forgive and forget about it when someone disappoints you. His silence also indicates that he leaves the burden of this monumental decision on his wifes shoulders. Contact us CliffsNotes study guides are written by real teachers and professors, so no matter what you're studying, CliffsNotes can ease your homework headaches and help you score high on exams. "My students can't get enough of your charts and their results have gone through the roof." Washington felt that having a trade was more logical for black people than painting or poetry. Georges reference to Prometheus, a Greek demigod who stole fire from Zeus, is intended to mock Walters grand business dreams and also to draw attention to Georges own knowledge (George is putting himself in the position of being the God). intellectual point of view but that she does Ultra-conservative George surprises everyone with his praise of Beneatha's new look; however, his attitude is patronizing and condescending, as though she requires his approval. Advancement of Colored People, is a civil Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# What similarities and differences do you find? She gives him the remaining $6,500 of the insurance money, telling him to deposit $3,000 for Beneathas education and to keep the last $3,500. . Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1699 titles we cover. 41 Comments Please sign inor registerto post comments. There are many languages and tribes among the Bantu people thus, the Bantu are one of the many native African groups who speak one of the Bantu languages. Yet, often, circumstances are so difficult for them that they cannot even do that. George Murchison arrives to pick up Beneatha. George proves to be as pedantic as Beneatha, peppering his arguments with literary allusions and oftentimes esoteric references for example, calling Walter "Prometheus." 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. The first Songhai king, Sunni Ali, destroyed much of Timbuktu, but his successor, Askia, rebuilt this ancient city of learning. silver was the standard price of a slave Dont have an account? Mama asks if she had a good time with George, and Beneatha tells her that George is a fool. Mama replies, I guess you better not waste your time with no fools. Beneatha appreciates her mothers support. Instant PDF downloads. 2023 Course Hero, Inc. All rights reserved. LitCharts Teacher Editions. Assimilationism Only white families populated suburban television programs and magazine advertisements. Thanks for creating a SparkNotes account! His insult packs even more punch in light of Ruths recently discovered pregnancy. Ace your assignments with our guide to A Raisin in the Sun! 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." A Raisin In The Sun Allusion Analysis 652 Words | 3 Pages. But when the British stormed the city, they were so impressed by the Benin bronzes that they took them back with them, giving the British Museum an incomparable collection of rare treasures of African art. 7), F. Period 4 1800 - 1848 Amsco Note Taking Guide (Ch. Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# A Raisin in the Sun. 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. refers to the character "Madame Butterfly" Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. Ruth and Mama are shocked by Mrs. Johnsons shameless comments, which run counter to the Youngers deep sense of dignity. In a change from her earlier stance, Mama rejects Mrs. Johnson argument, acknowledging the emasculating aspect of her sons work. for a customized plan. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. segregation, and to work for the Perfect for acing essays, tests, and quizzes, as well as for writing lesson plans. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. for a group? Drop the Garbo routine When George Murchison admonishes Beneatha to "drop the Garbo routine," he is telling her to know her "place" as a woman. George is pedantic an academic show-off constantly making literary allusions even when he knows that this information is lost upon his audience. While Walter dreams of providing for his family, his dreams nonetheless revolve around markers of material wealth, such as cars and homes. Everyone is shocked, amazed, and slightly disappointed with Beneatha, prompting a fierce discussion between Beneatha and George about the importance of their African heritage. Contact us George and Beneatha finally leave, and Ruth and Walter then begin to fight about Walter going out, spending money, and interacting with people like Willy Harris. 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. Jesus emphasizes that we should do good to those who wrong us. Caucasus, where his liver was torn out every day by an eagle but grew back each night. This scene clearly reveals Walter Lee's lack of formal education because Walter assumes that George has simply invented the name "Prometheus" to annoy him. Access Free A Raisin In The Sun Act 2 Study Guide Answers A Reader's Guide to Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun Raisin Presents a critique and analysis of "A Raisin in the 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.". Mama's unending devotion to her small houseplant signifies her read analysis of Mama's Plant. Describe germanic social customs regarding the family. Subscribe now. she is being overdramatic George does not seem interested. nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, especially in the South, directed against, Business Law: Text and Cases (Kenneth W. Clarkson; Roger LeRoy Miller; Frank B. One way for them to escape this entrapment, though, seems to be through a reliance on each other. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. But, of all the superior works of art that came out of Africa, the most remarkable were those found in Benin. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. $24.99 Hansberry has one of her characters call Booker T. Washington a "fool," which is an elitist comment since only the very well read of her audience would even have known of the political rivalry between the two men. This means that African Americans are ignorant about Africa. shows how the life of an unassuming The debate does not continue and, at this point, Mrs. Johnson concedes by saying, "You know, me and you ain't never agreed about some things, Lena Younger. bookmarked pages associated with this title. RUTH What have we got on tonight! Mrs. Miniver: Inspired by the 1940 novel Act 2 of A Raisin in the Sun has several themes. Later that Saturday, dressed in her new Nigerian robes and headdress, Beneatha dances to African music while simultaneously giving Ruth an impromptu lesson in its significance. It is then that we realize that Walter has reached a "point of no return." 9), Ethics and Social Responsibility (PHIL 1404), Biology 2 for Health Studies Majors (BIOL 1122), Elements of Intercultural Communication (COM-263), Organizational Theory and Behavior (BUS5113), Mathematical Concepts and Applications (MAT112), Professional Application in Service Learning I (LDR-461), Advanced Anatomy & Physiology for Health Professions (NUR 4904), Principles Of Environmental Science (ENV 100), Operating Systems 2 (proctored course) (CS 3307), Comparative Programming Languages (CS 4402), Business Core Capstone: An Integrated Application (D083), 315-HW6 sol - fall 2015 homework 6 solutions, Ch. Menelik II initiated the modern age of Ethiopian development by defeating the Italians, who were trying to establish a protectorate over Ethiopia. Share your findings with the class. As Beneatha dances in a robe that Asagai gives her, George deems her interest in her African roots absurd. Betrayals of A Raisin in the Sun One simple act of betrayal can break bonds between two people once one dishonors the other. Want 100 or more? 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. After the fall of the Songhai Empire, the days of the great black kingdoms of West Africa were over. Ruth "affects" or "puts on" a tea party voice, purposely sounding pretentious . politician involved in the country's Also, Ruth reveals her lack of knowledge about things African as she questions Beneatha about the Nigerian outfit and dance. 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. Chaka: he became chief of the Zulu clan Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! The founding of the Organization of African Unity, under Haile Selassie, and the headquartering of the OAU in Addis Ababa attest to the respect that Selassie received from the people of Africa. Your. . The Ashanti, originally a part of present-day Ghana, were people within the Ghana Empire whose ascendancy was based on the iron and gold found within this wealthy country. Murchison, on the other hand, knows nothing of his African past, despises the little he knows of his heritage, and, therefore, hates himself. Even though Walter knows little about Africa, he immediately falls into step with the ritualistic dance and chants as though a psychic memory serves him. He's got a conked head A "conked head" refers to a hairstyle adopted by some black men during the forties and early fifties. Ruth and Walters conversation reveals that they do have love left in their marriage and that they have both been oppressed by their circumstances. Walter then becomes belligerent as he makes fun of Georges white shoes. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. She also prides herself on the fact that the family will own its home, however humble it may be. Pages 2. Why do the Youngers decide to go through with the move? Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. Asagai says he wants to sweep the maiden (Beneatha) back across the middle passage. 8), B. The rulers of Mali established the Muslim religion that had come out of Arabia and was sweeping throughout Africa. Looking at old photographs of Nat King Cole, Sam Cooke, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, and other entertainers of that period, we see that they adopted this style. Lorraine Hansberry took the title of A Raisin in the Sun from a line in Langston Hughes's famous 1951 poem "Harlem: A Dream Deferred.". George and Beneatha situate themselves on opposing sides of the argument surrounding African-American assimilation. Please wait while we process your payment. You just name it, son . Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs How does Walter plan to use the insurance money? 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. slop jars: a large pail used as a chamber Mama comes home and announces that she has put a down payment on a house with some of the insurance money. Act 3 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. | He sees what we cannot, that he is a leader of his people, a great chief, a descendant of Chaka, and that the hour to march has come.". 1 CHE101 - Summary Chemistry: The Central Science, Dr. Yost - Exam 1 Lecture Notes - Chapter 18, 1.1 Functions and Continuity full solutions. Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! Near the end of the play, Mama is talking to Beneatha about marrying George Murchison. read analysis of Mamas Plant, Beneathas natural hair symbolizes her pride in her African heritage and her desire to explore her African roots. Renews March 10, 2023 who headed Tuskegee Institute, a college Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs Ruth finds Beneatha's pageantry silly and questions her about it. 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. old man is all right, man. Mama, still smarting over Walter's previous accusation that she "butchered" his dream, decides to entrust Walter with the responsibility for the remaining money, stipulating that he first deposit $3,000 for Beneatha's education. Read an essay on the concepts of the Old Negro and the New Negro.. Mamas dilemma highlights the racial prejudices that severely limited African Americans options for suitable, safe, and affordable housing in segregated cities. 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. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. Learn exactly what happened in this chapter, scene, or section of A Raisin in the Sun and what it means. Known mainly for his founding of Tuskegee Institute, Washington believed that blacks should be educated only by trade schools. Prometheus' suffering lasted for thousands of years until Hercules killed the eagle and freed Prometheus. . Walters irresponsible behavior displays the extremely detrimental effect that the deferral of his dream has had on him. Previous During this period in history, some black men (especially those connected with show business) would have their hair straightened through a chemical process that was both demeaning and extremely painful. as salt" Beneatha counters with a The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. The act addresses themes of race, assimilation, dreams, gender, and money from the vantage points of the Youngers, an African American. Walter's already exaggerated dreams, however, suddenly turn into an avalanche of pitiful prattle. Students also viewed Symbolism in The Namesake My Sister's Keeper Book Project