Question

name: _____________________ date: ______ homeroom: ____________
homework #4
directions:

• read a raisin in the sun pages 46 to 60 ( starting with \beneatha comes in.\ through p. 60 ending with \the bell rings\)
• answer the following questions.

1. why do ruth and mama tease beneatha about her different activities? how does she respond?

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1. who is george murchison?

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1. what does beneatha tell mama that makes mama so angry? how does mama respond?

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1. why does ruth faint at the end of scene i?

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1. who is coming over to the house? how does beneatha feel about this?

Explanation:

1. Ruth and Mama tease Beneatha gently because she jumps between many passing interests (like guitar, horseback riding, now African culture/medicine) without sticking to one long-term. Beneatha responds defensively, arguing she's exploring to find her identity and rejects being boxed into traditional roles.
2. George Murchison is a wealthy, college-educated Black man who courts Beneatha. He is assimilated to white mainstream culture, dismissive of Beneatha's interest in African heritage, and sees himself as a "successful" example of upward mobility on white society's terms.
3. Beneatha tells Mama she doesn't believe in God, which deeply angers Mama because faith is the core of her life and the family's strength. Mama responds by slapping Beneatha and forcing her to repeat that in their house, God is the foundation of everything.
4. Ruth faints because she is pregnant, overworked (cleaning houses, caring for the family), and stressed about the family's financial struggles and the cramped living conditions.
5. George Murchison is coming over to the house. Beneatha feels annoyed and dismissive of him; she thinks he is shallow, too focused on fitting into white norms, and doesn't respect her intellectual and cultural interests.

Answer:

1. They tease her for her many fleeting hobbies; she defends her self-exploration.
2. George Murchison is a wealthy, assimilated Black suitor of Beneatha's, focused on mainstream success and dismissive of African heritage.
3. Beneatha says she doesn't believe in God; Mama slaps her and demands she affirm God's place in their home.
4. Ruth faints due to her unplanned pregnancy, overwork, and financial/family stress.
5. George Murchison is coming; Beneatha is annoyed and dismissive of his shallow, assimilationist attitude.