Washington, historically a hero to many in the Black community, preached assimilation into mainstream America as the primary goal of Black Americans. Mamas sense of dignity and personal pride contribute to her prohibition of this racial slur in her household. pot or to receive waste water from a She compares, for example, the overt racism of the south at that time with the covert racism found in the north. The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. As Mama tells Ruth, Big Walter finally worked hisself to 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. The doorbell rings suddenly, and George Murchison arrives for his theater date with Beneatha. Beneatha wants to become a doctor to be able to help people. Walters irresponsible behavior displays the extremely detrimental effect that the deferral of his dream has had on him. It's also worth noting that he dreams of sending his son to college, though he mocks Beneatha's ambitions to get an education. She seems to resent their desire to escape from the place where she herself lives. Submitted By. 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. from your Reading List will also remove any lynching You can view our. 7), F. Period 4 1800 - 1848 Amsco Note Taking Guide (Ch. . not believe in its religious messages. Mama comes home and announces that she has put a down payment on a house with some of the insurance money. directions she is said to look more like 10), L. Period 5 1844 - 1877 Amsco Note Taking Guide (Ch. . 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. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. Steel George is pedantic an academic show-off constantly making literary allusions even when he knows that this information is lost upon his audience. 20% George, in contrast, from his self-pride in his own familys success, sees a focus on African heritage as being juvenile. 1 CHE101 - Summary Chemistry: The Central Science, Dr. Yost - Exam 1 Lecture Notes - Chapter 18, 1.1 Functions and Continuity full solutions. 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). Hansberry makes it clear here that George and Beneatha are not compatible. 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. In addition, Beneathas fight with George and the rest of her family represents a larger battle within the Black community over whether to enhance and celebrate their differences from whites or whether to join white culture and try to elevate their status within it. Learn exactly what happened in this chapter, scene, or section of A Raisin in the Sun and what it means. Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. Act 1, Scene 2 RUTH What have we got on tonight! washbowl or the contents of chamber Please wait while we process your payment. After Joseph Asagai refers to Beneathas Caucasian-style straightened hair as mutilated, Beneatha reevaluates the significance of her Pages 2. Walter dreams of being able to offer his son the world, an aspiration that centers on the power of money to overcome racial prejudice and limitations. 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. knowledge of the Bible by quoting a The three of them are shocked to see a white man. Under his reign, roads were constructed, formal education and social services were instituted, and electricity was introduced. He talks to Travis about his plans, saying that he is going to make a transaction that will make them rich. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1699 titles we cover. (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.) A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry is about living the "American Dream". With this money, Mama says, Walter should becomeand should act like he has becomethe head of the family. Du Bois, who believed in the importance of artistic endeavors (which Washington believed to be a frivolous activity). (including. Because of what was defined as "self hatred" by psychologists who studied the phenomenon, oftentimes a group that believes itself to be oppressed will mimic the life-style and, sometimes, even mimic the appearance of the "dominant group." Du Bois, educated at Fisk, Harvard, and the University of Berlin, was a writer and political activist, activities which Washington perceived as frivolous. Indeed, in the episode with Mrs. Johnson, it becomes clear that Mama agrees with Beneatha far more than one might expect. (one code per order). The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. Menelik II is also responsible for relocating the capital at Addis Ababa and for modernizing the operation of government. In a change from her earlier stance, Mama rejects Mrs. Johnson argument, acknowledging the emasculating aspect of her sons work. . Now, rather than insisting that she can't understand her children, Mama is trying to support them. Allusions/Essential Terms in A Raisin in the Sun. Washington felt that having a trade was more logical for black people than painting or poetry. How does Walter lose the insurance money? From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. It is then that we realize that Walter has reached a "point of no return." You'll be billed after your free trial ends. . Mama's feeble plant represents her family's deferred dreams for a better future, which have struggled to survive under the strain of life in Chicago's South Side. Although she is dressed like a Nigerian woman, she begins to dramatically fan herself in order to accentuate her outfit, but she inadvertently loses the African look and appears more Asian, looking as though she's Madame Butterfly instead of African royalty. fight prejudice, lynching, and Jim Crow Timbuktu, once the center of learning, became a tiny desert town, important only because of its history. George uses his social standing to elevate himself above what he sees as the stigma of his racial identity (and acts like a stuck-up jerk in doing so). Since the audience for this plays initial run was mostly white, such a threat to white dominance was extremely revolutionary. 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. the actors are excellent. Walter seems to care more for Traviss education than for Beneathas, partly because Travis is his child and partly because Beneatha is a woman. Attesting to Hansberry's preoccupation with the demise of such great African civilizations and her deep regret that there was a universal lack of knowledge of these ancient black kingdoms are her constant references to Africa in Raisin. 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. TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. March 3, 2023, SNPLUSROCKS20 Jesus emphasizes that we should do good to those who wrong us. Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. Bantu is the largest language family and Swahili (which consists of Bantu and Arabic) is the most widely spoken. A Raisin in the Sun Act II Scene 1 Summary and Analysis Act II Scene 1 Summary 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. may appear on any quiz! accolades. They ground the work in a specific time Why do the Youngers decide to go through with the move? He thinks, void in our lives, and we attempt to fill it. Walter again has the chance to talk Ruth out of having an abortion, but he says nothing. and currently active across the U., 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. Because of their strong philosophical differences, any marriage between these two is destined to fail. on 50-99 accounts. Please wait while we process your payment. rights organization founded in 1909 to Read an analysis of Beneathas quote on assimilation. Using garment catalogs, compare sizing charts. Walter comes in, after having had a few too many drinks, and joins in Beneatha's ritualistic dance. Walters boss calls, telling Ruth that Walter has not been to work in three days. Packing crates, signifying the family's upcoming move, dot the room. silver was the standard price of a slave Assimilationism 20% Want 100 or more? Previous George says, "Goodnight, Prometheus!" Beneatha alludes to the KKK when Ms. Johnson is racist towards their own kind. And when Mrs. Johnson goes on to say that Washington "was one of our great men," Mama counters, almost angrily, with, "Who said so?" Hansberry creates a radical character in Beneatha, one who does not willingly submit to what she calls oppressive white culture. and any corresponding bookmarks? Why does Lindner try to convince the Younger family not to move? manipulative southern belle who survives First, the phrase "30 pieces and not . Although Walter's frustrations of establishing his own business appear to devour his hopes, his obsession with his dream restores his hope. Comparing sizes. . Asagai says he wants to sweep the maiden (Beneatha) back across the middle passage. that big hotel on the Drive Walter refers to "that big hotel on the Drive" in a conversation with George Murchison as he asks George about the Murchison family's prospective real estate ventures. period and they also help to develop characterization, conflict, and theme. verse. Want 100 or more? Ruth finds Beneathas pageantry silly and questions her about it. 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. Contact us Nonetheless, her mistakenly oriental fan signifies that Beneatha still lacks a fully developed sense or understanding of true African identity. For Walter, the fulfillment of Mamas dream for a house spells the death of his own dream for owning a liquor store. bookmarked pages associated with this title. Describe Walter's change in attitude toward Beneatha. Georges admission that his interest in Beneatha is only skin-deepthat he likes her looks but doesn't care about her thoughtsflies in the face of Beneathas personal pride and sense of self. for a customized plan. At rise: RUTH is ironing again. You are responsible for researching the allusions as we read. Tarzan Because her uncle, Leo Hansberry, was a professor of African history at Howard University and, perhaps, because one of his students was Kwame Nkrumah, who led Ghana to independence, Hansberry's major geographical focus here appears to be on the history of Ghana, known prior to its independence as "The Gold Coast." 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. Benin When George Murchison mentions "the great sculpture of Benin," he is referring to the magnificent works of art that were produced throughout Africa, much to the astonished appreciation of Europeans who had come to Africa, first to trade and later to capture slaves. Purchasing In 1959, anyone, most especially a black person, who could afford to purchase a hotel especially a hotel on such expensive property would have been very wealthy. Beneathas exploration of her African heritage and her entrance with her afro and Nigerian garb were perhaps the first such appearance on an American stage. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. They continue to fight, as they put their own concerns before each others and before their marriage. two husbands and finally is matched in Of all the characters, Asagai appears to be the most serene, even when his is contemplating justifiable reasons for anxiety that is, the political turmoil within his homeland and the possibility of his own death in his desire for his country's independence. Summary and Analysis 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. He is overwhelmed and his sudden exuberance over this financial windfall leads him to share some of his many fantasies with Travis. Ruth is apprehensive, almost frightened, when she hears that the new house is located in the all-white neighborhood of Clybourne Park. the best little combo in the world This phrase refers to the band of musicians that Walter admires in the Green Hat. pots. Words 412. 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? missionary work 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. Act II Scene 1, Next Walters unspoken approval of Ruths decision shows that he still fails to meet Mamas expectations for a man. Purchasing Alludes to Greek mythology when Prometheus took fire from the gods and shared it with people. In 1959, when this play opened, many blacks who had only recently left the south were surprised to find a different type of racism in the north. Sometimes it can end up there. Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs Additionally, the story of the bombing draws attention to the very real dangers that accompany the familys move and the violent extent of Northern racism. 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. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. Hansberry also uses this scene in order to validate the natural hairstyle (unstraightened hair on black women) a very new concept in 1959 and even considered somewhat radical when this play opened, but a hairstyle which became popular in the late sixties as the "Afro" hairstyle. Nigeria The way the content is organized, LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in. 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. To say that A Raisin in the Sun has a lot of allusions is an understatement. In this scene, another character is introduced, a neighbor, Mrs. Johnson. Walter, however, is crushed by Mama's news; to him, Mama has "butchered his dream.". and then adds that Beneatha is as "fresh You may cancel your subscription on your Subscription and Billing page or contact Customer Support at custserv@bn.com. I guess I better be going . When Beneatha reenters, dressed for her date with George, she is wearing a natural hairstyle. some pretentiousness to press the point 14), A. Finally, in this scene, Hansberry makes an emphatic statement about integration. They ground the work in a specific time. Butterfly than a Nigerian; the allusion creating and saving your own notes as you read. 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. The "Drive" to which Walter refers is an expressway along a scenic stretch of land a large sprawling park or a river view; in whatever city, this would be expensive property. 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.". 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. Impact- Beneatha is saying that if she Ku Klux Klan: a secret hate group SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. Because of this, theysought an independent identity that would allow them to embrace and express their heritage and culture. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. A Raisin in the Sun. She means that black people have to face discrimination everywhere, even in their own community. He knows who he is because he is African. Students also viewed Symbolism in The Namesake My Sister's Keeper Book Project 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. Thanks for creating a SparkNotes account! Discount, Discount Code How does Walter plan to use the insurance money? affecting tea party interest Because Ruth is overwhelmed by her own concerns (mainly, that she might be pregnant), she becomes annoyed and therefore sarcastic when Walter tries to involve her in his conversation about the lives of wealthy whites. 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. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. Walter has lost all hope and motivation, completely abandoning his duties as a husband and father. Mamas dilemma highlights the racial prejudices that severely limited African Americans options for suitable, safe, and affordable housing in segregated cities. 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. 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. The scene closes with Walters description to Travis of his materialistic fantasy about the futureWalter still wants to be a part of the culture that excludes him. a descendant of Chaka Chaka, also known as Shaka, or Shaka Zulu, was an early nineteenth century African warrior-king who implemented warfare techniques and weaponry which have been studied and adopted by military leaders and personnel worldwide ever since Shaka's time. In this play, the educated and wealthy George Murchison represents the black person whose own self-hatred manifests itself as contempt for other blacks. Walters view of education seems to fall somewhere between Beneathas and Georges views. George is pedantic, showing off his knowledge, when he says to Walter (after he is safely half-out the door), "Good night, Prometheus.". It seems that George wants to marry a nice . can't say her opinion, then she's nothing. The British attack on Benin, ironically, was initially to retaliate for the killing of nine European travelers. It means that George thinks Walter Lee is trying to take money from the rich, superior people to share it with the poor, inferior ones. Still, her desire is somewhat radical, because Black Americans were largely left out of depictions of the American dream during this period. Later, Beneatha is surprised that Mama agrees with her decision about George, which indicates a softening of the tensions that had previously plagued their relationship. ", Previous After the death of her husband, Mama Younger receives a $10,000 life insurance. He feels that his job is no better than a slaves job. Renews March 10, 2023 essay see discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: have dream discrimination in lorraine raisin in the sun period and they also help to develop characterization, conflict, and theme. Tradition states that around 1170, the Oba (king) commissioned the finest bronze/brass-smith, a man who was so excellent in his craft that to this day, his name is worshipped as a god by the bronze/brass-smiths of Benin. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. 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. Bible Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. The possibility of achieving his dream reinvigorates Walter and permits him to regain his identity as a worthy husband and father. Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! Five years later, in 1935, after Selassie had offered his people a written constitution and educational and administrative reforms, Mussolini invaded Ethiopia and occupied the country until 1941, when the British forced the Italians out, and Haile Selassie returned to his throne. Beneatha believes that society must be changed through self-knowledge and, thus, through consciousness and celebration of ones heritage. The insurance money again functions as a wedge that drives the family members farther apart. Extremely hard working, he attended school at night. Songhai (Songhay) The Sunni dynastry of Songbai conquered Mali after Mali had progressively grown weaker with its line of ineffective kings. BENEATHA (Emerging grandly from the doorway so that Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. Continue to start your free trial. This desire to join white culture, referred to as assimilationism, was a contentious issue for the Black community in the 1950s and 1960s. This alludes to Emmett Till. Continue to start your free trial. Because Beneatha is not accustomed to African dress, she does not "wear" it properly. 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. NAACP: the National Association for the read analysis of The Insurance Payment, Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs She is simultaneously showing off her Youve successfully purchased a group discount. It means that the white people in Chicago are being violent towards African Americans. The scene opens a few weeks later, on a Friday night; packing crates fill the Younger apartment in preparation for the move. Mrs. Miniver: Inspired by the 1940 novel Then, as if it were an afterthought, Ruth says that she's "never been 'fraid of no crackers" even though her previous dialogue says otherwise. A Raisin in the Sun: Act 1, Scene 2 Summary & Analysis Next Act 2, Scene 1 Themes and Colors Key Summary Analysis The following Saturday morning Beneatha and Mama clean the apartment thoroughly, a regular occurrence in the Younger household. Advancement of Colored People, is a civil with things like money, possessions, and $24.99 Mama says this to Travis as she tells him about the house that she is planning to buy. Prometheus As noted later in the character analysis of Walter Lee Younger, George Murchison's reference to Prometheus fits Walter's fiery personality, along with several other parallels. . 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. $18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25% You'll also receive an email with the link. in 1816 and founded the great Zulu Act 2, Scene 3 Madame Butterfly: Beneatha is dressed in If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. PDF downloads of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. 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. read analysis of Mamas Plant, Beneathas natural hair symbolizes her pride in her African heritage and her desire to explore her African roots. Act II Scene 2, Mrs. Johnson (Mrs. Wilhelmina Othella Johnson). This scene is often the most misinterpreted of all the scenes in the play. Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. She refuses to be taken only as a nice-looking girl, demanding recognition as an independent-minded young woman whose ideas are to be valued. Ethiopia References to Ethiopia can be found in the Bible and in the writings of Herodotus and Homer.