how does ruth behave when she learns about the rat?

What do we learn about each from this incident? Mama comes into the room, and Beneatha introduces her to Asagai. This scene emphasizes the clash of cultures between the American-born black and the African. -She gets very upset that her son is growing up chasing rats Read an in-depth analysis of Lena Mama Younger. It appears that their plan is moving smoothly. A1S1 Why is Mama about to get a large sum of money? By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. Beneatha gets angry as they praise George because she thinks that he is shallow. Mama and Ruth do not understand her ambivalence toward George, arguing that she should like him simply because he is rich. -Walter says he's depressed. behind the bureau A bureau is a piece of furniture that was usually kept in the bedroom and used for storing clothing. Also, Mama is asking Walter to save his unborn child from a death inflicted by poverty, but Walters obsession with material wealth prevents him from taking such a stand because the baby will only make that poverty worse and make his dreams even less achievable. To Mama, that particular measure of equality is enough; to Walter, it is an outrage. Did you know you can highlight text to take a note? The frustration Walter Lee exhibits in this scene is recognizable by everyone who has ever felt ignored in spite of loud cries to be heard. What is Hansberry saying by including the subsequent stage direction? Actresses seem to portray the character of Mama in two primary ways: either as a folksy relic of an earlier time, a woman who hopes one day to have a garden in the sun, or more recently, as a hardworking, powerful, all-knowing matriarch. Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. Renews May 7, 2023 Beneathas statement that the family suffers from ghetto-itis draws attention to the perils of life in a segregated ghetto neighborhood. Objects placed on top of the bureau often landed behind it, which, because of its size and weight, was often a difficult piece of furniture to move. A1S2 How does Beneatha feel about the church? Share your findings with the class. Beneathas dream differs from Mamas in that it is, in many ways, self-serving. Why does Mama buy a house in an all-white neighborhood? A1S2 What is "assimilationism"? Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. Please wait while we process your payment. Walter, on the other hand, lacks this singular dedication to his family. April 30, 2023, SNPLUSROCKS20 A2S3 What effect does Mr. Lindner's visit have on the family's mood? -Based on how unsafe their area is and how young he is, he deserves a punishment so he won't do it again. Mama attempts to discredit Walters money-centric worldview by reminding him of the life-or-death struggles endured by earlier generations of African Americans. 1. in secticide 2. in tellectual 3. missionary 4. dejection 5. suppress 6. mutilate 7. Hay-lo Beneatha answers the telephone with this greeting, a combination of "Hey" and "Hello.". Youve successfully purchased a group discount. SparkNotes PLUS Hansberry uses these two men to show the issues with which Beneatha is struggling. -He comes home later than he was supposed to With the nickname, Asagai acknowledges and celebrates Beneathas aspirations and desire for something more than just the basics, whether in love or life, which she deeply appreciates. To a great extent, Walters dreams center on the many things that he wants, highlighting the centrality of material wealth in his formation of a personal identity. 2023 Course Hero, Inc. All rights reserved. How does he react when confronted? Ruth and Beneatha? George, on the one hand, represents total assimilation into white culture. This scene also reveals Walters growing restlessness, as well as the desperation with which Ruth is trying to hold her family together. You don't have to ride to work on the back of nobody's streetcar Prior to the civil rights movement, which reached its peak in the sixties, segregated facilities, separating whites from blacks, were common in the south, where "Jim Crow" laws made it legal. 20% Why? WebEarlier in the play, Ruth was stressed about the knowledge that she was pregnant. Her reaction that Asagais love is not enough is an expression of her desire not just for love but for a partner dedicated to her equality and freedom as well. From what you have seen so far, how would you describe the relationship between Ruth and Travis? Please identify examples of figurative language in A Raisin in the Sun. At the beginning of the eighteenth century, the British gained control over the slave trade there. -Asa makes a better argument and just wants Bennie to be who she really is. her second play, The Sign in Sidney Bruste in s W in dow, that she died, at age 34. Then write the number that describes how the pronoun is used in the A2S2 How does Ruth find out that Walter has not been showing up for work? -George just wants her to be a pretty and respectful girl and Asagai wants her to be who she really is Thus, she tells Travis that Ruth is out on an errand and will be back eventually. She knows that Mama believes in giving money to her church for the missionary work, but the Africans, she says, "need more salvation from the British and the French," who were the dominant colonial rulers at that time. What does the interaction show you about each of them? After Asagai gives her this nickname, however, the name Beneatha could also point to the character's spiritual, "Alaiyo" nature, which dwells beneath the physical exterior. Beneatha argues that the money belongs to Mama and that Mama has the right to decide how it is spent. By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. 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. - He finally has made a good decision for his family (not just for himself) How does Walter plan to use the insurance money? What does the interior of the Younger house tell you about the family that lives there? We can see from this quote that, although the new house represented a hope and future to Ruth, to Walter it represents the way that his dreams and hopes have been squashed. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. Hansberry uses similar minor interactions to develop the characters throughout the play. The fact that she later gets her hair cut shows that she recognizes that she had indeed been conforming to the ideas around her. It was your money and you did what you wanted with it. Does Ruth agree? We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. A1S2 Why does Mama tell Walter that he is a disgrace to his father's memory? Owning a house had always been a dream she had shared with her husband, and now that he is gone she nurtures this dream even more powerfully. Youve successfully purchased a group discount. -She trusts him for the most part, but based on his past, she should not. A2S3 Who is Bobo? Beneatha says that her hair was once like his, but that she finds it too raw that way. The fact that Travis is so intrigued by a rat, rather than being afraid, seems to emphasize his life of poverty. They clearly do not communicate, and Ruth's pregnancy is an important issue for them to talk about. Interestingly, Beneathas spraying reverses the pattern of the Youngers dreams. Why does Mama buy a house in an all-white neighborhood? Beneatha claims that she is trying to express herself, an idea at which Ruth and Mama have a laugh. She even indicates to Ruth and Mama that she might not get married, a possibility that astonishes them because it runs counter to their expectations of a womans role. The insurance check prompts intra-family conflict, as arguments about money quickly become larger struggles concerning personal identity, personal dreams, and family dynamics. -Moving the furniture, spraying insecticide, washing walls, listening to music. Teachers and parents! -The hope of a better future and better things coming. Mama has acted as the head of the household, which has slighted Walter as the eldest male of his family. How does Asagai tease Beneatha about her hair? Instant PDF downloads. One for Whom Bread Food Is Not Enough Asagai gives Beneatha the Nigerian name "Alaiyo," which he translates roughly as: "One for whom bread food is not enough," meaning that his perception of Beneatha is that she is a totally developed person, both intellectually and spiritually, and that she demands answers to all of life's questions. Do you side with one more than with the other? -By giving him more responsibility and trusting him more Why does he react this way? Cuando te sacan fotos, qu ropa te gusta llevar? Beneatha argues that God does not seem to help her or the family. During the thirties and forties, the mass exodus of blacks from the south to the northern cities was an attempt to flee segregation injustices, including being forced to ride at the back of buses. During the 1950s, abortion was illegal, but Ruth has valid reasons for not wanting her pregnancy. Travis story highlights the harshness of life in the segregated South Side of Chicago and reignites Ruths fears that the familys current home is an unsuitable place for her son (or, now, her baby) to grow up. In A Raisin in the Sun, explain George's reference to Prometheus. Similarly, the speculation over Ruths pregnancy imbues the scene with a sense of anxiety and tension. -Visits to tell them that they do not want colored people in their neighborhood and offers to buy them out. Indeed, her seeking of her roots in Africa to forge her identity (even though her family has been in America for five generations) precedes the New African movement of the 1960s. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. Consider her body language upon hearing the news: She laughs joyously, having practically destroyed the apartment, and flings her arms up and lets them come down happily, slowly, reflectively, over her abdomen, aware for the first time perhaps that the life therein pulses with happiness and not despair. However, Walter is unable to rise to the challenge, dejected as he is by Mamas refusal to support his dreams. In most cultures, the arrival of a child is a blessed, wonderful thing, the continuation of the culture into the next generation. -He doesn't support her dreams/ideas and just uses her as a sort of trophy. Educators go through a rigorous application process, and every answer they submit is reviewed by our in-house editorial team. What will be his punishment? This issue helps to emphasize the growing marital problems between Ruth and Walter. The issue of abortion, which Ruth considers and Mama implicitly rejects, highlights the generational differences between the women. Yet while she wants to break free of conforming to the white ideal, she still wants to acclimate herself to an educated American life. The check represents an outside force that enters into their lives and changes everything, for better or for worse. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. 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. Eventually, Beneatha chooses Asagai, and, thus, her African heritage, over the assimilationist viewpoint embodied by George. Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. Subscribe now. What is significant about the exchange between Beneatha and Asagai about Beneatha's hair? -He is not as excited as the others The Youngers Saturday morning ritual of cleaning the apartment shows the pride that the family takes in maintaining its home. You'll be billed after your free trial ends. Why does Hansberry give Beneatha two boyfriends? What are the qualities of an accurate map? With or without the arrival of the insurance check, Walter would still long for independence and a sense of self worth. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. From a dramatic standpoint, the check's arrival instigates the point of crisis in the play. Mr. Asagai, I am looking for my identity Asagai repeats Beneatha's words to her, poking fun at her desperation to connect with her African heritage. He does not appreciate the depth of Ruth's despair, and cannot imagine her choosing not to have their baby. -Now that it is finally here they do not know what to do with it. Mira el retrato (portrait) del nio y lee el prrafo. Through these reactions, it can be gathered that Beneatha is spoiled: she has no qualms about hurting her family's feelings when she is angry. Walterreceives a phone call from his friend Willy Harris, who is coordinating the potential liquor store venture. So what you need me to say it was all right for? How does Ruth behave when she learns about the rat In raisin in the sun? Ruth and Walter? Ruth calls the doctor she, which arouses Mamas suspicion because their family doctor is a man. After Asagai leaves, Beneatha tries on her new identity. In this conversation, Mama represents a colonial/imperialist view of Africans as savages who need to be "saved" and "civilized." Jesus tells her that a water bucket is constantly empty, but if she believes, then her kettle will never be empty because it will be filled with the living water of God. creating and saving your own notes as you read. -Walter gets upset because he wants Travis to have/be something more in life. | What might Beneatha represent? 20% You can view our. Mama apparently donates money to missionary causes, while Beneatha believes that American and European missionaries do more harm than good in Africa. A1S2 What is your impression of Asagai? (one code per order). Similarly, it is difficult for her to care for her family as much as she wants and to have her family members grow as much as she wants. Beneathas request that her mother refrain from asking ignorant questions about Africa underscores the fact that many mid-century African Americans knew little about African life and culture. She thinks that if Mama gives him some of the money he might regain his happiness and confidence, which are two things Ruth feels she can no longer provide for Walter. WebWhile waiting for Travis, Mama asks Ruth about her visit to the doctor, and Ruths use of the pronoun she to refer to the doctor makes Mama immediately suspicious. Travis Walter does so knowing that he faces the emasculating task of having to ask Ruth for money himself as a result. She reveals this information to Mama and Beneatha. -His bosses wife calls asking where he has been She simply wants to do the best for the family that she already has. Free trial is available to new customers only. Mama, a traditionalist, senses from the fact that Ruth saw a woman doctor that Ruth may be thinking of doing something that perhaps a male, traditional doctor would not supportget an abortion. -Based on their personalities they will probably stay together but it's not a good ides. Walter and Ruth, who occupy the middle ground in terms of age between Mama and Beneatha, have also tempered their dreams more than Beneatha has. She embraces natural hair as an alternative ideal of beauty, and sees herself as embracing her African heritage. Walters statements show how racial discrimination regarding job opportunities curbed many African Americans dreams for social advancement, and locked them into the role, essentially, of servants. What does it reveal about each of the characters? A3S1 Why does Beneatha attack Asagai's dream about Africa? Why is Ruth upset by Travis's talk of the rat? Asagai teases Beneatha for straightening her hair in order to conform to the European or Hollywood standard of beauty. Act One, Scene 2. Mamas refusal to support Walters dream frustrates and emasculates him, eroding his sense of his worth in being what he feels he should be: a husband and father, a man, who can support his family. After he leaves, - Shows that Mama cares about her children and doesn't want to embarrass them Beneatha recants and leaves for school, and Mama goes to the window to tend her plant. Our summaries and analyses are written by experts, and your questions are answered by real teachers. What does the plant represent in the play A Raisin in the Sun? Second, she lost a child herself and knows the never-ending pain that can accompany the experience. A1S2 Why does Mama mention Tarzan to Asagai? -Comes to tell Walter that Willy took all their money Explain Beneatha's argument with her mother about God in A Raisin in the Sun. Renews May 7, 2023 Instant downloads of all 1725 LitChart PDFs Is Brooke shields related to willow shields? When Walter enters and begins talking about his plans for the money, everyone ignores him so he resorts to shouting: "WILL SOMEBODY PLEASE LISTEN TO ME TODAY?". The next day, Saturday, the Youngers are cleaning their apartment and waiting for the insurance check to arrive. Read more about the nuanced use of dialect by each character in A Raisin in the Sun. Unsure of her identity as a Black woman joining an overwhelmingly white world, Beneatha turns to Asagai to see if he can supply a lost part of her self. Ruth brings herself closer to her child, while Walter isolates himself in the other roomliterally and figuratively shutting his mother out. Hansberry's stage direction may also reflect something of her own beliefs. A1S1 What is your impression of Ruth? Her relentless care for the plant represents her protection of her dream. Hansberry wrote the "rat scene" to dramatically point out the graphic terrors that daily confront the children of the poor and also to show that these children must learn to incorporate such horrific realities into their playtime activities. How is that money beginning to cause conflict within the family? For Ruth, Mamas announcement that she has bought a house is one of the first bursts of optimism in a long time. -She buys curtains Similarly, they are befuddled by her dislike of the pretty, rich George Murchison. What does the following statement by Beneatha reveal about her character? Tendremos que salir a las seis de la maana, lo que A1S1 Describe the setting of the story. -Travis wants to be a bus driver Walter then leaves for his job as a chauffeurhe has to ask Ruth for money to get to work because the money he gave Travis was his car fare. Mama enters and goes directly to a small plant that she keeps just outside the kitchen window. Central Idea Essay: Why Does Mama Want to Own Property? How does Walter feel about her plans? A3S1 What does Mama mean when she observes that Walter has finally "come into his manhood"? What is Mama suggesting when she says to Beneatha: "I guess I see why we done commence to get so interested in Africa 'round here"? Asagai scorns her wish, much to Beneathas disappointment. Finally we see a side of Beneatha that is not just spoiled and demanding. Asagai hints at what is to come by telling Beneatha that by straightening her hair she is mutilating it. Ruths maternal responsibilities force her to consider broader social forces at play. If a white person boarded the bus and a black person was seated in the front, the black person knew, almost instinctively, that he had to get up in deference to the white person who needed that seat. Thanks for creating a SparkNotes account! WebWhen the local neer-do-well Ruby Dahl falls for Ruth, she notes that he was the first man in the history of the universe that noticed my feminine lure (127). Mama wants what is best for the family, but she clearly does not understand her son. Mama tries to help her relax. -Need to decide if they are going to move or not As a playwright, Hansberry must develop characters through dialogue because there is no narration that can do it for her. Kind of like a rainbow after the rain." Dont have an account? For him, Mamas news does not represent a hopeful future, but betrayal. Wed love to have you back! Asagai obviously cares for Beneatha very much, and he wonders why Beneatha does not have the same feeling for him. John was the person (who, whom) they sent to California. Ruth returns from seeing a doctor, who has told her that she is two months pregnant. Mama and Ruth begin to tease Beneatha about the many activities that she tries and quits, including her latest attempt to learn how to play the guitar. For the next 7 days, you'll have access to awesome PLUS stuff like AP English test prep, No Fear Shakespeare translations and audio, a note-taking tool, personalized dashboard, & much more! For the next 7 days, you'll have access to awesome PLUS stuff like AP English test prep, No Fear Shakespeare translations and audio, a note-taking tool, personalized dashboard, & much more! Despite its harrowing past, Nigeria has become a leader in literature, art, music, and craftsmanship. Sometimes it can end up there. What does she mean? Walter does not believe that Ruth would do such a thing until Ruth comes out of the bedroom to confirm that she has made a down payment on the service. A3S1 How does Asagai answer Beneatha? Walter is either more optimistic, or in greater denial. to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. for a group? The way she dressed and behave she described as a 'tart', 'jail bait', 'rat truck' by George and she has describe as a 'purity' by Lennie and Slim. Why? A2S1 How does George's reaction to Beneatha's costume compare with Asagai's reaction to her hair? How does Ruth behave when she learns Summary and Analysis Because of this exclusion, Walters dreams of money and success in business become inextricably linked to his image of himself as a man. Travis sleeps on the couch in the living room. -Thinking about having to raise another child in the small apartment, in an unsafe/unsanitary area. -Now worthy to be head of the family How does Ruth behave when she learns about the rat. PDF downloads of all 1725 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. To Asagai, this is the worst thing an African American can do. Asagai visits Beneatha, and they spend some time together by themselves. Latest answer posted March 15, 2021 at 10:48:00 AM. - There is a mix of happy, excited, and curious to see what's next. WebRuth gets up first and after some noticeable difficulty, rouses Travis and Walter as she makes breakfast. An intellectual gap, however, also compounds the generational difference between Mama and her daughter Beneatha. The small potted plant acts as a temporary stand-in for her much larger dream. for a customized plan. The fact that Beneatha leaves in a "blaze of glory" may suggest Hansberry's approval of Beneatha's new mindset. Struggling with distance learning? We also learn that Walter is "restless," dissatisfied with his current life, and feeling as if the people he loves, and who are supposed to love him, do not understand him, rarely even giving him the chance to speak. -When he says their neighbors have offered to buy their house Want 100 or more? Ruth returns from seeing a doctor, who has told her that she is two months pregnant. She reveals this information to Mama and Beneatha. Ruth and Beneatha are worried and uncertain, while Mama simply expresses her hope that the baby will be a girl. Ruth calls the doctor she, which arouses Mamas suspicion because their family doctor is a man. The bureau is the taller piece of bedroom furniture, containing only drawer space for clothing. Not until Rosa Parks dramatically refused to sit at the back of a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1954, an act which accelerated the civil rights movement, did most blacks in the south even think about the absurdity of the "Jim Crow" laws. She explains that she is looking for more than storybook love. Compare and contrast Joseph Asagai with George Murchison in A Raisin in the Sun. Beneatha gives Mama some facts about Africa which Mama later parrots for Asagai's acceptance and Beneatha's approval. Act I Scene 1, Next From his perspective, he enters the apartment excited about the money, and is dismissed and treated like a child. -Mama wants to stay at the apartment (she's given up). -insurance money from her husband's death. The scene is included in the PBS presentation, however. How does this contrast with her mother's feelings? Complete the following sentence by choosing the word that best fits the context, based on information you infer from the use of the italicized word. Instead, she wants to move to a house with a lawn on which Travis can play. -Makes the mad, sad, and fearful Although they are poor, still their house is clean; although the furniture is old, there is still the ritualistic weekly polishing.
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