Why does Mama look at Beneatha when she speaks to Travis about his mother? Why does she lie to Travis?
Mama's look is a warning to Beneatha; Mama does not... [Show More] want Travis to know that Ruth is pregnant and is at the doctor's office because this would only worry the boy. Thus, she tells Travis that Ruth is out on an errand and will be back eventually.
Why would Hansberry include this small exchange in the play when it does not seem to develop any of the themes?
This little scene may seem insignificant, but it develops Mama's character. Once again, we see how protective Mama is of her family. Hansberry uses similar minor interactions to develop the characters throughout the play. As a playwright, Hansberry must develop characters through dialogue because there is no narration that can do it for her.
What is the significance of the fact that Walter does not know where Ruth is?
This issue helps to emphasize the growing marital problems between Ruth and Walter. They clearly do not communicate, and Ruth's pregnancy is an important issue for them to talk about.
What is the significance of the discussion between Mama and Beneatha about Africa? What might Beneatha represent?
In this conversation, Mama represents a colonial/imperialist view of Africans as savages who need to be "saved" and "civilized." Beneatha represents the beginning of the postcolonial view of Africans as people who are only in need of the freedom to be themselves. Mama apparently donates money to missionary causes, while Beneatha believes that American and European missionaries do more harm than good in Africa.
Why does Hansberry give Beneatha two boyfriends?
Hansberry uses these two men to show the issues with which Beneatha is struggling. George, on the one hand, represents total assimilation into white culture. Asagai, on the other hand, represents Black Pride and African heritage. The fact that Beneatha is placed between these two men shows that, as an African American, she is ambivalently stuck between being an assimilationist and being proud of her African heritage. Eventually, Beneatha chooses Asagai, and, thus, her African heritage, over the assimilationist viewpoint embodied by George.
What does the following statement by Beneatha reveal about her character?
BENEATHA: It is my business—where is he going to live, on the roof? This is another point that reveals Beneatha's explosive and apparently selfish character. Beneatha easily gets worked up into a fury, and when angry, says things she does not actually mean, just as she did in Scene 1 with the comment about salt losing its savor. 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.
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"?
Mama is clearly suggesting that Beneatha is not really interested in Africa, but is pretending to be so in order to make Asagai like her.
Why is Ruth upset by Travis's talk of the rat?
The fact that Travis is so intrigued by a rat, rather than being afraid, seems to emphasize his life of poverty. Normally, kids would be disgusted and frightened by rats, especially one that is bleeding and dying; the fact that it intrigues Travis shows that he is inured to the effects of poverty: what Beneatha will refer to later on as "acute ghetto-itis." This upsets Ruth because it serves as yet another reminder of her own poverty, and her inability to give her son a better life.
What do the Nigerian robes symbolize?
The Nigerian robes symbolize African heritage. Later, Beneatha will put these robes on and become a "Nigerian Princess," symbolizing her acceptance of her heritage.
What is significant about the exchange between Beneatha and Asagai about Beneatha's hair? What does it reveal about each of the characters?
Asagai sees Beneatha's haircut as an example of assimilationism—an acceptance of white oppression and a rejection of her African heritage. To Asagai, this is the worst thing an African American can do. The fact that he explains the issue softly and gently shows his gentle, yet strong nature. Beneatha, of course, reacts angrily to Asagai's criticism and judgment. She sees herself as a non-conformist, but Asagai makes her face the fact that she is not living up to her own ideal.
Might Beneatha's anger hide another emotion, and if so, how is this significant?
Beneatha's anger is definitely covering a feeling of sadness toward even this small assimilation into white American life. The fact that she later gets her hair cut shows that she recognizes that she had indeed been conforming to the ideas around her. When she gets her hair cut, she also cuts herself loose from her former assimilationist ideas, and begins to accept her African heritage.
What is the significance of the meaning of the word "Alaiyo"? What subtle glimpse into Beneatha's soul does this conversation provide?
Asagai roughly translates "Alaiyo" to mean "One for Whom Bread Is Not Enough." What this means is that Asagai sees Beneatha as someone who has a longing that will not be filled by material possessions alone. She is experiencing a spiritual longing. Beneatha's soft acceptance of this assessment of herself shows that she does indeed see herself in this light. She is very pleased that Asagai sees her as she sees herself. Finally we see a side of Beneatha that is not just spoiled and demanding.
Why do you think Hansberry selected the name "Beneatha" for this character? What does Asagai's use of a different name imply and foreshadow? How then might the character's name be ambiguous?
Hansberry may have selected the name Beneatha to represent the oppression of African-American women, drawing on the word 'beneath.' Beneatha struggles against any reference to being subservient, which is often the cause of her conflict with the rest of the family. When Asagai calls her Alaiyo, he is supporting her notion of her independence and her desire to do more with her life than remain beneath the rest of the world. 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.
What does the allusion "this here can is empty as Jacob's kettle" mean? How does Hansberry use it in this scene?
This is a biblical allusion to John 4:6, in which Jesus is sitting at Jacob's well and talks with a Samaritan woman who has come to fill her water bucket (kettle). 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. Hansberry uses this allusion to emphasize Mama's need to keep the appearance of a nice home. Mama's can of kitchen cleanser is always empty because she must at least keep her home very clean, since she cannot keep it looking new.
What does the following statement by Beneatha's foreshadow? What does Mama's confusion show? What is Hansberry saying by including the subsequent stage direction?
BENEATHA: (Halting at the door) To become a queen of the Nile!(She exits in a breathless blaze of glory ...)This statement is the turning point for Beneatha, showing that she has fully accepted her African heritage. It foreshadows two things: first, that she will allow her hair to return to its natural state, and second, that Beneatha will get together with Asagai and possibly go to Africa with him. Mama is confused because she does not understand the reference to the queen of the Nile. This shows Mama's ignorance of their African heritage and its significance to Beneatha. Hansberry's stage direction may also reflect something of her own beliefs. The fact that Beneatha leaves in a "blaze of glory" may suggest Hansberry's approval of Beneatha's new mindset.
Why is there so much apprehension about the check? What does the check symbolize, from both a plot standpoint and a dramatic standpoint?
Everyone is worried about the check arriving safely because the check is the physical symbol of their freedom from their current life. The check represents an outside force that enters into their lives and changes everything, for better or for worse. From a dramatic standpoint, the check's arrival instigates the point of crisis in the play. [Show Less]
