Raisin in the Sun A I: sc 1

5/5/14 Raisin in the Sun A I: sc 1

Summary: In this scene, we are introduced to a variety of the characters. The plot is revealed: the Youngers are receiving a large check and all have different ways to use it. Walter, Ruth, Bennie, and Mama all have different ideas of how they want to use their fathers money.

 

Quote: “ MAMA     I ain't meddling (Pause) Put a lot of nice butter on it? (Ruth shoots her an angry look and does not reply) He likes lots of butter."

 

Sig of Quote: Acting as Travis is her own son and trying to care for him may be Mamas way of coping with her husbands death. Since she used to care night and day for her husband, once he died she took a new interest in Travis.

 

Reflection: This book gives great insight into the lives of a African American during the 1950s. It tells of their very poor life, and what they do to keep the roof over their heads. They all contribute- Walter, Mama, and Bennie- to afford the very small home they live in. Their jobs are low paying because of what their skin color is, for back in those days, it was a hard time for “colored people”. Its terrible really, how they all have dreams in which they contribute even more to their home. They all want to do something more with their lives, but until now, none of them have gotten a chance to achieve those dreams.

 

Question: Why is there so much conflict between Walter and Ruth?