A Raisin in the Sun

A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
The play will be read in class with students reading assigned parts. Discussion will follow the reading of scenes.
Act I—Scene I
Discussion questions:
What is the setting of the play?
Who, in your opinion, makes all the major decisions in the family?
What kind of person is Walter and what are his ambitions in life?
What important event is the whole Younger family looking forward to?
What plans for the $10,000 does each member of the family have in mind?
Act I—Scene II
Discussion questions:
In this scene Ruth has discovered that she is pregnant. She is considering an abortion. In your opinion, why does she want to do this? Do you feel that this is a solution to her problems?

What is revealed about the character of Beneatha in this scene?
How does her African friend view American Blacks?
The $10,000 check finally arrives in the mail. What impact does this event have on each member of the family?
Act II—Scene I
Discussion questions:
Compare the personalities of Walter and George Murchison. How are they different?
Do you think Lena was right in spending the money the way she wanted to?
Should she have considered the wishes of Walter?
As a Black person or member of some other ethnic group, how would you feel about moving into a neighborhood where you are not welcome?
What are some of the causes of racial prejudice?
What are some of the things we can do to eliminate prejudice?
Act II—Scene II
Discussion questions:
Ruth finds out that Walter has not been reporting to his job as a chauffeur. What caused this rebellious attitude in Walter?

Lena has a change of heart and turns over to Walter the $6,500 she has left after making a deposit on a house. What causes her to make this decision?

Describe the change in Walter after he gets his hands on the money.

What would you do if you suddenly fell heir to $10,000?

Do you think that money is all that you need to be happy?
Act II—Scene III
Discussion questions
Can you imagine some of the feelings the Younger family had when they found out why Mr. Lindner paid them a visit?
What kind of person was Mr. Lindner?
Can you picture the kind of neighborhood the Youngers are planning to move into? What are some of the problems they will face?
How do you think Walter feels after hearing from Bobo that Willy has disappeared with the money?
How do you think Lena feels after having trusted Walter with the money?

Act III
Discussion questions:
With the loss of the money Beneatha will not be able to go to medical school. Describe her reaction to her brother and the change in her attitude toward life itself. How has Walter changed since he lost the money?
What is his plan to rectify his mistake?
Why does Lena disapprove of his plan?
The play ends as the Younger family is leaving their old house. What kind of reception do you think is in store for them when they arrive at their new residence?