Question
Answer the following questions over Act 2 Scene 1 of A Raisin in the Sun. Make sure to use full sentences.
1. Why is it significant that George enters the scene while Walter and Beneatha playfully enact African
characters?
2. How are Joseph and George different? How are they the same?
3. How are Walter and George different?
4. Why does Walter say, “Bitter? Man, I’m a volcano. Bitter? Here I am a giant – surrounded by ants!”?
What does he mean by this exclamation?
5. Why does George call Walter “Prometheus”? What does this statement demonstrate?
6. Walter says that African Americans “don’t know how to do nothing but moan, pray and have babies!” What character(s) in the play have challenged this stereotype?
7. Is it fair for Walter to say that Mama “bashed his dreams” at the end of Scene 1?
8. George says he wants a “simple...sophisticated girl”. What does he mean by that?
9. How do George and Beneatha’s views about education differ?
1. Why is it significant that George enters the scene while Walter and Beneatha playfully enact African
characters?
2. How are Joseph and George different? How are they the same?
3. How are Walter and George different?
4. Why does Walter say, “Bitter? Man, I’m a volcano. Bitter? Here I am a giant – surrounded by ants!”?
What does he mean by this exclamation?
5. Why does George call Walter “Prometheus”? What does this statement demonstrate?
6. Walter says that African Americans “don’t know how to do nothing but moan, pray and have babies!” What character(s) in the play have challenged this stereotype?
7. Is it fair for Walter to say that Mama “bashed his dreams” at the end of Scene 1?
8. George says he wants a “simple...sophisticated girl”. What does he mean by that?
9. How do George and Beneatha’s views about education differ?
Answers
GPT-4o mini
1. It is significant that George enters the scene while Walter and Beneatha playfully enact African characters because it highlights the clash between traditional cultural expressions and contemporary societal expectations. Walter and Beneatha's playful portrayal of their African heritage demonstrates a form of identity exploration and pride, while George's entry represents the assimilationist viewpoint, suggesting a disconnect from this cultural dialogue. This contrast sets the stage for the broader themes of identity and cultural heritage throughout the play.
2. Joseph and George are different in their attitudes towards heritage and identity. Joseph (Beneatha’s African friend) is proud of his African roots, embraces his culture, and seeks to explore his identity more deeply. George, on the other hand, embraces a more Westernized identity and values social status and material success. However, they are similar in that both represent significant perspectives on how African Americans navigate their identities, as both attempt to define themselves in the context of their cultural backgrounds and societal pressures.
3. Walter and George differ significantly in their dreams and aspirations. Walter is deeply invested in pursuing the American Dream through financial success and entrepreneurship, wanting to provide a better life for his family. In contrast, George's ambitions are more focused on personal success and social standing, often dismissing the broader struggles faced by African Americans. Additionally, Walter's passion is tinged with frustration and anger over systemic oppression, while George seems to accept and navigate the social hierarchy without questioning it.
4. When Walter says, “Bitter? Man, I’m a volcano. Bitter? Here I am a giant – surrounded by ants!”, he is expressing his intense frustration and pent-up energy due to feeling stifled by his circumstances. He views himself as someone with immense potential (a “giant”), yet he feels undermined and belittled by those around him (the “ants”) who do not understand or support his aspirations. This exclamation reveals his inner turmoil and the urgency of his desire to break free from societal limitations.
5. George calls Walter “Prometheus” to imply that Walter is like the mythological figure who stole fire from the gods to give to humanity, thus symbolizing creativity and the quest for knowledge. This statement demonstrates George's recognition of Walter's ambition and potential but also reflects a condescending attitude. George may see Walter as someone striving for something grand, yet he believes that Walter's aspirations are naive and impractical, highlighting the tension between their characters.
6. Characters in the play such as Beneatha and Walter challenge the stereotype that African Americans "don’t know how to do nothing but moan, pray, and have babies." Beneatha, in particular, is pursuing her education and dreams of becoming a doctor, breaking away from traditional gender roles and societal expectations. Walter's desire to invest in a liquor store is also an attempt to uplift his family financially, showing ambition beyond the negative stereotypes associated with their community.
7. It is somewhat unfair for Walter to say that Mama “bashed his dreams” at the end of Scene 1. While Mama does express concerns about Walter's plans to invest in a liquor store, her intentions are rooted in a desire to protect the family's values and legacy. Walter's frustrations stem from his own feelings of inadequacy and his battle for recognition within his family, making it more about his internal conflicts than Mama actively trying to thwart his dreams.
8. When George says he wants a “simple...sophisticated girl,” he is looking for someone who embodies both easy-going qualities and high social refinement. This suggests that he desires a partner who can navigate elite social circles without any apparent struggle, ideally someone who conforms to his expectations of sophistication and acceptance in a predominantly white society. His definition of sophistication is superficial and tied to social status rather than genuine character.
9. George and Beneatha's views about education differ in their underlying motivations and aspirations. George sees education as a means to secure upward mobility and social status; for him, it's about personal advancement and fitting into a certain societal mold. Beneatha, on the other hand, views education as a path to empowerment and self-discovery, seeking not just professional success but also a deeper understanding of her identity and cultural heritage. This fundamental difference exemplifies their contrasting priorities and worldviews within the African American experience.
2. Joseph and George are different in their attitudes towards heritage and identity. Joseph (Beneatha’s African friend) is proud of his African roots, embraces his culture, and seeks to explore his identity more deeply. George, on the other hand, embraces a more Westernized identity and values social status and material success. However, they are similar in that both represent significant perspectives on how African Americans navigate their identities, as both attempt to define themselves in the context of their cultural backgrounds and societal pressures.
3. Walter and George differ significantly in their dreams and aspirations. Walter is deeply invested in pursuing the American Dream through financial success and entrepreneurship, wanting to provide a better life for his family. In contrast, George's ambitions are more focused on personal success and social standing, often dismissing the broader struggles faced by African Americans. Additionally, Walter's passion is tinged with frustration and anger over systemic oppression, while George seems to accept and navigate the social hierarchy without questioning it.
4. When Walter says, “Bitter? Man, I’m a volcano. Bitter? Here I am a giant – surrounded by ants!”, he is expressing his intense frustration and pent-up energy due to feeling stifled by his circumstances. He views himself as someone with immense potential (a “giant”), yet he feels undermined and belittled by those around him (the “ants”) who do not understand or support his aspirations. This exclamation reveals his inner turmoil and the urgency of his desire to break free from societal limitations.
5. George calls Walter “Prometheus” to imply that Walter is like the mythological figure who stole fire from the gods to give to humanity, thus symbolizing creativity and the quest for knowledge. This statement demonstrates George's recognition of Walter's ambition and potential but also reflects a condescending attitude. George may see Walter as someone striving for something grand, yet he believes that Walter's aspirations are naive and impractical, highlighting the tension between their characters.
6. Characters in the play such as Beneatha and Walter challenge the stereotype that African Americans "don’t know how to do nothing but moan, pray, and have babies." Beneatha, in particular, is pursuing her education and dreams of becoming a doctor, breaking away from traditional gender roles and societal expectations. Walter's desire to invest in a liquor store is also an attempt to uplift his family financially, showing ambition beyond the negative stereotypes associated with their community.
7. It is somewhat unfair for Walter to say that Mama “bashed his dreams” at the end of Scene 1. While Mama does express concerns about Walter's plans to invest in a liquor store, her intentions are rooted in a desire to protect the family's values and legacy. Walter's frustrations stem from his own feelings of inadequacy and his battle for recognition within his family, making it more about his internal conflicts than Mama actively trying to thwart his dreams.
8. When George says he wants a “simple...sophisticated girl,” he is looking for someone who embodies both easy-going qualities and high social refinement. This suggests that he desires a partner who can navigate elite social circles without any apparent struggle, ideally someone who conforms to his expectations of sophistication and acceptance in a predominantly white society. His definition of sophistication is superficial and tied to social status rather than genuine character.
9. George and Beneatha's views about education differ in their underlying motivations and aspirations. George sees education as a means to secure upward mobility and social status; for him, it's about personal advancement and fitting into a certain societal mold. Beneatha, on the other hand, views education as a path to empowerment and self-discovery, seeking not just professional success but also a deeper understanding of her identity and cultural heritage. This fundamental difference exemplifies their contrasting priorities and worldviews within the African American experience.