Asked by chris

Read the passage from A Raisin in the Sun.

BENEATHA goes to the door and opens it as WALTER and RUTH go on with the clowning. BENEATHA is somewhat surprised to see a quiet-looking middle-aged white man in a business suit holding his hat and a briefcase in his hand and consulting a small piece of paper.

MAN: Uh—how do you do, miss, I am looking for a Mrs.— (He looks at the slip of paper.) Mrs. Lena Younger? (He stops short, struck dumb at the sight of the oblivious WALTER and RUTH.)

BENEATHA (smoothing her hair with slight embarrassment): Oh—yes, that's my mother. Excuse me. (She closes the door and turns to quiet the other two.) Ruth! Brother! (Enunciating precisely but soundlessly: "There's a white man at the door!" They stop dancing. RUTH cuts off the phonograph, BENEATHA opens the door. The man casts a curious quick glance at all of them.) Uh—come in please.

MAN (coming in): Thank you.

Which statement best summarizes the theme developed by this passage?

Showing respect for strangers is essential for resolving conflicts with them.
People should use the same manners with strangers and their own families.
People may speak to one another politely and still be divided by issues of race.
Serious people struggle to develop relationships with easygoing people.

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
People may speak to one another politely and still be divided by issues of race.

Explanation: The family is outwardly polite to the white visitor (inviting him in), but his shocked reaction and Beneatha's silent announcement about his race show an underlying tension and division based on race despite civil behavior.