The stage directions in this excerpt provide insight into the personalities and relationships of the characters. For example, when Beneatha emerges from the bedroom "grandly" and "thoroughly robed in the costume Asagai brought," it shows her enthusiasm for African culture and her desire to embrace her roots. This demonstrates Beneatha's independent and rebellious nature, as she rejects the idea of assimilation and proudly displays her Nigerian attire.
Additionally, the stage directions show Ruth's reaction to Beneatha's behavior. When Ruth's mouth "falls" and she puts down the iron in fascination, it indicates her surprise and intrigue at Beneatha's transformation. This highlights Ruth's more conservative and traditional mindset, as she is taken aback by Beneatha's boldness and willingness to challenge societal norms.
Furthermore, the stage directions reveal the dynamic between Beneatha and Ruth. Beneatha's arrogant attitude towards the music playing on the radio and her commanding presence as she turns it off suggest a sense of superiority and confidence. In contrast, Ruth's reaction of being "dumbfounded" and jumping at the sound of the Nigerian music shows her discomfort and confusion in the face of Beneatha's actions. This contrast illustrates the tension between the two women and their differing viewpoints on identity and culture.
Overall, the stage directions in this excerpt help to deepen the reader's understanding of Beneatha and Ruth's characters, their relationship, and the underlying themes of heritage and assimilation in the play.
Read the following excerpt from Act II Scene 1 of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun
Time: Later the same day At rise RUTH is ironing again She has the radio going Presently BENEATHA'S bedroom door opens and RUTH'S mouth falls and she puts down the iron in fascination
RUTH What have we got on tonight!
BENEATHA (Emerging grandly from the doorway so that we can see her thoroughly robed in the costume Asagai brought) You are looking at what a well-dressed Nigerian woman wears
(She parades for RUTH, her hair completely hidden by the headdress, she is coquettishiy fanning herself with an ornate onental fan, mistakenly more like Butterfly than any Nigerian that ever
was) Isn't it beautiful? (She promenades to the radio and, with an arrogant flourish, tums off the good loud blues that is playing) Enough of this assimilationist junk! (RUTH follows her eyes as she goes to the phonograph and puts on a record and turns and waits ceremoniously for the music to come up. Then with a shout -) OCOMOGOSIAY! with her
(RUTH jumps. The music comes up, a lovely Nigerian melody, BENEATHA listens enraptured, ner eyes far away "back to the past She begins to dance. RUTH is dumbfounded
Explain how stage directions add to the reader's understanding of the characters in this excerpt. Be sure to use specific details from the text to support your answer
1 answer