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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Walter Lee say when Ruth says she's considering an abortion?

2. What country is Beneatha's visitor originally from?

3. What does Walter Lee want to do?

4. Walter Lee and George argue about:

5. Beneatha turns off the radio which was playing:

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Ruth referring to when she talks to George about "them bombs and things they keep setting off?"

2. What does Ruth urge Mama to do with the insurance money for Big Walter's death?

3. How does Beneatha differ from the other members of her family?

4. What is Beneatha afraid that Mama will do when Beneatha's visitor arrives?

5. How does the author let the reader know that Beneatha is inauthentic in the way she wears her Nigerian costume?

6. How do Walter Lee and Ruth react when Mama tells them she bought a house in Clybourne Park?

7. Why do you think Ruth fainted at the end of the scene?

8. What is Mama waiting for Walter Lee to do after she tells him about Ruth's pregnancy?

9. Describe Walter Lee's future, as he sees it.

10. How does Mama react to Beneatha asking whether Ruth "planned" her baby?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lorraine Hansberry includes extensive stage directions in her play. Explain how her stage directions add or detract from the play for the reader. Include specific examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

In speaking about the new house, Ruth asks Mama, "Is there a whole lot of sunlight?" Explain the dramatic contrast of the dark, dingy apartment set with the idea of a room full of light. What does a new environment represent to the Younger family?

Essay Topic 3

Describe how Mama exercises her power over family members, especially the male characters Walter and Travis. How does she include or exclude them?

(see the answer keys)

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