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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 was the former function of Ruth and Walter Lee's bedroom?

2. Mama's real name is:

3. What was the name of the baby Mama and Big Walter lost?

4. What does Mama call the apartment?

5. Describe Beneatha's new outfit.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Walter Lee get upset at Mama when she tells him about her plans for the insurance money?

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

3. Why is Ruth so embarrassed by Walter Lee and Beneatha when George Murchison comes in?

4. How does Mama react when her neighbor, Mrs. Johnson, refuses to lend her some cleanser?

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

6. Walter Lee mentions that Mama is expecting something to arrive in the mail. What is she expecting?

7. What function does Joseph Asagai provide in this play about an African-American family?

8. Mama already has plans for the insurance money. What are they?

9. What does Walter Lee taunt George about as they wait for Beneatha?

10. Travis asks repeatedly where his mother, Ruth, is during this scene. Why doesn't Mama answer his question?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the end of the play, Mama tells Ruth that Walter Lee came into "his manhood." What is Mama saying about male gender roles? How does her attitude contrast with Walter Lee's thoughts about manhood?

Essay Topic 2

George calls Walter Lee "Prometheus." Expand his meaning with an essay that explains how Walter resembles this Greek god.

Essay Topic 3

Explain how Mama, Ruth, and Beneatha represent changing feminine roles in society.

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This section contains 527 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample