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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 objection does Mama raise to Beneatha getting married?

2. What does the Welcoming Committee offer to do?

3. What time are the moving men due?

4. Who are Mr. And Mrs. Arnold?

5. Why does Walter Lee thank Willie Harris?

Short Essay Questions

1. In this scene, Walter Lee's mood has changed for the better from his depression earlier. How does he express his happier feelings?

2. Walter Lee asks Mr. Lindner to get out, but Mr. Lindner leaves something behind. What?

3. Mama serves sweet potato pie to Mrs. Johnson. What is sweet potato pie?

4. Why does Walter Lee ask Karl Lindner to come back to the apartment?

5. Ruth wants to take a hot bath at the new house. Explain why that is a luxury for her.

6. How do we know that Beneatha tends to hold political positions that promote civil rights?

7. How does Mama show understanding when Beneatha says that George is a fool?

8. Mama explains to Mrs. Johnson that Walter Lee is busy resting. What conclusion does Mrs. Johnson jump to on hearing that?

9. Ruth tells Beneatha she went out with Walter Lee the night before. Why is that special?

10. Why does Walter Lee finally decide not to take Karl Lindner's money?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Hansberry starts the play with a poem by Langston Hughes about a "dream deferred." Explain how this poem and its images relate to the play.

Essay Topic 3

What is the central purpose of this play? What response do you think Lorraine Hansberry wanted from the audience? How does each character support her purpose? Write an essay exploring these questions.

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