View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Walter Lee grabs Bobo and:

2. What has Ruth bought for the new house?

3. What does Ruth tell Travis to do when Karl Lindner arrives?

4. Mama begs for strength from:

5. Travis wants to be:

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. A new character, Mr. Karl Lindner, appears at the door. How is he greeted by the adult Youngers?

4. Travis says that he wants to be a bus driver. How do Walter Lee's dreams for Travis differ from his son's?

5. Beneatha sarcastically asks George "Why read books---why go to school?" Give her answer.

6. How does Walter Lee find out that Mama's money is gone?

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

8. Who is the first family member to be suspicious of Mr. Lindner's real intent?

9. How do the onstage character to react to Mr. Lindner's offer to buy their new house? Describe their emotions.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 522 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample