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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. Where does Karl Lindner live?

2. What does Ruth give Mrs. Johnson?

3. What does Mama say when Karl Lindner appeals to her?

4. Mrs. Johnson's personality can be described as:

5. Bobo waited for Willie how long?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Beneatha upset at Walter Lee in this scene?

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

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

4. How does Ruth react to Mama giving up on the move to the new house?

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

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

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

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

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

10. Instead of going to his job for several days, Walter Lee spent the time driving away from the city. Why did he do this and where did he go?

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

Lorraine Hansberry was a notable African-American. She was also a woman. People tend to consider both perspectives as somehow more specialized than white, male perspectives. Do you agree? Write an essay addressing the question of whether this play is primarily an "African-American" play or a "Woman's" play.

Essay Topic 3

The author introduces many references in this play, from Hughes to Henry David Thoreau to Greek mythology and African songs. What do these references add to the play? How do they expand the universality of the themes?

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