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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 is Walter Lee looking for when he searches the apartment?

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

3. Mama advises Beneatha:

4. How much will the monthly payments be for the new house?

5. Mrs. Johnson thinks Walter is:

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Joseph Asagai tell Beneatha he wants to do with his life?

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

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

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

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

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

7. Ruth thinks that the sign Beneatha is making for a box of china can be seen from an airplane. What is Ruth implying about Beneatha?

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

9. At the end of the play, Mama tells Ruth that Walter Lee "finally come into his manhood today." What does it mean to come into your manhood?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Does racism perpetuate poverty, or does poverty intensify racism? Or are the two problems completely separate? Explore these questions in an essay.

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

Examine the spirituality of the characters in this play. What is their relationship to God and higher powers? Are the Youngers spiritual or not?

(see the answer keys)

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