A Raisin in the Sun Socratic Seminar
1. The play takes its names from a well-known Langston Hughes poem, “Harlem,”
which is printed at the beginning of the play and is read at the beginning of the
movie. Explain the connection between these two works of literature (besides
simply the line “a raisin in the sun” of course!).
2. What role does pride play in the decisions that Walter makes throughout the
play?
3. Bennie struggles to “find herself” throughout the play. Why is this important to
the development of her character? Does she seem to “find herself?” Explain.
4. Why does Mama not fully share in her family’s excitement about getting the
check?
5. What is the difference between what George Murchison wants for Beneatha and
what Joseph Asagai wants for her? How do they each reveal the true character of
Beneatha?
6. In Act 2, Walter and Beneatha dance and sing and express pride in their heritage.
How does this pride inspire both characters again near the end of the play?
7. Early in Act 3, Mama mourns, “Me and Big Walter just didn’t never learn right.”
What does she mean? Does the end of the play prove her right or wrong?
Explain.
8. What major idea(s) in the play does Mama’s plant represent?
9. Explain how Walter struggles with both internal and external conflicts
throughout the play. Which did he seem to struggle with the most? Why?
10. Describe the purpose of having Travis in the play?
11. The four main characters, Mama, Walter, Beneatha and Ruth drive the events of
this play; characterization plays an extremely important role. Who would you
consider to be the most important character in the play? Why?
12. What is a hero? Identify a character from A Raisin in the Sun who you would
describe as a hero? Explain your choice.
13. How did reading A Raisin in the Sun help you understand the world at the time
the events took place? How did it help you to understand people and life today?
Refer to specific details and incidents from the play to support your answer.
14. Do you think the ideas and themes of A Raisin in the Sun are still relevant in
society today – over 50 years later? Explain your response.
15. Explain how the following ideas: resistance, persuasion, and the American dream,
are represented in A Raisin in the Sun.
16. How does our family background, our class, or our occupation change the way we
see the world?
17. In A Raisin in the Sun, Mama’s plant is symbolic of the family. Explain this
symbolism, and why Hansberry chooe a plant to use as the symbol.
18. What is the role of money in the play? How does the money that the family is
receiving effect each of the main characters in the play differently?
19. Beneatha is a character with a great deal of ambition in life. How does her
ambition change the way she sees the world, and how does that make her
different from the rest of her family?
20. Mama decides that the money should be used for a new home. What are the risks
of moving to the new neighborhood? If you were in that situation, would you
choose to leave for the new home, with all the risks involved, or would you
choose the safety of your current home? Explain a situation in which you have
had to make a difficult decision of this type?
21. Read the following quotation. “[You] are responsible for segregation. No one
has the power to oppress you if you don’t cooperate. So, if you say you are
oppressed, then you are in league with the oppressor.” Do you agree with this
quotation? Why or why not?
22. On June 11th President Kennedy said “This is the end of segregation.” Was it?
23. In the end, Walter says to Mama he would be willing to bargain with Mr. Linder
in order to recover the money he lost. But according to Mama, making that kind
of deal comes at a heavy price. What does Mama mean? Do you think money is
more important than what Walter would lose as a man? Would you make be
willing to make a deal with Mr. Linder, considering the violence of the era?
Explain.
24. Could there be an alternate title for the play? How does the current title integrate
with the theme of the play?
25. How would the play differ if the Youngers stayed in the apartment? What would
happen to the characters? What do you think will happen to them now in their
new house? Did they make the right decision? Why or why not?