ARaisinintheSun_NG
4/8/06
6:54 AM
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A Raisin in the Sun
Act I, Scene Two
Handout 2
Name
Date
Hour
Conflict in Action
Without conflict in a story, the plot can seem boring. There are two
types of conflict: internal and external. Internal conflict is a struggle
that a character has within himself. It may be a struggle to make a
decision or to believe or not believe something. External conflict is
when a character finds himself in a struggle with another character,
society, an animal, or even nature itself.
Directions: Answer the questions below in the space provided to begin
analyzing the various conflicts at work in the play. Be sure to circle
whether the conflict is internal or external; if you believe there are
elements of both conflict types at play, explain why.
1. What is Beneatha’s conflict regarding her cultural heritage and her life
in America? Is it an internal or external conflict?
2. What is Mama’s conflict regarding the insurance check? Is it an internal or external
conflict?
3. What is Walter’s conflict regarding dreams and dignity at this point in the story? Is it an
internal or external conflict?
4. What is Ruth’s conflict regarding her pregnancy? Is it an internal or external conflict?
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© 2006. Teacher’s Discovery®