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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 the mood at the beginning of this act?

2. Mama opens a gift. What is it?

3. What does Travis give to Mama?

4. Where did Ruth go with Walter Lee?

5. What advice does Asagai give to Beneatha?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does Mama insist on Travis staying while Walter Lee talks to Karl Lindner?

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

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

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

7. 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?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

All of the characters in this play have specific relationships to money or the lack thereof. Examine the theme of money in this play and how it affects the various characters.

Essay Topic 2

In speaking about the new house, Ruth asks Mama, "Is there a whole lot of sunlight?" Explain the dramatic contrast of the dark, dingy apartment set with the idea of a room full of light. What does a new environment represent to the Younger family?

Essay Topic 3

Identify and describe the following dramatic structures in the play: Exposition, Rising Action, Turning Points, Climax, and Falling Action. Use dialogue and text examples to support your descriptions.

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This section contains 551 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample