Summary of A Raisin in the Sun: Act 1, Scene 2
This page provides a detailed summary of Act 1, Scene 2 of Lorraine Hansberry's play A Raisin in the Sun.
The scene opens with Ruth returning from a doctor's appointment, revealing she is two months pregnant. Meanwhile, Travis is playing outside, and Ruth hears a commotion. She discovers Travis trying to catch a rat and calls him to come upstairs immediately.
Highlight: The presence of rats near their home underscores the poor living conditions the Younger family endures.
Asagai, a Nigerian friend of Beneatha's from university, arrives with gifts for her: records and traditional Nigerian women's robes. Beneatha is delighted and tries on the clothing, admiring herself in the mirror before Asagai departs.
Walter then comes home, immediately asking if the insurance money has arrived. He expresses his desire to invest in a liquor store, but Mama firmly opposes the idea. Walter attempts to leave, but Mama insists on talking to him.
Quote: "You shouldn't talk so much about money," Mama admonishes Walter.
Mama tries to remind Walter of the positive aspects of his life, including his job, wife, freedom, and appearance. However, Walter expresses dissatisfaction with his job. Upon learning of Ruth's pregnancy, he accuses her of not supporting his ambitions, though Ruth denies this.
Vocabulary: Characterization - The way an author presents and develops a fictional personality through dialogue, actions, and descriptions.
The scene ends with Mama deeply disappointed in Walter's attitude and behavior. This interaction highlights the growing tension between Walter's materialistic dreams and his family's more traditional values.
