Problem 1: Raisin in the Sun Act II, Scene II Analysis- "Fools and Family"
In what ways is George "a fool"? What is he interested in? What is Beneatha interested in?
What does Beneatha thank Mama for? Why do you think she says this? What does Mama understand about Beneatha?
What news does Mrs. Johnson eagerly tell the Youngers? Why do you think she is so eager to discuss this?
Why do you think Mrs. Johnson insinuates that the Youngers might "get "BOMBED"?
What does Mrs. Johnson think about "young people" who get "a little education." Why do you think she might feel this way?
According to Mama, why was Booker T. Washington "a fool"?
Why do you think Mrs. Johnson leaves the paper?
Problem 2: What kind of person is Mrs. Johnson? How do you know this? What do you think motivates her to act the way she does?
Beneatha tells Mama, "Mama, if there are two things we, as a people, have got to overcome, one is the Ku Klux Klan- and the other is Mrs. Johnson." Why does she say this? What does she mean? Why is Mrs. Johnson something that must be "overcome"? What is it that Mrs. Johnson represents?
Walter is clearly in a bad place. Why do you think Mama says, "I've helped do it to you, haven't I son? Walter I been wrong."
Why does Mama put "all I got in the world" in Walter's hands?
What does Walter imagine in his conversation with Travis? What does this reveal about Walter's dream?
What is ironic about Walter's insistence that Travis will go to "All the great schools in the world!" What does this show about Walter?
George is a fool. Mrs. Johnson is a fool. According to Mama, Booker T. was a fool (at least what he said was foolish). Is Walter a fool? How so?