A Raisin in the Sun is a powerful play about... Show more
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Jan 3, 2026
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Essential Questions for A Raisin in the Sun Act 1, Scene 1
Stephanie๐
@stephanie_071607
1 / 3
Setting and Characters
The play takes place in a tiny, run-down apartment on Chicago's South Side where the Younger family lives. Despite being cramped and worn, they've made it feel like home. The story unfolds in the 1950s, focusing on an African American family facing economic hardships and discrimination.
The main characters include Ruth (Walter's wife and Travis's mother), Walter Younger (Ruth's husband who dreams of business success), Travis (their young son), Beneatha (Walter's sister with ambitions to become a doctor), and Lena "Mama" Younger (the widowed matriarch of the family).
When reading this play, pay attention to the italicized stage directions. These tell you what characters look like, how they move, and details about the setting that you'd see if watching a live performance.
Reading Tip: As you read, imagine the characters moving and speaking on stage. This will help bring the play to life in your mind and make the family's struggles and dreams more meaningful to you.
Family Dreams and Tensions
The Younger family is anxiously waiting for a $10,000 insurance check following the death of Mr. Younger (Mama's husband). This money represents different possibilities for each family member, highlighting their individual dreams.
Walter sees the insurance money as his chance for financial independence. He plans to invest in a liquor store with his friends Willy Harris and Bobo, believing this business will finally allow him to provide properly for his family and be his own boss instead of working for others.
Meanwhile, Beneatha has her own ambitions. She's attending school with hopes of becoming a doctor, showing her determination to break barriers as an African American woman in the medical field.
Walter Senior (Mama's deceased husband) was described as an old-fashioned, dominating man. Though sometimes harsh, he deeply valued his family and always put his children first, establishing the family values that continue to influence the Youngers.
Beneatha's Character
Beneatha has a complicated attitude toward her suitor George. She calls him an "assimilationist," suggesting she believes he's trying to abandon or hide his cultural heritage to fit into white society. Her criticism reveals her own strong sense of identity and resistance to conformity.
From this scene, we can infer that Beneatha is independent-minded and values authenticity. She doesn't seem particularly interested in George and appears to judge people based on their commitment to their heritage and true self rather than their social status.
The structure of the play itself helps organize the story into manageable sections. Acts are the larger divisions of the play, and each act contains multiple scenes. This organization helps the playwright control the pacing and emotional impact of the story.
Drama Insight: Plays reveal character through dialogue and actions rather than descriptions. Pay attention to what characters say (and don't say) to understand who they truly are and what motivates them.
We thought youโd never ask...
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Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
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4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think itโs very much worth it and youโll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still donโt get it!!! In the end I think itโs worth it ๐๐ โ ๏ธAlso DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DONโT HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLYโ๏ธโ๏ธโ ๏ธ
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app Iโve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help๐ค๐ค
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.๐๐ฉท๐
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as Iโve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think itโs very much worth it and youโll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still donโt get it!!! In the end I think itโs worth it ๐๐ โ ๏ธAlso DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DONโT HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLYโ๏ธโ๏ธโ ๏ธ
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app Iโve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help๐ค๐ค
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.๐๐ฉท๐
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as Iโve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Essential Questions for A Raisin in the Sun Act 1, Scene 1
Stephanie๐
@stephanie_071607
A Raisin in the Sun is a powerful play about the Younger family's struggles and dreams in 1950s Chicago. As they await a life-changing insurance check, each family member has different hopes for what the money could bring them, creating... Show more
Setting and Characters
The play takes place in a tiny, run-down apartment on Chicago's South Side where the Younger family lives. Despite being cramped and worn, they've made it feel like home. The story unfolds in the 1950s, focusing on an African American family facing economic hardships and discrimination.
The main characters include Ruth (Walter's wife and Travis's mother), Walter Younger (Ruth's husband who dreams of business success), Travis (their young son), Beneatha (Walter's sister with ambitions to become a doctor), and Lena "Mama" Younger (the widowed matriarch of the family).
When reading this play, pay attention to the italicized stage directions. These tell you what characters look like, how they move, and details about the setting that you'd see if watching a live performance.
Reading Tip: As you read, imagine the characters moving and speaking on stage. This will help bring the play to life in your mind and make the family's struggles and dreams more meaningful to you.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Family Dreams and Tensions
The Younger family is anxiously waiting for a $10,000 insurance check following the death of Mr. Younger (Mama's husband). This money represents different possibilities for each family member, highlighting their individual dreams.
Walter sees the insurance money as his chance for financial independence. He plans to invest in a liquor store with his friends Willy Harris and Bobo, believing this business will finally allow him to provide properly for his family and be his own boss instead of working for others.
Meanwhile, Beneatha has her own ambitions. She's attending school with hopes of becoming a doctor, showing her determination to break barriers as an African American woman in the medical field.
Walter Senior (Mama's deceased husband) was described as an old-fashioned, dominating man. Though sometimes harsh, he deeply valued his family and always put his children first, establishing the family values that continue to influence the Youngers.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Beneatha's Character
Beneatha has a complicated attitude toward her suitor George. She calls him an "assimilationist," suggesting she believes he's trying to abandon or hide his cultural heritage to fit into white society. Her criticism reveals her own strong sense of identity and resistance to conformity.
From this scene, we can infer that Beneatha is independent-minded and values authenticity. She doesn't seem particularly interested in George and appears to judge people based on their commitment to their heritage and true self rather than their social status.
The structure of the play itself helps organize the story into manageable sections. Acts are the larger divisions of the play, and each act contains multiple scenes. This organization helps the playwright control the pacing and emotional impact of the story.
Drama Insight: Plays reveal character through dialogue and actions rather than descriptions. Pay attention to what characters say (and don't say) to understand who they truly are and what motivates them.
We thought youโd never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think itโs very much worth it and youโll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still donโt get it!!! In the end I think itโs worth it ๐๐ โ ๏ธAlso DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DONโT HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLYโ๏ธโ๏ธโ ๏ธ
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app Iโve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help๐ค๐ค
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.๐๐ฉท๐
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as Iโve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think itโs very much worth it and youโll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still donโt get it!!! In the end I think itโs worth it ๐๐ โ ๏ธAlso DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DONโT HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLYโ๏ธโ๏ธโ ๏ธ
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app Iโve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help๐ค๐ค
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.๐๐ฉท๐
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as Iโve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user