What happens to the Youngers

The Youngers do, indeed, move into their new home. What do you think happens to them?

The Welcoming Committee

Beneatha calls Mr. Lindner "The Welcoming Committee". What does she mean by this? Explain thoroughly.

How would you spend it?

Imagine that you just inherited $50,000. What would you do with it? Be specific (not, "buy a car" but "buy a 2009 Lincoln Town Car with special rims, etc." If necessary do internet research to see if you can actually buy this thing with the money you inherited. If you want to save the money (for college, for instance) specify what you are saving for.

Langston Hughes

A Dream Deferred
by Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes homepage

What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?

Could you improve this poem?
If I asked you to subtract one word that would make the poem better what word would that be?
If I asked you to add two lines to this poem to improve it what would you add? Where would you put these two lines exactly?
If I asked you to change three words in this poem to make it better what words would you change? And what would be your replacement words?

Mrs. Johnson

Mrs. Johnson doesn't seem to approve of the way Mama has spent the $10,000. Among other things she says:"Ain't it something how bad these here white folks is getting here in Chicago! Lord, getting so you think you right down in Mississippi! 'Course I think it's wonderful how our folks keep on pushing out. You hear some of these Negroes round here talking 'bout how they don't go where they ain't wanted and all that--but not me, honey! Wilhemenia Othella Johnson goes anywhere, any time she feels like it! Yes I do! Why if we left it up to these here crackers, the poor niggers wouldn't have nothing--Oh, I always forgets you don't 'low that word in your house."Why do you think Mrs. Johnson is so upset at the idea of the Youngers moving?

Our African past

After George shows up there ensues a discussion of Berneatha's newfound enthusiasm for things African (including Asagai). At one point George says: "Oh dear, dear, dear. A lecture on the African past. On Our Great West African Heritage! In one second we will hear all about the great Ashanti empires; the great Songhay civilizations; and the great sculpture of Benin--and them some poetry in the Bantu--and the whole monologue will end with the word heritage! Let's face it, baby, your heritage is nothing but a bunch of raggedy-ass spirituals and some grass huts!"

Why do you think George is so angry about Berneatha's new interest in Africa? Why is he so contemptuous of Bantu's and Benin and the rest?

Asagai

Asagai is probably different from the men that Berneatha has known throughout her life in Chicago. What do you think of Asagai? Do you think he and Berneatha could be boyfriend and girlfriend? What might stand in the way of their having a successful relationship?