1. Beneatha is referring to the pressure to conform to mainstream American culture, which often involves abandoning or suppressing one's own cultural heritage and identity. She rejects the idea that African Americans should blend into white society at the expense of their own African roots and traditions.
2. Walter joins Beneatha's performance as a way to escape from his frustrations and the harsh realities of his life. By imagining himself as a great African warrior, he taps into a sense of pride and empowerment that he lacks in his everyday struggles. It is also a way for him to connect with Beneatha's passion for her African heritage, even if only momentarily.
3.A quote that describes Ruth's attitude toward Walter that evening is: “You mean you did it? You finally achieved your dream of having a grown-up evening without your mother, your sister, or your son?”This quote reflects Ruth’s mix of weariness and sarcasm towards Walter’s behavior. She seems skeptical and resigned, illustrating her frustration with Walter’s constant dreaming and lack of practical solutions.
4. Walter chooses to imagine himself a great warrior because it allows him to feel powerful and in control, countering his feelings of inadequacy and helplessness in his real life. This fantasy helps him to cope with the limitations and failures he experiences, giving him a sense of purpose and valor that he craves.
5. George's Reaction to Walter: George is dismissive and condescending towards Walter. He views Walter's dreams and behavior as foolish and beneath him, reflecting his own sense of superiority and detachment.
George's Reaction to Beneatha: George finds Beneatha's interest in African heritage to be eccentric and unnecessary. He is more focused on fitting into the mainstream, successful image that his wealth and education have afforded him.
George might not be as interested in his African heritage as Beneatha because he has adopted the values and lifestyle of the dominant culture, which he associates with success and acceptance. His focus is on achieving and maintaining a status that aligns with societal expectations rather than exploring and embracing his cultural roots.
6. Eccentric means unconventional and slightly strange or unusual behavior.
George believes Beneatha's interest in her heritage is merely a phase or a way to appear different and unique. However, whether one agrees with George depends on personal interpretation. One might argue that Beneatha's genuine interest in her heritage is a valid pursuit of identity and self-awareness, not simply eccentricity. She is earnest in her desire to connect with her roots and reject assimilation, indicating a deeper purpose than just wanting to stand out.
7. George's refusal of the beer underscores the class disparity by highlighting his preference for more sophisticated or cultured choices, which he associates with his higher socioeconomic status. This small act of declining a common, casual offer reflects his desire to differentiate himself from what he perceives as a lower-class lifestyle, reinforcing the social and economic divide between him and Ruth's family.
8. The dynamic between Walter and Mama is tense and strained. Mama is disappointed with Walter's decisions and attitude, feeling that he lacks the sense of responsibility and moral grounding that she values. She acts aloof because she is frustrated and disheartened by Walter's obsession with money and his disregard for the family's well-being and values. Her aloofness is a form of emotional distance, a way to cope with her disapproval and concern.
9. Ruth asks about the sunlight as a way to inquire about the new house Mama has bought. Sunlight symbolizes hope, new beginnings, and a brighter future. It represents the possibility of a better life and the positive changes that the new house might bring for the family, offering them a chance to escape the darkness and confinement of their current living situation.