Question

A)

Read the following excerpt from the ending of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun.

MAMA (Quietly, woman to woman) He finally come into his manhood today, didn't he? Kind of like a rainbow after the rain...

RUTH (Biting her lip lest her own pride explode in front of MAMA) Yes, Lena.

(WALTER'S voice calls for them raucously)

WALTER (Off stage) Y'all come on! These people charges by the hour, you know! MAMA (Waving RUTH out vaguely) All right, honey go on down. I be down directly.

(RUTH hesitates, then exits. MAMA stands, at last alone in the living room, her plant on the table before her as the lights start to come down. She looks around at all the walls and ceilings

and suddenly, despite herself, while the children call below, a great heaving thing rises in her and she puts her fist to her mouth to stifle it, takes a final desperate look, pulls her coat about her, pats her hat and goes out. The lights dim down. The door opens and she comes back in, grabs her plant, and goes out for the last time) Curtain How does this excerpt contribute to the theme of A Raisin in the Sun? What aesthetic impact did the author intend it to have on the reader? Be sure to use specific details from the text to support your answer.

Answer 1

[AI-generated answer — Bot GPT 3.5]

This excerpt from the ending of A Raisin in the Sun contributes to the theme of personal growth and empowerment. Mama's acknowledgment of Walter finally coming into his manhood signifies a sense of pride and realization of potential within the Younger family. This moment reflects the journey of the characters throughout the play, as they face obstacles and struggles but ultimately grow and assert themselves.

The imagery of a rainbow after the rain symbolizes hope and positivity after a period of hardship. This metaphor underscores the resilience and strength of the characters, particularly Walter, as he finally takes charge and shows leadership within the family. The author, Lorraine Hansberry, intended this moment to evoke a sense of triumph and optimism for the future, despite the challenges the Younger family has faced.

The final image of Mama standing alone in the living room, grappling with her emotions before finally leaving for the last time, adds to the emotional impact of the ending. The crescendo of emotions and the sense of closure as Mama grabs her plant and exits symbolizes a new beginning for the family. Hansberry likely intended for this moment to leave a lasting impression on the reader, highlighting the strength and resilience of the characters as they move forward with hope and determination.