ACT III - Final Act
Page numbers embedded in the questions below refer to the book version of the play accessible from the MHS Library. If you have your own copy of another version of the play, or are using the online or PDF file, the page numbers will not align.
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ACT III CRITICAL READING QUESTIONS
Directions: Answer ALL the questions properly using complete sentences. Most questions must be answered with multiple sentences. Make sure to answer ALL parts of the questions thoughtfully.
ACT III – PART I (BENEATHA & ASAGAI)
PAGES 131-137
1A. How are the packing crates described by the narrator in the opening of Act III? List the text evidence. Then describe what the narrator is implying about these crates?
1B. How is the mood of this scene described (hint: 2nd paragraph)?
List text evidence.
2A. Who rings the door bell?
2B. Describe the contrast in moods described by the narrator between Beneatha and the person at the door.
3. How does Asagai view packing crates, symbolically?
4. What is ironic about Asagai’s comments as he enters the apartment, seeing it all packed up?
5. What line does Beneatha state disparaging Walter’s sense of judgment? Write down the text evidence (with page number). Explain what Beneatha means by this statement.
6. What literary technique is used by the author when Beneatha begins talking about sled-riding during the wintertime? (132)
7A. What did this anecdote from Beneatha reveal about her future aspirations? (132-133)
7B. What does it reveal now though as she shares it? (132-133)
7C. What has happened to Beneatha’s sense of idealism? Explain. (133)
7D. Which lines begin to reveal Beneatha’s pessimism, especially directed against Asagai? Write down the text evidence (with page numbers.)
8. What symbol/image does Beneatha use to explain her point. Clarify the symbol and what she means. (134)
9A. Which line from Beneatha (134) shows her sense of powerlessness has emerged and taken the better part of her?
9B. Explain what her comment means.
10. How does Asagai respond upon seeing and hearing Alaiyo (Beneatha) speaking like so? Explain Asagai’s purpose here. (135)
11A. Re-read Asagai’s two extended monologues. What do these monologues reveal about his character? Explain. (135-136)
11B. Infer what does Asagai whisper to Beneatha? (136)
11C. Do you think it was appropriate for Asagai to extend this invitation at this precise moment? Why or why not? Explain. (136-137)
12. What is Beneatha’s response to Asagai’s invitation? (137)
13. What does this reveal about Beneatha’s character, even despite her despondency today? (137)
ACT III – PART 2 (YOUNGER FAMILY)
PAGES 138-150
14. What tone is Beneatha using as she “greets” Walter Lee? (138) What point is she attempting to make with her comments here? Explain.
15. What line statement Mama Lena catches Ruth and Beneatha off guard? Explain Ruth and Beneatha’s reaction. (139)
16. What are the multiple meanings of Ruth’s line, “No, Lena…” (139)?
What is Ruth saying NO and disagreeing with?
17. What is revealed through Mama Lena’s lines (139) about her dream?
18. What details does Ruth share which makes it clear she undeniably wants OUT of the apartment? List the text evidence. (140)
19. Mama Lena’s describes how she “sees things differently now.” (140) Do you agree these changes Mama Lena is advocating will “cheer us all up so that we forget trouble ever come…”? Explain your position.
20A. Which line from Beneatha (142) represents how alienated and vehemently in disagreement she is with Walter Lee?
20B. What does her line mean? Explain it.
21A. Re-read Mama’s lines on Page 143. What has made Mama Lena say, “You making something inside me cry, son.” What does she mean?
21B. Write down Mama Lena’s lines from 143 (yes, all of them) that depicts the dignity and self-respect she still holds within herself, despite her plight and the obstacles she’s faced, especially today.
22. Walter seems to be acting as if his plan of action will save the family. How is the rest of the family reacting to Walter’s “solution?” Give text evidence representing their verbal or non-verbal reactions.
23A. Beneatha launches another derogatory line (144) completely cutting down Walter Lee, her older brother. List it below.
23B. What does her statement mean? Explain.
24. Re-read pages 144-145 when Mama Lena admonishes Beneatha for her comments to Walter Lee.
What impact is this conversation between Mama Lena and Beneatha having on the viewing audience of this play? What impression are they receiving about African American families, again, despite all these obstacles?
25. Whose side are you leaning towards more? Do you agree with Mama Lena’s view or are you siding more with Beneatha? Why? Explain.
26. When does Walter finally “GET IT” and understand how to “ACT RIGHT?”
Find the exact moment you think caused him to CHANGE HIS MIND?
27. What are the varying factors that contribute to Walter’s epiphany whereby he FINALLY takes a STAND for his entire family as the MAN OF THE HOUSE? List several answers.
28. Eventhough Walter Lee redeems himself, there are some lines on page 150 which may be interpreted as problematic in terms of whether or not Walter Lee really GOT IT. List those lines which may be viewed questionably in terms of Walter Lee having really matured and learned his lesson.
29A. What literary technique is featured on Page 151? Write down the line and the literary technique used.
29B. Explain what Mama Lena means by it.
30. What emotions are communicated by Mama Lena’s actions (described by the narrator) at the final closing scene of the play? Explain the varying emotions Mama Lena may be feeling at that final moment. Be specific.
31. Explain what the plant may be symbolizing at the closing scene of the play.
[END OF QUESTIONS]
Directions: Answer ALL the questions properly using complete sentences. Most questions must be answered with multiple sentences. Make sure to answer ALL parts of the questions thoughtfully.
ACT III – PART I (BENEATHA & ASAGAI)
PAGES 131-137
1A. How are the packing crates described by the narrator in the opening of Act III? List the text evidence. Then describe what the narrator is implying about these crates?
1B. How is the mood of this scene described (hint: 2nd paragraph)?
List text evidence.
2A. Who rings the door bell?
2B. Describe the contrast in moods described by the narrator between Beneatha and the person at the door.
3. How does Asagai view packing crates, symbolically?
4. What is ironic about Asagai’s comments as he enters the apartment, seeing it all packed up?
5. What line does Beneatha state disparaging Walter’s sense of judgment? Write down the text evidence (with page number). Explain what Beneatha means by this statement.
6. What literary technique is used by the author when Beneatha begins talking about sled-riding during the wintertime? (132)
7A. What did this anecdote from Beneatha reveal about her future aspirations? (132-133)
7B. What does it reveal now though as she shares it? (132-133)
7C. What has happened to Beneatha’s sense of idealism? Explain. (133)
7D. Which lines begin to reveal Beneatha’s pessimism, especially directed against Asagai? Write down the text evidence (with page numbers.)
8. What symbol/image does Beneatha use to explain her point. Clarify the symbol and what she means. (134)
9A. Which line from Beneatha (134) shows her sense of powerlessness has emerged and taken the better part of her?
9B. Explain what her comment means.
10. How does Asagai respond upon seeing and hearing Alaiyo (Beneatha) speaking like so? Explain Asagai’s purpose here. (135)
11A. Re-read Asagai’s two extended monologues. What do these monologues reveal about his character? Explain. (135-136)
11B. Infer what does Asagai whisper to Beneatha? (136)
11C. Do you think it was appropriate for Asagai to extend this invitation at this precise moment? Why or why not? Explain. (136-137)
12. What is Beneatha’s response to Asagai’s invitation? (137)
13. What does this reveal about Beneatha’s character, even despite her despondency today? (137)
ACT III – PART 2 (YOUNGER FAMILY)
PAGES 138-150
14. What tone is Beneatha using as she “greets” Walter Lee? (138) What point is she attempting to make with her comments here? Explain.
15. What line statement Mama Lena catches Ruth and Beneatha off guard? Explain Ruth and Beneatha’s reaction. (139)
16. What are the multiple meanings of Ruth’s line, “No, Lena…” (139)?
What is Ruth saying NO and disagreeing with?
17. What is revealed through Mama Lena’s lines (139) about her dream?
18. What details does Ruth share which makes it clear she undeniably wants OUT of the apartment? List the text evidence. (140)
19. Mama Lena’s describes how she “sees things differently now.” (140) Do you agree these changes Mama Lena is advocating will “cheer us all up so that we forget trouble ever come…”? Explain your position.
20A. Which line from Beneatha (142) represents how alienated and vehemently in disagreement she is with Walter Lee?
20B. What does her line mean? Explain it.
21A. Re-read Mama’s lines on Page 143. What has made Mama Lena say, “You making something inside me cry, son.” What does she mean?
21B. Write down Mama Lena’s lines from 143 (yes, all of them) that depicts the dignity and self-respect she still holds within herself, despite her plight and the obstacles she’s faced, especially today.
22. Walter seems to be acting as if his plan of action will save the family. How is the rest of the family reacting to Walter’s “solution?” Give text evidence representing their verbal or non-verbal reactions.
23A. Beneatha launches another derogatory line (144) completely cutting down Walter Lee, her older brother. List it below.
23B. What does her statement mean? Explain.
24. Re-read pages 144-145 when Mama Lena admonishes Beneatha for her comments to Walter Lee.
What impact is this conversation between Mama Lena and Beneatha having on the viewing audience of this play? What impression are they receiving about African American families, again, despite all these obstacles?
25. Whose side are you leaning towards more? Do you agree with Mama Lena’s view or are you siding more with Beneatha? Why? Explain.
26. When does Walter finally “GET IT” and understand how to “ACT RIGHT?”
Find the exact moment you think caused him to CHANGE HIS MIND?
27. What are the varying factors that contribute to Walter’s epiphany whereby he FINALLY takes a STAND for his entire family as the MAN OF THE HOUSE? List several answers.
28. Eventhough Walter Lee redeems himself, there are some lines on page 150 which may be interpreted as problematic in terms of whether or not Walter Lee really GOT IT. List those lines which may be viewed questionably in terms of Walter Lee having really matured and learned his lesson.
29A. What literary technique is featured on Page 151? Write down the line and the literary technique used.
29B. Explain what Mama Lena means by it.
30. What emotions are communicated by Mama Lena’s actions (described by the narrator) at the final closing scene of the play? Explain the varying emotions Mama Lena may be feeling at that final moment. Be specific.
31. Explain what the plant may be symbolizing at the closing scene of the play.
[END OF QUESTIONS]