What was Mama referring to when she tells Walter, "We ain't never been that dead inside?" - Mama is referring to the fact that Walter is giving up, and before, they never would have been so desperate that they would give up their pride - the one thing they have.

This A Raisin in the Sun anticipation guide prepares students to engage with the key issues and themes of the drama. Students consider and express their views on the “American dream,” ancestral heritage, assimilation, money, personal values, prejudice, self-respect, and the importance of hope.

In the last part of Act 3, Lena tells Ruth, “ He finally come into his manhood today, didn 't he? Kind of like a rainbow after the rain,” which is a metaphor meaning that finally he is freed from sadness and now he has gain happiness and color by moving into the new house.

Raisin 2 ABAt what point does Mama say that Walter has finally achieved his “manhoodWhen he tells Mr. Lindner that they will move to Clybourne Park no matter whatWhat happens to the money that Walter invests in the liquor storeWilly Harris runs off with it23 more rows

In other words, his pride, work, and humanity become more important to him than his dream of money. Walter finally “come[s] into his manhood,” as Mama says, recognizing that being proud of his family is more important than having money. For Walter, the events of the play are a rite of passage.

The most overt symbol in the play, Mama's plant represents both Mama's care and her dream for her family. In her first appearance onstage, she moves directly toward the plant to take care of it.

How does the play illustrate the theme of the poem? Why do you think all the scenes take place in the family's house? How is Beneatha different from other Younger family members? How is the theme of assimilation treated in the play?