ENG2603 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE 14 AUGUST 2026
A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, pp 133–134 Essay question Write a close
reading of this extract in which you analyse how Hansberry uses language to present
Mama's understanding of love and human dignity. Your analysis must address ALL of
the following: • the effect of the rhetorical questions in Mama's speech • the
significance of the repetition of “measure him right” • the meaning and effect of the
metaphor “hills and valleys” • what the exchange between Beneatha and Mama reveals
about their contrasting values
You must also show, in the course of your analysis, how at least ONE of the
themes raised in the extract connects to the play as a whole. Your response must
be between 800 and 1 000 words.
A Close Reading of Mama's Understanding of Love and Human Dignity in A
Raisin in the Sun
In Act III of A Raisin in the Sun, the Younger family reaches its lowest point after Walter
loses all the family's money. Beneatha is deeply hurt and tells Mama that she no longer
considers Walter her brother. During this painful moment, Mama responds with some of
the most meaningful words in the play. Through Mama's speech, Lorraine Hansberry
highlights the importance of unconditional love, forgiveness, and human dignity.
Hansberry uses questions without answers, repetition, and vivid imagery to express
Mama's wisdom. The conversation between Mama and Beneatha also reveals their
different beliefs about family, love, and responsibility, while reinforcing the play's central
theme that every person deserves dignity, even after making serious mistakes.
, The Effect of Questions Without Answers
Hansberry uses questions that do not need answers in Mama's speech to make
Beneatha think about her harsh judgement of Walter. Mama starts by asking, "You
feeling like you better than he is today?" (Hansberry, 1958:133). This question directly
challenges Beneatha's proud attitude. By asking if Beneatha thinks she is "better" than
Walter, Mama shows the pride and self-righteousness behind her daughter's strong
words.
The questions continue with more force: "What you tell him a minute ago? That he
wasn't a man? Yes? You give him up for me? You done wrote his epitaph too like the
rest of the world? Well, who give you the privilege?" (Hansberry, 1958:133). These
questions are not meant to be answered. Instead, they make Beneatha think about her
own behaviour. The word "epitaph" is very strong. Mama is saying that Beneatha has
already decided Walter is dead to the family. She has done the same thing that the rest
of the world does to black men. The last question, "who give you the privilege?", goes to
the heart of Beneatha's pride. It reminds her that she has no right to pass final
judgement on her brother.
Mama's questions also move from the specific situation to bigger ideas about life. When
she asks, "Child, when do you think is the time to love somebody the most?"
(Hansberry, 1958:134), she moves beyond Walter. She is asking a question about what
real love means. This question invites Beneatha and the audience to think again about
what true love requires from us.
The Power of Repetition: "Measure Him Right"
The repeated phrase "measure him right" is at the heart of Mama's speech. Mama tells
Beneatha: "When you starts measuring somebody, measure him right, child, measure
him right" (Hansberry, 1958:134). The repetition does several things. First, it shows how
important this lesson is. By saying the same thing three times, Hansberry makes sure
we do not miss the point.
DUE 14 AUGUST 2026
A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, pp 133–134 Essay question Write a close
reading of this extract in which you analyse how Hansberry uses language to present
Mama's understanding of love and human dignity. Your analysis must address ALL of
the following: • the effect of the rhetorical questions in Mama's speech • the
significance of the repetition of “measure him right” • the meaning and effect of the
metaphor “hills and valleys” • what the exchange between Beneatha and Mama reveals
about their contrasting values
You must also show, in the course of your analysis, how at least ONE of the
themes raised in the extract connects to the play as a whole. Your response must
be between 800 and 1 000 words.
A Close Reading of Mama's Understanding of Love and Human Dignity in A
Raisin in the Sun
In Act III of A Raisin in the Sun, the Younger family reaches its lowest point after Walter
loses all the family's money. Beneatha is deeply hurt and tells Mama that she no longer
considers Walter her brother. During this painful moment, Mama responds with some of
the most meaningful words in the play. Through Mama's speech, Lorraine Hansberry
highlights the importance of unconditional love, forgiveness, and human dignity.
Hansberry uses questions without answers, repetition, and vivid imagery to express
Mama's wisdom. The conversation between Mama and Beneatha also reveals their
different beliefs about family, love, and responsibility, while reinforcing the play's central
theme that every person deserves dignity, even after making serious mistakes.
, The Effect of Questions Without Answers
Hansberry uses questions that do not need answers in Mama's speech to make
Beneatha think about her harsh judgement of Walter. Mama starts by asking, "You
feeling like you better than he is today?" (Hansberry, 1958:133). This question directly
challenges Beneatha's proud attitude. By asking if Beneatha thinks she is "better" than
Walter, Mama shows the pride and self-righteousness behind her daughter's strong
words.
The questions continue with more force: "What you tell him a minute ago? That he
wasn't a man? Yes? You give him up for me? You done wrote his epitaph too like the
rest of the world? Well, who give you the privilege?" (Hansberry, 1958:133). These
questions are not meant to be answered. Instead, they make Beneatha think about her
own behaviour. The word "epitaph" is very strong. Mama is saying that Beneatha has
already decided Walter is dead to the family. She has done the same thing that the rest
of the world does to black men. The last question, "who give you the privilege?", goes to
the heart of Beneatha's pride. It reminds her that she has no right to pass final
judgement on her brother.
Mama's questions also move from the specific situation to bigger ideas about life. When
she asks, "Child, when do you think is the time to love somebody the most?"
(Hansberry, 1958:134), she moves beyond Walter. She is asking a question about what
real love means. This question invites Beneatha and the audience to think again about
what true love requires from us.
The Power of Repetition: "Measure Him Right"
The repeated phrase "measure him right" is at the heart of Mama's speech. Mama tells
Beneatha: "When you starts measuring somebody, measure him right, child, measure
him right" (Hansberry, 1958:134). The repetition does several things. First, it shows how
important this lesson is. By saying the same thing three times, Hansberry makes sure
we do not miss the point.
