3. Short-response prompt (15 points)
Read the following excerpt from the ending of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun:
WALTER (A beat. The tension hangs, then WALTER steps back from it) Yeah. Well - what I mean is
that we come from people who had a lot of pride. I mean - We are very proud people. And that's my
sister over there and she's going to be a doctor – and we are very proud
LINDNER Well - I am sure that is very nice, but -
WALTER What I am telling you is that we called you over here to tell you that we are very proud and
that this — (Signaling to TRAVIS) Travis, come here. (TRAVIS crosses and WALTER draws him before
him facing the man) This is my son, and he makes the sixth generation our family in this country. And
we have all thought about your offer —
LINDNER Well, good .. good —
WALTER And we have decided to move into our house because my father - my father – he earned it
for us brick by brick. (MAMA has her eyes closed and is rocking back and forth as though she were in
church, with her head nodding the Amen yes) We don't want to make no trouble for nobody or fight no
causes, and we will try to be good neighbors. And that's all we got to say about that. (He looks the man
absolutely in the eyes) We don't want your money. (He turns and walks away)
LINDNER (Looking around at all of them) I take it then — that you have decided to occupy . . .
BENEATHA That's what the man said.
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 cite evidence from the reading to support your claim.
(Begin your answer here]