Scene IV of A Raisin in the Sun

Scene IV of A Raisin in the Sun

(The Youngers pull up into a neighborhood that wasexponentially grander than the one that they had just come from. Each house had its own individual yard that were all freshly mowed and tented to with great care. There were children playing hopscotch and double-dutch in the street and around the colorful houses. But as they were driving passed the drive way, they could see all the children and adult’s heads pop up to stare at the moving van that was passing by them. There was an uncomfortable feeling about the whole situation that worried them.)

MAMA Now no matter what these people say or do to us when we arrive, you try to be nice to them, and show them that we aren’t as bad of people as they might think we are.

WALTER (Walter turns around to give Mama a stare that implies that what she said is completely useless.) There ain’t nothing we can do to these white folks to make them think that we are one of them.

(Mama stays quite and does not reply with a remark; instead she grew a worrisome face upon her as she starred out the window at the rows of houses starring as they pass by. They pull up to a typical white house with lots of window, and a nice lawn for planting.)

MAMA This is going to be a great place for me to start my new outside garden!

TRAVIS (Overwhelmed with excitement rushes out of the car straight to the house.) I am going to go find what room I’m going to have!

RUTH Don’t you go messing anything up in there before we even step foot in there! (Ruth yells demandingly at Travis. The yell draws attention to the neighbors across the street from them who are standing by their door, staring with disgust.)

BENEATHA I love that we were very defiant and that we decided to move out of the apartment because God knows how long we could have stayed there, but I am very concerned about the consequences. You remember what Mrs. Linden said about them folks who got bombed out of their house. We can’t have that happening to us. And from the looks of these folks on our way up here, they don’t seem to take a liking to us very much.

WALTER I agree with the African, (Beneatha looks at him with displeasure.) I don’t think that moving here was a fine idea now that we are here.

MAMA (Mama thinks for minute, still concerned.) Well I understand, but we can’t let other people decide what happiness is for us. We are a family just like all of them that want to be happy and live in a nice house, why should it make a difference. We are going to tough this one out, and I am sure after they get accustomed to us being here, they will behave.

(Before either Ruth, Walter or Beneatha could get another word in, Mama turns and walks toward the house with confidence to prove that she meant what she said. The inside of the house was much larger than what the Youngers were used to.

BENEATHA Now THIS is what I call living’. (She declares while Travis is still running around the house looking for a room.)

 

(Two days pass of unpacking and getting all the furniture together. Walter stumbles in the door with a look of anger.)

WALTER I don’t know when or where it is going to happen, but from judging the looks on these folk’s faces, they are up to no good. I am not too sure that moving here was the best idea.

RUTH I actually agree with Walter, Mama. This really isn’t looking too good for our side. I know that we are proving something, but I don’t want to risk our family’s lives and safety for it.

MAMA Now the Lord works in miraculous ways, and I know that he will find safety for us, now everyone come here so we can all bow our heads and say a prayer and thank the Lord for granting us with this great house.

(The Youngers all gather in a circle and hold hands while mama starts on her prayer. After the third word, the Youngers hear a knock on the door. Nobody moves for a second, until Walter realized somebody has the react. He opens the door to a white family holding a plate of cake.)

WALTER Hello? (Questionable)

FATHER Well, how are you doing? We are the Herberfamily. I am John Herber, this is my wife Jane, and our son Wilson is at a friend’s house right now, but would be very pleased to meet you fine people. We just came with a nice welcoming gift of Chocolate Cake.

WALTER (Walter takes the cake with pleasure.) Well thank you guys very much! We are the Younger Family. I am Walter, my wife Ruth, my mama Lena, my son Travis and my sister Beneatha. Truthfully, this is quite a sight for sore eyes to see people be friendly to us in this neighborhood. We were worried that everyone in these parts would want us out from the minute we stepped in here. Would you like to come in and have some coffee?

FATHER (John and Jane gave each other the slightest glances and then turned back suddenly.) We actually have to leave for a show in 10 minutes, but we will sure come stop by and talk some time. Get to know the new neighbors! We just came with a nice welcoming gift of Chocolate Cake.

WALTER That would be greatly appreciated, knowing that you might be our only friends in this neighborhood.(The family gives a smirk.)

MOTHER Well we best get going, but you enjoy that cake.

(Walter closes the door to face his family who are all gleeful to know that somebody in the community recognized that they are the same.)

WALTER Well how about that! We were fussing this whole time about how moving in here might be a mistake, and we haven’t been here for more than 2 days and we already have a nice family friend!

MAMA Well to celebrate this wonderful surprise; let’s dig into that delicious looking cake!

(The family gathers around the kitchen counter as Walter cuts pieces for everyone as everyone’s faces change when they find that the cake is full of mud.)