WAEC Literature in English 2019 Theory — Question 20

Model answer

Points to develop: Statement of the central theme; Character identification; Mama's deep love for Travis and concern about his well being; Travis's reciprocal love and trust in Mama; Mama's wishes for a better life for Travis. The play A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry records the treatment of the blacks in the South Side Chicago in the US of the 1930s through 1950s. The play addresses the theme of racial discrimination and its impact on an African American family: the Youngers. Travis is the youngest person in the family of Youngers; he is the eleven year old son of Walter Younger and Ruth. Travis and Mama live with the others in Chicago's Southside, a typical black African American location; their often dark, three-room apartment is cramped: one room for Walter and his wife; one for Mama and Beneatha; Travis sleeps on the couch in the living room. Mama has deep love for Travis. She is concerned about Tavis's well being. She indulges him to the annoyance of Ruth, his mother. Mama is also very much concerned about Travis's sleeping place. She is particular about his menu. In fact, Travis is the key factor of Mama's buying the house for the family. Like Mama, Travis reciprocates his love. Travis is preoccupied with having Mama to be like the Joneses; he buys her a garden hat like the ones he sees in magazines. When his mother will not give Travis money for school, he is certain to get it from Mama, of whom he says, '...she just gives me sometimes.' Travis is convinced that Mama is always there for him. Mama wishes for a better life for Travis. Mama grooms Travis to become a responsible adult. She gives Travis the responsibility of monitoring and taking the insurance cheque (which his father gives away). When Walter seems to be on the verge of undoing all that Mama has done by accepting Lindner's offer to return the purchase price, Mama makes Travis watch his father, dare not fumble in front of his son.