Quotations

Directions: Pick two quotations and write ONE paragraph for EACH following the directions on the back of this sheet.

  1. MAMA: You ain’t satisfied or proud of nothing [your dad and I] done. (Act 1 Scene 2)
  1. MAMA: If you a son of mine, tell her! (WALTER picks up his keys and his coat and walks out. She continues, bitterly) You…you are a disgrace to your father’s memory. Somebody get me my hat! (Act 1 Scene 2)
  1. WALTER: …Baby, don’t nothing happen for you in this world ‘less you pay somebody off! (Act 1 Scene 1)
  1. BENEATHA: I mean it! I’m just tired of hearing about God all the time. What has He got to do with anything? Does he pay tuition? (Act 1 Scene 1)
  1. WALTER: “Here I am a giant—surrounded by ants! Ants who can’t even understand what it is the giant is talking about” (Act II Scene I)
  1. WALTER: (Picks up the check) Do you know what this money means to me? Do you know what this money can do for us? (Puts it back) Mama – Mama – I want so many things… (Act 1 Scene 2).
  1. MAMA: It’s dangerous, son.
    WALTER: What’s dangerous?
    MAMA: When a man goes outside his home to look for peace. (Act 1 Scene 2)
  1. WALTER: (Quietly) Sometimes it’s like I can see the future stretched out in front of me – just plain as day. The future, Mama. Hanging over there at the edge of my days. Just waiting for me – a big, looming blank space – full of nothing. Just waiting for me. But it don’t have to be. (Act 1 Scene 2)
  1. BENEATHA: Get over it? What are you talking about, Ruth? Listen, I’m going to be a doctor. I’m not worried about who I’m going to marry yet – if I ever get married. (Act 1 Scene 1)
  1. WALTER: I don’t want nothing but for you to stop acting holy ‘round here. Me and Ruth done made some sacrifices for you – why can’t you do something for the family? (Act 1 Scene 1)

Quotation Explanation

“Damn my eggs…damn all the eggs that ever was!” (Act 1 Scene 1 page 16)

Step 1: Find the quotation in the play.

-Who is the speaker?

-Who is the speaker talking to?

Step 2: Read the dialogue surrounding the quotation.

-What is happening at this time in the play?

-What does this quotation mean?

Step 3: Reflect on this quotation.

-Why do you think the speaker says this?

-How do the other characters react to this?

Step 4: Begin Writing

First sentence: Include the speaker, quotation, characters spoken to, and location of the quotation.

Next sentences: Write several sentences that explain what is happening at this time in the play and the meaning of the quotation.

Final sentences: Write a couple sentences that explain the general reaction other characters show after the quotation is spoken. Include a sentence that states what you think about the significance of the quotation.

Example:

Quotation Analysis Rubric

Criteria / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1
Basic Information / Includes the speaker, quotation, characters spoken to, and location of the quotation. / Includes all but one of the following: the speaker, quotation, characters spoken to, and location of the quotation. / Includes some of the fol.lowing: the speaker, quotation, characters spoken to, and location of the quotation. / Includes little of the fol.lowing: the speaker, quotation, characters spoken to, and location of the quotation.
Context / Well developed explanation of what is happening at the time the quotation is spoken. / Explanation of what is happening at the time the quotation is spoken. / Fragmented explanation of what is happening at the time the quotation is spoken. / Lacks explanation of what is happening at the time the quotation is spoken.
Meaning of Quotation / Well developed explanation of the literal and abstract meaning of the quotation that draws upon the context of the play. / Explanation of the literal and abstract meaning of the quotation that draws upon the context of the play. / Explanation of the literal meaning of the quotation that draws upon the context of the play. / Unclear or fragmented explanation of the quotation.
Reflection / Clearly and concisely explains the reaction other character’s had about the quotation. A personal reflection about the quotation’s significance is included. / Explains the reaction other character’s had about the quotation. A personal reflection about the quotation’s significance is included. / Somewhat explains the reaction other character’s had about the quotation. A personal reflection about the quotation’s significance is included. / Includes little information that explains the reaction other character’s had about the quotation. A personal reflection about the quotation’s significance is included.
Conventions / Contains few, if any
spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors. / Contains several errors in punctuation, spelling or grammar that do not interfere with meaning. / Contains many errors in punctuation, spelling and/or grammar thatinterfere with meaning. / Contains many errors in punctuation, spelling and/or grammar thatmake the piece illegible.