II. Act Two: Plot Summary

Act two of the play is divided into three scenes, which will be briefly examined below.

Scene One

This scene opens with Beneatha dancing to an African music and dressed in an African-inspired clothing. Asagai pays her a visit and challenges her to think more seriously about her African identity. Walter later arrives and joins Beneatha in the dancing. For a moment, the atmosphere in the household becomes joyful. However, Ruth returns with news that Mama has bought a house. Walter is disappointed because he wanted the insurance money for his business. Mama eventually returns from her trip and reveals that she has used a total of $3.500 as a down payment on the house and has placed the remaining money in a bank account for Beneatha’s education. The family however, celebrates the possibility of moving into a better home.

Scene Two

This scene opens several weeks later when Beneatha and George Murchison are in a heated argument about their different attitudes towards African culture and intellectual life.  Walter’s behavior has also changed drastically. He has become increasingly frustrated because his business plans have not materialized. Mama gives Walter responsibility for the remaining insurance money and instructs him to put aside Beneatha’s education money. Later, Mama reveals her decision to let Walter manage the remaining money to the rest of the family. This shows her concern for family unity. The scene ends with a visit from Karl Lindner, a representative of the Clybourne Park Improvement Association. He politely tells the Youngers that the residents of Clybourne Park would prefer them not to move into the neighborhood. His apparently polite language hides the racial prejudice behind the request. Mama and the family, however, reject the offer to stay away.

Scene Three

This scene opens with the Youngers preparing to move into their new house. Walter is still hoping that his business will succeed. Unfortunately, he receives news that Willy Harris, the man involved in the business scheme, has disappeared with the money. This news shatters Walter’s dream. The family too is devastated, particularly because Beneatha’s education money has also been lost in the business venture. The arrival of Karl Lindner becomes important again when the family considers whether to accept his earlier offer or not. Against all odds, Walter eventually decides that the family will move into their new home. The act ends with the Youngers finally deciding to leave their old apartment, despite the eminent difficulties ahead.