Raisin In The Sun Script Better get out of here That’s what you’re mad about. before you be late. Wake up. Things I want to talk to my friends Could I please Come on now, honey. about just couldn’t be important. go carry groceries? Get up! Such friends as you got. Honey, you should play evenings. Come on. You look young this morning, baby. What’s he want to do? It’s 7:30. Just for a second, stirring Carry groceries after school I said, hurry up, Travis. them eggs, you look real young again. at the supermarket.

You’re not the only person It’s gone now. Let him go. It’s good for him in the world got to use a bathroom. to be business-minded. You look like yourself again. Walter Lee, it’s after 7:30. I have to. If you don’t shut up She won’t give me the 50 cents. Let me see you do and leave me alone... some waking up in there now. Why not? The first thing a man should learn... You just go ahead Because we don’t have it. and lay there. ...is not to make love to no woman early in the morning. What do you tell the boy Next, Travis’ll be finished things like that for? and Mr. Johnson’ll be in. You all are some evil creatures 8:00 in the morning. Here you are, son. And you’ll be fussing and cussing like a madman and be late. Daddy, come on! In fact...

Walter Lee Younger... Grandma’s staying home from work ...here’s another 50 cents. from now on? Get some fruit or take a cab to school. ...it is time for you to get up! That’s right, baby. Hot dog!

Ain’t he out yet? Hey, insurance check I think you better get down comes tomorrow? and go to school. Out? He ain’t hardly got in there good yet. Get your mind off money Okay. and eat your breakfast. What you doing all that yelling for Bye. if I can’t get in there? This is the morning I’m supposed to bring 50 cents to school. That’s my boy. That check coming today? I ain’t got no 50 cents Know what I was thinking They said Saturday. this morning. this morning? This is just Friday. Teacher said we have to. I know what you was thinking, I hope you ain’t getting up... and I won’t hear it again. I don’t care. ...talking about money. I ain’t got it. I know what you was thinking, I don’t want to hear it. and I won’t hear it again. - Aw, Mama! What’s with you this morning? - Hush! About what me and Willie Harris talked about. I’m just sleepy. Just eat. Willie Harris is What kind of eggs you want? Could I maybe go carry groceries a good-for-nothing loudmouth. at the supermarket... Not scrambled. Anybody who’d talk to me ...after school then? has to be a good-for-nothing loudmouth. You’re just a little old happy woman this morning, ain’t you? If you’re through eating, Charlie Atkins was one too. make up your bed. Wanted me to go into business with him. What’s he doing in that bathroom? He has to start getting up earlier. - I’m gone! Now his dry cleaners grosses - Got your milk money? $100,000 a year. $100,000 a year. He won’t be getting up one second earlier. Yes, ma’am. Still a loudmouth good-for-nothing. I can’t afford to be late for work I wouldn’t kiss that woman because of him. goodbye this morning. Oh, Walter Lee!

Ain’t his fault he can’t Not for nothing in this world. You’re tired, ain’t you, baby? get to bed earlier. You oh so tired of everything. Not for nothing in this world. He’s got a bunch of clowns Me, the boy, the way we live sitting up... Whose little angry man are you? in this beat-up hole. Everything.

...running their mouths in Oh, golly, Mama! Moaning and groaning. what’s supposed to be his bedroom.

1 But you wouldn’t help. made up your mind. You couldn’t be on my side, could you? ...and all you say to me is, “Eat these eggs.” What did I answer yesterday? Please, leave me alone. That ain’t our money, and I ain’t - And the day before? A man needs a woman to back him. going to harass your mama about it. - Don’t be so nasty. Mama would listen to you... I looked in the mirror and thought, And the days before that? ...more than me and Bennie. I’m 35 years old. I’m interested. Is that wrong? All you do is sit down with her I’m married 11 years. one morning... It ain’t every day no girl And I got a boy who sleeps in the decides to be a doctor! ...when you’re having coffee living room because I got nothing. and talking like you do. Come on out of there, please! Nothing to give him but stories! Just say that you’ve been thinking - That check is coming. about this deal... Like on how rich white people live. - That money belongs to Mama.

...Walter Lee’s so interested in - Eat your eggs. It’s for her to decide about the store. - Damn these eggs! how she’ll use it.

Sip at your coffee Damn all the eggs that ever was! I don’t care if she buys like it ain’t important to you. a house or a rocket. Then go to work! Soon, she’s listening good Or just nail it up and asking questions. I’m trying to talk to you. and look at it.

I come home. About me. It’s hers. I fill in the details. Now all you going to say to me is, Not ours. Hers. Please, leave me alone. “Eat these eggs”? You are such a nice girl. This ain’t no You never say anything new. fly-by-night operation. I listen to you every day. You’ve got your mother’s interest at heart, ain’t you? We got this figured out. Every morning, every night. Me, Willie and Bobo. You never say nothing new. Mama got that money, she can always help you through school. Bobo? So you’d rather be Mr. Arnold than be his chauffeur. So? I never asked anyone We figure the initial investment to do anything for me. on the place to be about $30,000. I’d rather be living in Buckingham Palace. The line between asking That’s $10,000 apiece. and just accepting is wide. Of course... That’s what’s wrong with the colored woman. You want me to quit school? ...we got to spread around a few hundred to get our license approved. You don’t build your men up. I want you to stop acting holy around here! You mean graft. Make them feel they’re somebody and can do something. We’ve made sacrifices. It’s time Don’t call it that. you do something for this family. - There are colored men who do things. Goes to show you how much - No thanks to the colored woman. - Don’t drag me in it. women know about the world. - You are in it. Being a colored woman, Baby, don’t nothing happen for you I guess I can’t help myself none. You work in somebody’s kitchen unless somebody gets paid off. to put clothes on her back. - I got to start timing those people. Leave me alone! - You should get up earlier. That’s not fair.

Eat your eggs. Really? Damn it! Ain’t nobody They’ll be cold. When would you suggest, dawn? asking her to say...

See? You’re horrible-Iooking ...”Thank you, Ruth, Brother and Mama. this time of morning. Man say to his woman, And Travis, for wearing “I got a dream.” Good morning, Brother. the same shoes for two semesters.”

She says, - How’s your school coming? I do, all right? “Eat your eggs. They getting cold.” - Oh, lovely, lovely. Thank everybody.

Man say, “Help me to take a hold Biology’s the greatest. And forgive me in this world.” for wanting to be anything. I dissected something She says, “Eat your eggs. looked like you yesterday. Forgive me, forgive me, Go to work.” forgive me! I was just... I got to change my life Your mama’ll hear you. because I’m choking to death...... wondering if you

2 Who in the hell told you - I know, but you’re so thin. sitting down immediately. you had to be a doctor? - I’m not cold. You know something? You’re so interested in sick people, Lord have mercy! go be a nurse, like other women. Look at that poor bed. I bet you got a touch of that virus been going around. Or get married and shut up. Bless his heart, he sure tries, don’t he? If you don’t look better tomorrow, So you finally got it said. stay home from work. He don’t half try at all because Took you three years, he knows you’ll fix everything. I can’t stay home. She’s doing but you finally got it said. her Saturday night entertaining. A little boy ain’t supposed Give up and leave me alone. to know nothing about housekeeping. She’d have a fit It’s Mama’s money. if I don’t show up. My baby, that’s what he is. He was my father too. Let her have it. I’ll just call up Now that you’ll be home all the time, and say you got the flu. So? He was mine too. that boy’ll really be spoiled. And Travis’ grandfather. - Why the flu? My first day home. - Because it sounds respectable. But the insurance money belongs to Mama. I’m going to sit this body down Something white folks get too. and let it rest. They know about the flu. Picking on me won’t make her give it to you to invest in liquor stores. Just let it rest Otherwise, they’ll think you from here on in. been cut up or something. God bless Mama for that. And... - Where’s my baby? - You always say that. - In there doing his homework. - Honey, please. ...thank my husband’s sweet memory for making it all possible. Tomorrow is Saturday. Go to work. You know, Big Walter always hated - The child don’t need... Nobody in this house the idea of being a servant. - Every Sunday... is ever going to understand me. Always says, man’s hands wasn’t meant ...he’s too tired, or he forgot Because you’re a nut. to carry nobody’s slop jars... what the teacher told him.

Who’s a nut? ...or make their beds. Awful hot to be cooped up with books. You. You’re a nut. Always used to say they was... Thee is mad, boy. - Lena. ...meant to turn the earth with - I ain’t meddling. The world’s most backward or make things. nation of women. And that is a fact. I just noticed his eyes been looking That husband of yours? sort of strained lately. Then there’s those prophets who would... He’s just like him. A child ought to have plenty of rest and plenty of sunshine. ...lead us out of the wilderness Just like him. into the swamps! I take care of my son. Walter... Who in the world is slamming doors I ain’t meddling. at this hour? ... bring the car around front, please. - When will you let him out? That was Walter Lee. - In 15 minutes. - Hi. He and Bennie was at it again. - Hi there, Ruth. Is that all right?

My children and their tempers. No, no, child. I can manage. Darling, I ain’t meddling.

Lord, if this little plant What’s the matter with you? Why don’t you make it 10? don’t start... A little tired, I guess. He sure loves ...getting more sun, it ain’t to play that baseball. never going to see spring again. I’ve been ironing since this morning. Wonder why Miss Beneatha What’s the matter with you? Leave some for me. is so late? You look peaked. I’ll get to them tonight. It’s getting close to 5. It’s too drafty to be half-dressed. You think that’s why we want you home? I don’t believe this plant’s had - Where’s your robe? more than a speck of sunlight... - The cleaners. So you can do everybody else’s work now? ...all day. Go get mine and put it on. A little ironing I’m tired. I’m not cold. ain’t never hurt nobody. Honest. I had to go way out to that market The way you look, you need to be again to get decent groceries.

3 ...ain’t rightly decided. Really down. Ain’t you never going to learn to do your shopping in the supermarket? Some of it’s got to be put away When we lost that baby... for Beneatha’s medical schooling. What you think they built them for? ...I thought we was going to Going way out there. And ain’t nothing going to touch lose Big Walter too. that part of it. Not nothing. I can’t stand them buggies That man grieved himself so. rolling around. Then I... Honey, he was one man And belts moving. ...been thinking, to love his children. just thinking, mind you... And the meat all wrapped up Ain’t nothing can tear at you like it was candy. ...that we could meet the notes like losing your baby. on a two-story somewhere. Them places frighten me. I think that’s why that man finally With a back yard worked himself to death. You look like you could where Travis could play. fall over right there. Like he was fighting his own war... If we used part of the money I don’t see you going out for a down payment...... with this world that took to do nobody’s work tomorrow. his baby from him. ...and everybody pitch in... I got to go. Crazy about his children. We need the money. ...I could take on a little work again a few days a week. God knows there was plenty Child, we got a big old check wrong with Walter Younger. coming tomorrow. Lord knows we put enough rent into this rattrap... Mean. Now, that’s your money. ...to pay for four houses by now. Hardheaded. It ain’t got nothing to do with me. Rattrap? Kind of wild with women. Plenty wrong with him. We all feel like that. Well, I... Walter, Bennie, me... But he sure loved his children. ...expect that’s about all it is. ...even Travis. Always wanting them to have something... But I remember the first day Ten thousand dollars. me and Big Walter moved in here. ...and to be something.

Sure is wonderful. We hadn’t been married I guess that’s where Brother but two weeks. gets all them notions from. Ten thousand dollars. And we wasn’t planning Big Walter used to say sometimes, You know what you should do, on living here more than a year. and he’d get right wet in the eyes... Miss Lena? We was going to set away ...and lean his head back You should take a trip somewhere. a little by little... with water in his eyes...

To Europe or South America someplace. ...and buy us a little old ...and he’d say: two-story out in Morgan Park. Just pack up and leave. “Seem like God didn’t see fit to give We’d even picked out the house. the black man nothing but dreams. Go on away. Enjoy yourself some. Looks right dumpy today. But he did give us children to make them dreams seem worthwhile.” Forget about the family. But, child, you should have known all them dreams I had... He could talk like that, Have yourself a ball don’t you know? for once in your life. ...about buying me that house and then fixing it up. He sure could. What would I look like wandering all over Europe by myself? And make me a little garden He was a good man, Mr. Younger. out in back. Shoot! These here rich white women Hello, everybody. do it all the time. But none of it happened. Did you decide to come home? They pack their suitcases... Big Walter used to come in some nights. I thought your last Friday’s ...and pile on a steamship, class was at 3:30. and swoosh! They gone, child. And he’d slump down there on that big couch. It is, but I started Something always told me I wasn’t my guitar lessons today. no rich white woman. And he’d look at that rug and he’d look at me. Your what kind of lessons? What are you going to do with it then? He’d look at that rug Guitar. and he’d look back up at me. Well, I... Oh, Father! And I knew he was down then.

4 How come you done took it in your head Shallow? What do you mean? Me and your daddy got you and Brother to learn to play the guitar? to church every Sunday. - He’s rich. I just want to, that’s all. - I know he’s rich. You don’t understand. It’s all a matter of ideas. Lord have mercy, child! He knows he’s rich too. Don’t you know what to do with yourself? And God is just one idea Besides, his mother wouldn’t that I don’t accept. How long will it be want me to marry him. before you get tired of this... Now it’s not important. Any more than I’d ever want to. I’m not going to be immoral...... like you got tired of that acting group last year? You mustn’t dislike folks ...or commit crimes because they’re well-off. because I don’t believe. And what was it before that? Don’t worry, she’ll get over this. I don’t even think about that. The horseback-riding club. That’s her youth talking. I just get so tired of Him For which she bought What are you talking about, getting the credit... that $55 riding outfit. “Get over it”? ...for things the human race It’s been in the closet ever since. Hi. achieves through its own effort.

Why you got to flit so I’m going to be a doctor. Now, there simply is no God. from one thing to another? I’m not even worried There’s only man. You never done nothing with about who I’m going to marry yet. And it’s he who makes miracles. that camera equipment. If I ever get married. Now you say after me: I don’t flit. I experiment with different forms of expression. - Lf? In my mother’s house, - Lf? there is still God. Like riding a horse? I probably will. In my mother’s house, People have to express themselves there is still God. in one way or another. But first I’m going to be a doctor. In my mother’s house, What is it that you want to express? Now George, for one, there’s still God. thinks that’s pretty funny. Me! There’s just some things we won’t I couldn’t be bothered with that. have around here. Don’t worry. I don’t expect you to understand, for God’s sakes! I’m going to be a doctor. Not long as I’m still head of this family. Just listen to her! And everybody here better understand that. Yes, ma’am. Oh, God! Of course, you’ll be a doctor, I think she was sorry. If you use the Lord’s name God willing. just one more time... It frightens me, my children. God hasn’t got a thing to do with it. Just fresh as salt, this girl! You got good children. - That just wasn’t necessary. - Where you going? - Neither is God. They just a little off sometimes. - I got a date. I get sick of hearing about God There’s something done come down George Murchison again. all the time. between them and me...

Getting a little sweet on him. I mean it. ...that don’t let us understand each other. This child ain’t sweet on I’m just tired of hearing about God nobody but herself. all the time. One’s almost lost his mind talking about money all the time. Express herself? What has He got to do with anything? And the other talks about things I like George all right. Does He pay tuition? I can’t seem to understand.

Enough to go out with and stuff. You about to get your - What’s changing them? fresh little jaw slapped. - You’re taking it too serious. - What does “and stuff’ mean? - Mind your own business. That’s what she needs. You got strong-willed children...

Now stop picking on her now. Why can’t I say what I want to say...... and it takes a strong woman like you to keep them in hand. What does it mean? ...like everybody else? They’re spirited all right, I just mean that I could never really Because it’s not nice my children. be serious about George. to talk like that. Got to admit they got spirit, He’s too shallow. You wasn’t raised that way. Bennie and Walter.

5 Kind of like this plant here with this house looking like this? that ain’t never had enough sunlight. ...when they can’t even make the rent. You ain’t got no pride! And look at it. Man, that’s a fact. That’s strictly a fact. Asagai doesn’t care how houses look. Lena, I... He’s an intellectual. That’s why I say What will you do about helping him? now’s the time to move. - Who? - Asagai. You mean Walter’s liquor store? If we’re moving together, we got to move now. Joseph Asagai. I’m worried for him. He’s an African boy I met on campus. Bobo has his part of the money. But liquor, honey... What’s his name? And it wasn’t easy. Like Walter Lee say... But man, I’m straight. Asagai.

...I expect people will I’m real straight. Joseph Ah-sa-guy. always be drinking some liquor. And I got mine. He’s from Nigeria. That don’t mean I got to be the one to sell it. We got a date to see the guy in That’s that little country Springfield about the license Friday. that was founded by slaves way back... It’s getting close to the time for me to meet my Maker. If you get up off your glute, That’s Liberia. we got this thing made. And I don’t want that on my ledger. I don’t think I never seen Everything’s going to be cool. no African before. And we ain’t business people, just plain working folks. All I need is another day Then you just do me a favor. to swing the situation at home. Ain’t nobody business people Don’t ask him ignorant questions till they go into business. You know how it is. about Africans. I got three women at the barricades. Walter Lee say... “Do they wear clothes?” If there’s anybody and all that stuff. ...colored people ain’t going you can’t persuade... to get ahead... Well, now. ...to take a larger view of life, ...till they take chances it’s a woman. If you think we’re so ignorant... on different things in this world. That’s why I say ...maybe you shouldn’t bring Investments and things. it’s time to break out. your friends here.

What’s done got into you, girl? What do you say? It’s just that people ask such crazy things. Walter Lee done sold you on investing? It’s a deal. All anyone seems to know Something’s happening Where did Ruth go? about Africa is Tarzan. between me and Walter. To the doctor, I think. Why should I know anything I don’t know what it is, about Africa? but he needs something. The doctor? What for? Why do you give money Something I can’t give him anymore. - You don’t think she’s... for missionary work? - I ain’t saying. He needs this chance. That’s to help save folks. But I ain’t never been wrong That don’t make no difference. about a woman neither. - Save them from heathenism. - That’s right. I ain’t going to be putting the memory Howdy-do to you too. of my husband into no liquor. They need more salvation I’m sorry. Housecleaning from the foreigners on their lands. There’s nothing as dreary and all that. as the view from this window... I guess from your faces, Mama hates me having guests everybody knows. ...on a dreary evening, is there? when the house looks like this. You pregnant! How come you ain’t singing That’s right. this evening? Lord, I hope it’s a girl! You have? Travis ought to have a sister. Sing that song, “No Ways Tired.” That’s different. How far along are you? That song always kind of lifts me up so. What the heck. Two months. You just come right over. Because here’s one thing Did you mean to? you can believe: Right. I’ll see you in a little while. I mean, did you plan this People going to be drinking or was it an accident? themselves some booze... Who you inviting here

6 What do you know about It’s beautiful! And time. planning and not planning? And the records too! Time? - She’s 20 years old. - I mean it. Did you plan it? Of course. How much time one needs to know what one feels. Mind your own business! Thank you very much. You see? It is my business! Where’s he I’ll put it on. going to sleep, on the roof? You never understood. I shall have to teach you how More than one feeling... I didn’t mean that. to drape it properly. ...can exist between a man and a woman. I don’t feel like that at all. You take it like so. At least there should be.

I think it’s wonderful. Like so. Between a man and woman, And you drape it around here. there need be only one kind of feeling. - Wonderful. - Really, I do. Under. And I have that for you.

Did the doctor say Now turn. - Now even, right this moment. everything’ll be all right? - I know, and it won’t do. That’s enough. She said everything will be fine. - I can find that anyplace. Tuck it here. - It should be enough. Good. You wear it well, very well. Because that’s what it says She? in all the novels that men write. You really think so? What doctor you went to? But it isn’t. Do you remember Don’t you feel well? when I met you at school? Go ahead and laugh, but I’m not interested in being... - Baby! You came up to me and you said... - What’s the matter with her? ...someone’s little episode in America. You were the most Come on now. She’ll be all right. serious thing I’d seen. Or one of them.

Women gets depressed when You said, “Mr. Asagai... It’s real funny, huh? they get her way. ...I should like very much to talk It’s just that every American woman Just relax now. That’s it, baby. with you about Africa. I have ever met... Don’t think about nothing now. You see, Mr. Asagai, ...has always said that to me. - Come on. I am looking for my identity!” - Oh, my God! That must be Asagai! In this, you are all the same. It’s true this isn’t so much You lie down and rest awhile. the profile of a Hollywood Queen... - And the same speech too. - Yuk, yuk, yuk. Then we’ll have some nice hot food. ...as, say, the Queen of the Nile. Come on, baby. It’s how you can tell that What does it matter? the world’s most liberated woman... Hello, Alaiyo. Assimilationism is so popular ...isn’t liberated at all. Hello. in your country. You all talk about it too much.

Come on in. I am not an assimilationist! It’s my mother.

And please excuse everything. Such a serious one. This is Mr. Asagai.

My mother was upset at So you like the robes? - How do you do? my having anyone come here... You must take excellent care of them. - How do you do?

...with the house looking like this. They’re from my sister’s Please forgive me for coming at personal wardrobe. such an outrageous hour on a Saturday. You seem disturbed too. You sent all the way home for me. That’s quite all right. Is there something wrong? For you... I hope you understand our house We’ve all got acute ghetto-itis. don’t always look like this. ...I’d do much more. I see. - Of course. That’s what I came for. I must go. - You must come again. So sit down. Will you call me Monday? I’d love to hear What’d you bring me? all about your country. Of course. We have a great deal Open it and see. to talk about, you and I. I think it’s so sad the way our American Negroes... You got it for me! I mean, about identity and all that. ...don’t know nothing about Africa

7 except Tarzan. You must come again, Mr... . Is them the right amount of zeros?

And all that money Asagai. Ten thousand dollars. they pour into churches... Ah-sa-guy. Golly, Grandma. You rich! ...when they ought to help you drive out... Well, do come again. Ten thousand dollars.

...them foreigners that Call me. Put it away. took your land. That sure was a pretty thing Ten thousand dollars, they give you. Why, yes, of course. that just walked out of here. Ten thousand dollars. How many miles is it I see how come we so interested from here to where you come from? in Africa all of a sudden. What’s the matter with Grandma? Don’t she want to be rich? Many thousands. Missionaries. Go on downstairs and play now, baby. Bet you don’t take care of yourself... You cracking up? You done gone ...being away from your mama so far. You shut up! and got yourself upset.

You’d better come here She’s resting now. You know... from time to time... Mailman must be late, Grandma. ...if it wasn’t for you all, ...and get yourself I’d put that money away... some home-cooked meals. I’m tired of waiting. ...or give it to the church. Thank you. It’ll be all right, honey. Now, what kind of talk is that? Thank you very much. He’ll ring that bell soon, like he’s done... Mr. Younger’d be just plain mad I really must be going. if he could hear you talk like that. ...every day for I’ll call you Monday, Alaiyo. the last umpteen years. He would, wouldn’t he?

What’s that he called you? Where’re you going? We got plenty to do with that money.

Alaiyo. I hope you don’t mind. To become a Queen of the Nile. Where’d you go today, girl?

It’s what you would call Who said to get up? To the doctor. a nickname, I think. Ain’t nothing wrong with me to be Now, you know better than that. It’s a Yoruba word. laying in no bed for. Old Dr. Jones is peculiar in his way. I’m Yoruba. - Where’d Bennie go? - Far as I could make out, to Egypt. But nothing to make nobody slip I thought he come from... and call him “she,” like you done. Get down them steps, boy! Nigeria is my country. That’s just what happened. You reckon it’s done come already? My tongue slipped. Yoruba is my tribal origin. No point in us getting excited. You went to that woman, didn’t you? You never did tell us We knowed it was coming for months. what Alaiyo means. What woman? But that’s different from You might be calling me having it come... That woman that takes money from “Little Idiot.” women for doing things she ain’t ot...... and being able to hold it. Let me see. I don’t know Did it come? if I can explain it. A piece of paper worth $10,000. What are you doing home at this hour? A thing’s sense is sometimes different Come on, open it. when it changes languages. And can’t you greet people Lord, I wish Walter Lee was here. before you ask about money? You’re evading. - Open it! Did it come? Really, it’s quite difficult. - Don’t be getting excited. It means... I made Willie Harris - It’s only a check. put everything on paper. It means “One for whom bread... - Open it. The lawyer looked it over. ...food... Don’t be acting silly now. I think you ought to talk ...is not enough.” We never been a people with your wife. to act silly about money. Is that all right? I’ll go out and leave you alone We ain’t never had none before. if you want. Thank you. Open it. I can talk to her anytime. That’s nice. Will somebody listen to me today?

8 There’s nothing the matter with me. and “Shall I take the drive, sir?” I don’t allow yelling in this house, and you know it. There’s something eating you up That ain’t no kind of job. like a crazy man. That ain’t nothing at all. And there’ll be no investing in liquor stores! More than me not giving you money. - I don’t know if you can understand. - Understand what? And I don’t aim to speak The past years I’ve watched it happen. on it again! It’s like I can see my future You get all nervous acting just stretched out in front of me. But you haven’t even looked at it. and wild in the eyes. My whole future. A big, blank, You haven’t even looked at it. I said sit! empty space full of nothing...

You haven’t even looked at it, I don’t need your nagging ...just hanging at the edge of my days, and you won’t speak on it again? at me today! How’s that? waiting for me.

You tell that to my boy tonight... Seems like you always tied up But it don’t have to be. in some kind of knot or something. ...when you put him to sleep Sometimes, when I’m downtown on the living room couch. But if anybody asks about it, driving that man around... you yell and bust out and go get drunk. Tell him when his mother goes ...we pass them cool, to care for somebody else’s kids. People cannot live with that. quiet-Iooking restaurants.

And tell it to me Ruth is a nice, patient girl. I look in. when we want curtains or drapes... But you are too much. Don’t make the I see these white boys. ...and you sneak out to work mistake of driving her away. They’re sitting, talking... in somebody’s kitchen. What does she do for me? ...about deals I want a future for this family. worth millions of dollars... She loves you! All I want is to be able to stand ...and they look no older than me. in front of my boy... I got to go out. Now I got to go out and be by myself! How come you talk ...like my father never was able so much about money? to do to me... I’m sorry about your liquor store. But it’s not the thing for us to do. Because it’s life! ...and tell him he’ll be somebody in this world... That’s what I wanted to say. So now money is life?

...besides a servant... - It’s dangerous. Once, freedom used to be life. - What’s dangerous? ...and a chauffeur. But now it’s money. When a man goes You tell me then. Hear? outside his house for peace. It was always money. We just didn’t know it. - Where’re you going? Then how come there can never be - Out! no peace in this house? Something’s changed.

- Where? You found it in some other house? You’re something new, boy. - Out of this house. Why do you always think In my time, we was worried - I’ll come too. there’s a woman? about not being lynched... - Don’t. I want so many things. ...and getting North and staying alive - I’ve got something to tell you. and still have dignity too. - That’s too bad. I want so many things that sometimes I think they’ll drive me crazy. Now you and Beneatha talk about things Sit down! we ain’t never thought about. I’m 35 years old, - I’m a grown man. and I ain’t got nothing. You ain’t satisfied - Ain’t nobody said you wasn’t grown. or proud of nothing we done. I ain’t going to be nothing. But you’re in my house and my presence. Just look at me. I mean, that you had a home...

And you’ll talk to your wife civil. - Look at me. ...and that we kept you - I’m looking at you. out of trouble... - Now sit down! - Let him go. You’re a good-Iooking boy. ...and that you don’t have to ride on the back of nobody’s streetcar. He can drink himself to death. - You got a job, a wife, a son... You make my stomach sick. - A job! You’re my children, but how different we’ve become. You turn mine too, baby! I open and close car doors all day. You don’t understand. That was my biggest mistake. I drive a man in his limousine, and I say... You don’t understand. What’s the matter with you? ...”Yes, sir” and “No, sir” Son, don’t you know your wife’s

9 expecting another baby? He’s had a little to drink. Out hunting or something. That’s what she wanted to talk I don’t know what her excuse is. to you about. Anyway, they coming back now. Honey, we’re going to the theater. This ain’t for me to be telling, That’s good. but I thought you ought to know. We’re not going And Ethiopia stretched forth to be in it, you know. I think Ruth is thinking about her arms again. getting rid of that child. Oh, George, And Africa’s sure I don’t like that. She wouldn’t do that. claiming her own tonight. Do you expect this boy to go out When the world gets ugly, a woman’ll Shut up. with you looking like that? do anything for her family... I’m digging them drums. That’s up to George, if he’s ...the part that’s already living. ashamed of his heritage! - You don’t know her... The drums move me. Oh, dear! ...if you think she’d In my heart of hearts, do something like that. I’m much warrior. Oh, dear! Here we go again. Yes, I would too. In your heart of hearts, you’re much drunkard. A lecture on our African past, I gave her a $5 down payment. on our great West African heritage. That’s my man, you know? I’m waiting to hear you say something. Kenyatta! In a second, we’ll hear about the great Ashanti empires... I’m waiting to hear how you’d be like Hot damn! the man your father was. ...the Songhai civilizations, the Flaming Spear! sculpture of Benin, poems in Bantu... Your wife said she’s going to destroy your child. The lion waking now, honey. ...and the whole monologue will end up with the word “heritage”! I’m waiting to hear you talk Flaming Spear! like your father... Your heritage is nothing Listen... but a bunch of raggedy spirituals...... and say we’re a people who give children life, not who destroys them. ...my black brothers. ...and some grass huts!

I’m waiting to see you stand up Do you hear the waters rushing against Grass huts? and look like your daddy... the shores of our coastlands? You see, George...... and say, we gave up one baby Do you hear the screeching of the cocks to poverty. We ain’t giving up another. in yonder hills...... you would rather stand there in your splendid ignorance... I’m waiting! ...beyond where our chiefs meet in council...... and know absolutely nothing If you be a son of mine, about the people... you’ll tell her. ...for the coming of the mighty war? ...who were the first to smelt iron You’re a disgrace Do you hear the beating on the face of this earth. to your father’s memory. of the birds’ wings... Why, the Ashantis were performing Where did I put my hat? ...as they fly low surgical operations... over our mountains... What have we got on tonight? ...when the English were still ...and the low places of our land? tattooing themselves with blue dragons! You are now looking... Do you hear the singing Have a seat, George. ...at what a well-dressed of the women... Nigerian woman would wear. Would you like an ice-cold beer? ...singing the sweet war song? Isn’t that beautiful? No, thanks. Oh, do you hear, my black brothers? I don’t care for beer. Enough of that assimilationist junk. We hear you, Flaming Spear! I hope she hurries up. - What kind of dance is that? - It’s a folk dance. Telling us to prepare... What time is the show?

What kind of folks do that? ...for the greatness of their times. It’s an 8:30 curtain.

It’s from Nigeria. - Black brother! That’s just Chicago. In New York, It’s a dance of welcome. - Black brother, hell! standard curtain time is always 8:40.

- Who you welcoming? You got company. What is with you? You get to New York a lot? - The men. Back to the village. Get down off that table. Sure. Where they been? A few times a year. And stop acting like a fool. How do I know where they’ve been? That’s nice.

10 Maybe Prometheus is a nice fellow. Sometime we’ll have to do that. I’ve never been to New York. I bet there’s no such thing. When you get the time, man. New York. I bet that simple-minded clown I know you are a busy little boy. just made it up out of his head. New York ain’t got nothing Chicago ain’t... Walter, please. - Don’t you start. - Start what? ...except a bunch of hustling people all I know ain’t nothing in the world squeezed together being Eastern. as busy as you colored college boys... Your nagging. So you’ve been? ...with your fraternity pins “Where you been? Who you been with? and your white shoes. How much money you spend?” - Plenty of times. - Walter Lee... I see you all the time with your books - Why can’t you stop fighting me? tucked under your arm... - Who’s fighting you? Plenty! ...going to your classes. Who even cares about you? What you got in this house to drink? Offer the man some refreshments. What are you learning down there? Guess I may as well go on to bed. What are they filling your head with? You’re not entertaining enough. I don’t know where we lost it, Sociology? Psychology? but we have. No, thank you. I don’t care for anything. They teaching you how to be a man? I’m sorry about this new baby. How come all you college boys wear How to take over Guess I’d better do what I started. them faggoty-Iooking white shoes? and run this world, boy? Guess I just didn’t realize Walter Lee! How to run a rubber plantation how bad things was with us. or a steel mill or something? Excuse him. I guess I just didn’t really realize. Just how to read books and talk proper. They look funny as hell. And wear faggoty white shoes. Stairs are getting longer and longer. You know? How you feeling this evening? You know, man, you are Bad as them black knee stockings all wacked up with bitterness. - Where were you this afternoon? Beneatha wears all the time. - Where’s Travis? How about you? Ain’t you bitter? It’s the college style. I let him go out earlier Don’t you see no stars and he ain’t come back yet. She look like she got burnt legs. you can’t reach out and grab? Boy, is he going to get it! How’s your old man making out? I’m talking to... - Where were you this afternoon? I understand you all going to buy I’m a volcano. I’m a giant, - Downtown to tend to some business. that big hotel down on the drive. and I’m surrounded by ants. What kind of business? Shrewd move, boy. Ants who don’t even know what I’m talking about. How’s that? Don’t question me like a child. Your old man knows how to operate. He thinks big. Know what I mean? Ain’t you with nobody? You didn’t go out and do something crazy with that insurance money? I mean for a home, you know. Ain’t nobody with me. - Mama, l... But I kind of think he’s Not even my own mother. - You going to get it, boy! running out of ideas now, see? That’s a terrible thing to say. Get yourself ready. I sure would like to talk to him. You look great! Why don’t you never let the child I got me some plans, man. explain himself? See you later. I got me some plans that’ll Keep out of it, Lena. turn this city upside down. - Come along, George. - Have a nice time now. A thousand times I told you Know what I mean? not to go off like that. Good night, Prometheus. I think like your old man. At least let me tell him something. Big. Who’s Prometheus? Come here, Travis. You invest big, you gamble big, I don’t know, honey. Come on to Grandma. Come on. and, hell, you lose big... Don’t worry about it. You know that money ...if you have to. They get to a point they can’t even we got in the mail this morning? You know what I mean? insult you man-to-man. What do you think Hard to find another man on the They got to talk about something your grandma went and done? whole South Side who understands that. nobody ever heard of. I don’t know, Grandma. If me and you get down How do you know it was an insult? and talk about things... 11 She went and she bought you a house. But it’s built good and solid. I seen my family falling apart today. You glad about the house? And it’ll be ours. Falling to pieces It’s going to be yours It makes a difference to a man in front of my eyes. when you get to be a man. when he can walk... We couldn’t go on like I always did want to live ...on floors that belong to him. we was today. in a house. Where is it? We was going backwards Give me a little sugar then. instead of forwards. Clybourne Park. Now, when you say Talking about killing babies your prayers tonight... - Where? and wishing each other was dead. - 4930 Clybourne Street, Clybourne Park. ...you thank God and your granddaddy... When it gets like that in life, Clybourne Park? you just got to do something different. ...because he’s the one who give it to you in his way. There ain’t no colored people Push on and do something bigger. in Clybourne Park! You get out of here now, Travis. Son, I wish you’d say something. Get ready for your beating. There’s going to be some now. I wish you’d say how, deep inside you... - Aw, Mama. Is that the peace and comfort you went - Get in there now. and spent that money for today? ...you feel I done the right thing.

So you went and did it. I tried to find the nicest place... What you want me to say you done the right thing for? I did. ...for the least amount of money for my family. You’re the head of this family. Praise God! I’ve never been afraid You run our lives the way you want. Honey... of no crackers much. It was your money to do with ...please. Wasn’t there no other houses nowhere? what you want.

Let me be glad. Them houses they build for colored What you want me to say way out in them areas... you done the right thing for? You be glad. ...all seem to cost twice as much. Because you butchered up A home! I did the best I could! a dream of mine?

Where is it? All I can say... You, Mama, who’s always talking...

How big... How much...... this is my time in life. ...about your children’s dreams? When we moving? My time... This is his wife. The first of the month. ...to say goodbye to these... He isn’t here just now. Praise God! ...old, tired walls. He had to go to the doctor’s. It’s a nice house. And these marching cockroaches. It was the only appointment It’s got three bedrooms. he could get, Mrs. Arnold. And there’s a big one for you and Ruth. And this cramped little closet, which ain’t now and never was no kitchen. I know we should have called. Me and Beneatha still has to share ours... And I say it loud and good! But we were so sure he could come to work. ...but Travis’ll have a room Hallelujah! of his own. I don’t blame you. Goodbye, misery. And I figures if the new baby What’d she say? is a boy... Never want to see your ugly face. She said...... we could get one of them Yes, honey? double-deck outfits. You know? ...they’ll get somebody else There a whole lot of sunlight? if he don’t come in tomorrow. It’s got a yard with a little patch of dirt in it. Yes, child. She said Mr. Arnold had to take a cab for three days. I can maybe grow me a few flowers. There’s a whole lot of sunlight. And it’s got a great big basement. What’s happening to him? Guess I better go see about Travis. Honey, be glad. Where’s he been going every day? I sure don’t feel like I don’t want to make it sound whipping nobody today! Where you going? fancier than it is. You understand what I done I’m going to get my boy. It’s just a plain, little old house. today, don’t you? What’s the name of the place he goes to?

12 It won’t do any good. ...for Beneatha’s medical schooling. There’s no sense in you... Open it. And the rest... What’s the name of it? Lord have mercy! ...the rest I want you to put The Kitty Kat. in a checking account... Honey, you done went and bought Grandma a hat. Want a drink, Mama? ...with your name on it. But Travis, honey... Want a little drink? And from now on...... what is that? Get down from there this instant. ...any penny that comes out of it or goes into it... A gardening hat, the kind the - Does he owe you any money? ladies wear in the magazines... - Just for the last one, 85 cents. ...is for you to look after, for you to decide. ...when they work in their gardens. My change, please. It ain’t much, We trying to make Mama Mrs. Miniver, What have you been doing but it’s all I got in the world. not Scarlett O’Hara! for the past three days... And I’m putting it in your hands. Oh, now darling, this is ...pretending you’ve been a beautiful hat. Beautiful hat! going to work every morning? And I’m telling you, son... I always wanted me one just like it. How long before I have to come ...that from now on, Just like it! and pick you up off the sidewalk? you be the head of this family... Hot dog, Mama! You got hurt and pain in you? ...the way you supposed to be. There we are. I knew a man who lived with his pain Do you trust me like that? and made his hurt work for him. You look like you’re fixing to go I ain’t never stopped trusting you... out and chop you some cotton. Your daddy died with dignity. There wasn’t no bum in him. ...just like I ain’t never Now come on, give Grandma stopped loving you. a little hug. And he’d known some hurts that you ain’t never even heard of. All right, 4930, sir. Don’t pay them no mind. Help me with these down in the basement... Why did you leave the South? Well, let’s get out and see I mean that. what it looks like. ...and come next spring, I’ll show you how we grow azaleas. Forty years ago, when you were young, Hey, Old Moms... why did you leave the South? - Where’s the iron? ...let’s take a walk and see - It’s in here. I expect for the same reason what the back yard looks like. everybody else does. - And you’re nailing it up? I’ll “Old Moms” you! - Didn’t you tell me to? I thought maybe if I could come up here I’d do better for myself. I don’t know if we should You said, “Nail it up.” give this to her. I don’t say I exactly turned over Common sense ought to the world since... She ain’t been very cooperative. tell you...

But you didn’t give nobody the right What is it? ...not to pack an iron to stop you once you decided to go. with your mama’s good dishes. Should we give it to her? Even though you weren’t going no place, I’ll mark it “Fragile.” you thought you were, didn’t you? - She’s been pretty good today. - I’ll “good” you! Better get on away Then why couldn’t you let me from me now. get on my train when my time come? Open it, Mama. Look here, I got all this I don’t think Open it, Mama. It’s for you. work to do, man. I... it’s ever going to come again. Read the note, Mama. Talk about old-fashioned Negroes. I don’t think it’s ever going to come again. Ruth wrote the note. - What kind of Negroes? - Old-fashioned. Now, Walter Lee... “To our own Mrs. Miniver... Girl, when them new Negroes Now I paid the man...... with love from Brother, have their convention... Ruth and Beneatha.” ...$3,500 down on the house. ...you’ll be voted... Ain’t that lovely! There’s $6,500 left. ...chairman on the Committee Can I give her mine now, Daddy? for Unending Agitation. On Monday morning... Travis didn’t want to go in with us, Race, race, race! ...take $3,000 of this money so he got his own. Well, girl... and put it in a savings account... Now we don’t know what he got. ...you’ll be the first person

13 in history...... but we’re doing ...and we had it brought to our something about it. ...who ever successfully attention at the last meeting... brainwashed themselves. Now, we feel that...... that you people, You know, even the NAACP or at least your mother... We feel that most of the trouble takes a holiday sometime. in this world...... has bought a piece of Give her time, honey. residential property at 4...... when you come right down to it...

When you become a doctor and - 4930 Clybourne Street. ...most of the trouble exists because perform your first operation... - That’s right. people don’t sit down and talk.

Look here! Would you care for You can say that again, mister. something to drink? A beer? You grab your scalpel... That we don’t try hard enough - No, thank you, please. in this world...... you sharpen it... - Some coffee? ...to understand the other fellow’s ...you’re getting ready Thank you, nothing at all. problems, his point of view. to cut the dude, you say... Now, I don’t know how much you folks Now that’s the truth. ...”By the way, what are your views know about our organization. on civil rights, old baby?” Well, you see, our community It’s one of those community is made up of people... Well, sticks and stones may break my organizations set up to look after... bones but words’ll never hurt me. ...who’ve worked hard ...you know, things like... as the dickens... That’s what you think. ...block upkeep and ...to build up that little community. - How do you do, miss? special projects and... - How do you do? Now, we’re not rich or fancy people. Then we also have what we call our I’m looking for... New Neighbors Orientation Committee. I mean, we’re just hard-working, honest people... Yes, who do you want, please? Yes. And what do they do? ...who don’t really have much Mrs. Lena Younger. Well, they... but those little homes...

That’s my mother. Please excuse me Well, it’s what you might call ...and a dream of the kind just one second. Wait. a sort of welcoming committee, I guess. of community we want...

Won’t you come in, please? I mean, they...... to raise our children in. No, we... My mother isn’t here just now. Well, now, I don’t say Well, I’m chairman of the committee. that we’re perfect. - Is it on business? - Yes. Well, of a sort. I go around and see the new people And there’s a lot wrong in some who move into the neighborhood... of the things we want. Won’t you have a seat? ...and give them the lowdown on the way But you’ve got to admit I’m... we do things in Clybourne Park. that a man, right or wrong...

...Mrs. Younger’s son. But then...... has the right to want to have the neighborhood he lives in... I take care of most of her And then we have the category of business matters and things. what the association calls...... in a certain kind of way.

My name is Mark Lindner...... Special Community Problems. At the moment, the overwhelming majority of people out there feel... Walter Lee Younger. - And what are some of those? - Be quiet. Let the gentleman talk! ...that people get along better... - How do you do? - Hi. I’m sure that you people must be ...take more of a common interest in aware of some of the incidents... the life of the community... My sister. ...that have happened in various parts ...when they share This is my wife over here. of the city when... a common background.

What can we do for you? ...colored people have moved Now wait. into certain areas. I’m a representative of the Now wait. Clybourne Park Improvement Association. Because we have what I think is going to be... I want you to believe me Rest your hat and bag on the floor. when I tell you... We’re cluttered up from packing. ...a unique type of organization in American community life. ...that race prejudice simply But as I was saying... doesn’t enter into it. Not only do we deplore ...I’m from the Clybourne Park that kind of thing... It’s a matter of the people of Improvement Association... Clybourne Park believing...

14 ...rightly or wrongly, as I say... I’m sorry it went like this. Well, that’s the way the crackers crumble. Joke. ...that for the happiness Just leave. of all concerned... What you doing? You just can’t force people ...that our Negro families to change their hearts, son. I’m fixing my plant so it won’t are happier... get hurt none on the way. Well, now, children. ...when they live in You going to take that thing their own communities. Is this all that’s packed with us to the new house? since I left here this morning? This, friends, That ragged-Iooking old thing? is the Welcoming Committee. I testify before God, my children got all the energy of the dead. It expresses me. This is what you come all the way across town to tell us, huh? - What time is the moving men due? So there, Miss Thing. - Four o’clock. We’ve been having You’re going to make me a fine conversation. - You had a caller. mess up my thing here now. - Sure enough, who? I hope you’ll hear me Get on away from me! all the way through. - The Welcoming Committee. - Who? - How does the song go again? Come on. - Go finish up packing. The Welcoming Committee. Well, you see, in the face They said they’ll sure be glad... I’ve got wings and you got wings of all the things I’ve said...... when you get there. And all God’s children got wings ...we’re prepared to make your family a very generous offer. They say they can hardly wait All God’s children got wings to see your face. Thirty pieces and not a coin less. We ain’t finished packing. What’s the matter? The men’ll be here soon. Now, our association is prepared, through the collective efforts... Nothing the matter with us. Bennie, you ain’t packed one book yet. ...of our people... We’re just telling you about the gentleman who called on you today... Couldn’t be the moving men. ...to buy the house from you at It’s not hardly 2. a financial gain to your family. ...from the Clybourne Park Improvement Association. I’ll get it. Lord have mercy. Ain’t this the living gall! What did he want? You expecting company?

All right. He said that the one thing that Let them in. they don’t have out there... Through? We need some more string. ...that they are just simply dying Now, the exact terms to have out there... Travis, run down to the store of the financial arrangement... and get some string cord. Hurry. ...is a fine family of colored people. I don’t want no exact terms Why don’t you answer the door, man? of no financial arrangements. He left his card... Because... You got anything else to say ...in case. about how people...... sometimes it’s just hard Father, give us strength. to let the future begin. ...should talk these things over? Did he threaten us? Now I got wings - I guess you don’t feel... You got wings - Never mind. You get out of here! They don’t do it like that anymore. You’ve got wings... I don’t understand why you people He talked brotherhood. He said he can’t are reacting this way! understand why people can’t... Hey, man. Where’s Willie?

What do you think ...sit down and hate each other - He ain’t with me. you’ll gain... with good Christian fellowship. - Come on in. Come in.

...by moving to a neighborhood You should hear the money - You know my wife, don’t you? where you aren’t wanted... they raised... - Hi, Miss Ruth.

...and where some elements...... to buy the house back from us. - Hi, Bobo. All we paid and then some. - Right on time, baby. Right on time. People get worked up when their way of life... What do they think we’re going to do, Come on, sit down, sit down! eat them? ...and all they’ve worked for Let me hear. is threatened. No, honey, marry them. Could I have a drink of water Get out! Lord, Lord, Lord! before I tell you about it?

15 Man, Willie’s gone! Nothing go wrong on you? And you... What do you mean, Willie is gone? - Let me tell you... You give it all away in one day! - Nothing went wrong, man. Gone where? Oh, God! Let me tell you. You mean he went by himself You know how it was. to get the license? Please look down...

Now I got to tell you. You mean he went ...and give me strength! to Springfield by himself? I mean, first I got to tell you Father! how it was all the way. He didn’t want too many people in on the business. Oh, God! - About the money I put in. - What about the money you put in? Willie got his own ways. Hello. I had some free time, so I came over. It wasn’t as much as we told you, Maybe you were late yesterday, me and Willie. and he went there without you. I thought I might help with the packing. I’m sorry. Maybe he’s sick. I got a bad feeling about it. I love the look of packing crates. He’s somewhere, man. - Why are you telling me? He’s somewhere. The sight of a household in preparation. - I had a real bad feeling. Movement. Progress. We got to find him. You hear me? What happened - That makes me think of Africa. down in Springfield? He’s gone! - Africa?

Springfield? Willie! What kind of mood is this?

What was supposed Don’t do it, man. Not with that money. I thought I’d find you to happen in Springfield? full of sunlight today. Not with that money. This deal that me Have I told you and Walter went into. I trusted you. how deeply you move me?

Me and Willie was going I put my whole life in your hand. Is something wrong? to Springfield... Man, do you know that that money... Asagai, he gave away the money. ...and spread money around so as not to wait to get the liquor license. ...is made out of my father’s flesh? - Who? What? - The insurance money. My brother. That’s what we was going to do. I’m sorry! Everybody said that’s the way. - He just gave it away. I’m sorry. - Gave it away? You understand? I had my life staked on this deal too. He invested with a man What happened down there, man? even Travis wouldn’t have trusted... Son... I’m trying to tell you. ...with his most worn-out marble. ...is it gone? Tell me! And it’s gone? What’s the matter with you? I gave you $6,500. - It’s gone. I didn’t go to no Springfield. Is it gone? - I see.

- Why not? All of it? I’m very sorry. - I didn’t have no reason to go. - Beneatha’s money too? But my brother’s not the one - What are you talking about? - I didn’t go to the bank at all. who’s to blame. - When I got to the train station... I seen him... By his lights, ...yesterday morning, 8:00 like he did what made sense to him. we planned, Willie never did show up. ...night after night, come in. My mama’s the crazy one. Why not? Where was he? Where is he? And he’d look at the rug, and he’d look at me. She just handed him the money. That’s what I’m trying to tell you. I don’t know. The red showing in his eyes... She just got up one fine day and just gave away my future. I waited six hours! ...and the veins moving in his head. Perhaps you don’t see things I called his house and I waited. I seen him grow old and thin as well as your mother does. before he was 40. I waited in that train This is the end for me. station six hours. Working and working and working... You know, it takes money That was all the extra money ...like somebody’s old horse. to go to school. I had in this world. Killing himself! What difference does it make?

16 I mean across the ocean. Home. Why would anybody want to be a doctor You! in this nutty world? To Africa. Chairman of the Board! Oh, my! Aren’t we full of despair? You mean to Nigeria? I look at you and see the final Look here. Was it your money? “Three hundred years later, the African triumph of stupidity in this world! prince rose up out of the sea... I said, was it your money Who was that? that was lost? ...and swept the maiden back across the middle passage... That was your husband. - It belonged to all of us. - But can’t this make you see? ...over which her ancestors had come.” - Where’d he go? - Now how do I know? There’s something wrong when - Nigeria? all the dreams in this house... - Nigeria. Home. Maybe he had an appointment at U.S. Steel. ...depended on something I’ll show you our mountains that might never have happened... and our stars... You didn’t say nothing bad to him, did you? ...if a man had not died. ...and serve you cool drinks from gourds... Bad? Me say something bad to him? We used to say back home...... and teach you the old songs... I said he was a sweet kid, ...”Accident was at the first full of dreams. and will be at the last...... and the ways of our people. And everything was strictly ...but a poor tree from which And in time, we’ll pretend peachy-keen. the fruits of life may bloom.” that you’ve only been away for a day. Ain’t it a mess in here, though. What is the matter with you? You’re making me... We better stop moping around My family has been wiped out. You’re getting me all mixed up. and do some work.

Don’t they use money - Why? All this unpacking where you’re from? - Because. and everything we got to do.

I see only that you, Because too many things have happened. Where’s Brother? with all of your keen mind... Just too many things have happened. He can help unpack ...cannot understand the greatness some of these crates. of what your mother tried to do. I don’t know what I feel or I think about anything at this minute. And one of you better call the You’re not too young to understand. moving men and tell them not to come. I’m going to sit down and think. For all of her backwardness... Tell them not to come? Then I’ll leave you. ...she still acts, she still believes No sense in having them that she can change things. Don’t get up. come here and go back. Just sit awhile and think. So she is more of the future They charge us for that too. than you are. Never be afraid to sit awhile and think. Tell her. But when somebody Tell her we can still move. can get up in the morning... How often I have looked at you and said to myself... Notes ain’t but 125 a month. ...without consulting you, We got four grown people in this house. blithely hand away your future...... ”So this is what the New World hath finally wrought.” We can work. We can all work. ...then life’s impossible. It’s futile. It’s despair. Just look at what I’ll work. the New World hath wrought. Listen... I’ll work 20 hours a day... There he is. Just look at him. I’m tired of listening. ...in all the kitchens in Chicago. There he is. I said that you will listen. Symbol of a rising class. I’ll strap my baby on my back if I have to. I have a bit of a suggestion. Entrepreneur. Titan of the system. And I’ll wash What? Did you dream of the yachts all the sheets in America. on Lake Michigan? When it’s over, come home with me. I’ll scrub. Did you see yourself sitting down At this moment, at a conference table... We got to go. you decide to be romantic. ...surrounded by all the mighty Got to get out of here. Dear young creature bald men in America? of the New World... Honey, please! All halted, waiting breathless ...I don’t mean across the city. for your pronouncements on industry. I see things differently now.

17 the right and wrong of things. And it don’t make I been thinking about some a bit of difference how. of the things we could do... We worry and cry and stay up nights... - You making something inside me cry. ...to kind of fix up this place some. - So cry. ...trying to figure out I seen a secondhand bureau what’s right, what’s wrong... - Some awful pain inside me. on Maxwell Street the other night. - Don’t cry. Understand. ...while the takers are out there, Fit right there. just operating. That white man will write checks for more money than we ever had. Needs some new handles Taking and taking. and another coat of varnish. It’s important to him, and we’ll help. Willie Harris... We’re going to put on a show. But could be made to look brand-new. ...don’t even count. I come from five generations And Walter Lee could get of people... some new screens... In the big scheme of things, Willie don’t even count. ...that was slaves and sharecroppers. ...and put them up around the baby’s bassinet. But I’ll say one thing: But ain’t nobody in my family...

Place’ll be looking just beautiful. Harris taught me how to keep my eye ...never took no money from nobody... Make us forget trouble ever come. on what does count in this world. ...that was a way of saying Sometimes, children... Thank you, William Harris. we wasn’t fit to walk the earth.

...you just got to learn - What’d you call that man for? We ain’t never been that poor. when to give up some things... - To tell him to come to the show. We ain’t never been that dead inside. ...and to hold on to what you got. We’ll put on a show for the man. Just what he wants to see. We’re dead now. - Where you been? - I made a call. He said them people All the talk about dreams and sunlight out where you want us to move... that goes on in this house. - To who? - To The Man. ...are so upset they’ll pay us It’s all dead now. not to come. - What man, baby? What’s the matter with you? - Don’t you know who The Man is? We told the man to get out. “Get out,” we said. Lord have mercy! I didn’t make this world. The Man. What a proud bunch of people It was handed to me exactly like it is. Like the fellows we were this afternoon. in the street say, The Man... I want some yacht someday. But that was an old way of thinking. What’s wrong with that? ...OId Captain Charlie, Mr. Boss Man. Are you talking about And I want to put some pearls Lindner! taking the money? on my wife’s neck.

That’s right. That’s good. I’m not talking. Tell me what man decides what woman I’m telling you what’ll happen. should or shouldn’t wear pearls? I asked him to come over. Oh, God! Where’s the bottom? I tell you, I’m a man! Why do you want to see him? Oh, God, where’s the bottom? I say I want her to wear it. We’re going to do some business Where is the bottom? with that man. - How will you feel on the inside? You and that boy want everybody - Fine. - What are you talking about? to carry a flag and spear... - I’m talking about life. - You won’t have nothing left. ...and sing marching songs. - I’ll feel fine. You always asking me to see life as it is. You’ll spend your life I’ll look in his eye. looking into right and wrong. “All right, Mr. Charlie, Mr. Lindner. I laid in there on my back today, and I saw life just like it is. You know what’ll happen? That’s your neighborhood. You got a right to keep it that way. He who gets and he who don’t get. He is going to wake up one day locked in a dungeon. Just give me the money It’s all divided up between and it’s yours.” the takers and the tooken. And the takers are going to have the key. And I’ll feel fine. And some of us are always being tooken. I’ll say more than that. I’ll say... You forget it, child. People like Willie never get tooken. There ain’t no causes! ...”Give me the money and you won’t have to live next to no stinking...” You know why the rest of us do? There is only taking in this world. Because we are mixed up. I’ll feel fine. He who takes the most is the smartest. Maybe I’ll get down on my black knees. Always looking for

18 “All right, Mr. Charlie. Not for yourself and the family Go ahead. because we lost the money. All right, Mr. Great White Father. Go ahead. I mean for him. You just give us that money! Mr. Lindner... And what he’s gone through. And we won’t come there and dirty up ...we called you... your white neighborhood!” And God help him. ...me and my family... And I’ll feel fine! Fine! Fine! God help him, what it’s done to him. ...because we are plain people, That’s not a man. Child, when do you think is the time you know? That’s nothing but a toothless rat. to love somebody the most? Real plain people. Death’s done come in this house. When he’s done good and made things easy for everybody? I work as a chauffeur, you know. Done come walking in my house... That ain’t the time at all. Most of my life. ...on the lips of my children. It’s when he’s at his lowest... My wife works in people’s kitchens... You were...... and he can’t believe in himself ...and so does my mother. ...what’s supposed to be because the world’s whipped him so! my beginning again. I mean, we are plain people. When you starts measuring somebody... You were... Mr. Younger...... measure him right, child. ...what’s supposed to be my harvest. My father... Measure him right. How did we get to this here place? My father was a laborer... You make sure that You! Mourning your brother! you done taken into account...... all of his life.

- He’s no brother of mine. ...the hills and the valleys And my father once... - What? he’s come through... My father once almost beat a man That individual, from this day on, ...to get to wherever he is. to death because this man... is no brother of mine! The moving men are downstairs. ...called him some kind of name, That’s what I thought you said. The truck pulled up. you know?

You feeling like Are they, baby? That’s my sister. you’re better than he is today? - They’re downstairs? And she... What did you tell him a minute ago? - Hello. That he wasn’t a man? ...is going to be... Hello. You give him up for me? ...a doctor. I came right over. You done wrote his epitaph too, - And we are very proud of that. like the rest of the world? He’s here. - I’m sure...

Who give you the privilege? I was certainly glad You see, we come from to hear from you people today. a long line... Will you be on my side for once? Life can be so much simpler ...of proud people. You saw what he did. than people let it be most of the time. You saw him down there on his knees. This is my son. Now, with whom do I negotiate? Didn’t you teach me to despise My son. any man who would do that... Are you Mrs. Younger? And he makes the sixth generation...... who would do what he’s Or your son there? going to do? The sixth generation of my family Just some official papers, sonny. in this country. I taught you that. You go on downstairs now, baby. And we have... Me and your daddy. No, you don’t. We have all thought about your offer. But I thought I taught you You stay right here. something else too. And we’ve decided... And you make him understand I thought I taught you to love him. what you’re doing. ...to move into our house.

Love him? You teach him good... Because my father, he earned it... There’s nothing left to love. ...like Willie Harris taught you. ...brick by brick. There’s always something left to love. And you show him where our We don’t intend Have you cried for that boy today? five generations done come to, son. to cause no trouble...

19 ...or fight no causes. Asagai asked me to marry him, go with him to Africa. And we’re going to try to be good neighbors. Girl, you’d better get them silly notions out of your head... That’s all. ...and start looking for a man That’s all we have to say. with some loot.

We don’t want... What do you have to do with who I marry? ...your money. Plenty. I’m the head of this family. I take it, then, you’ve decided to occupy. I been thinking of marrying you off to George Murchison. That’s what the man said. George Murchison? Then I appeal to you. I wouldn’t marry him if he was Adam - You’re older and wiser. and I was Eve. - I’m afraid you don’t understand. They’re something, all right, My son said we was going to move. my children.

And there ain’t nothing left They’re something, all right. for me to say. - Let’s go. You know these young folks nowadays. - I’m coming.

You can’t hardly do a thing with them. He come into his manhood today, Goodbye. didn’t he?

If you’re final about it... Kind of like the rainbow after the rain. ...there’s nothing left for me to say. Come on!

I sure hope you people know I’m coming. Go along, darling. what you’re doing. I’ll be right down.

For goodness sake, What are you doing? if the moving men are here... I’m coming! ...let’s get out of here.

Ain’t it the truth? Put Travis’ good jacket on him.

Fix your tie and tuck in your shirt. You look like a hoodlum.

Lord have mercy! Where’s my plant?

You all start on down, children.

Now don’t go empty-handed.

Where’s that box with my skillets? I want to be in charge of them.

I’m going to fix us the biggest dinner we ever had tonight.

Asagai asked me to marry him today. Go with him to Africa.

You ain’t old enough to marry nobody.

Darling, that ain’t no bale of cotton.

I’ve had that chair 25 years.

I would like to be able to use it again!

I mean, he wants me to be a doctor. To go and be a doctor in Africa.

What’s that about Africa?

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