Who is the matriarch of the Younger family?

• A. Mama
• B. Ruth
• C. Beneatha
• D. Walter

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is who functions as the family’s matriarch—the female head who guides values, keeps the family united, and makes important decisions. In this play, that role belongs to Lena Younger, known as Mama. She is the mother who holds the family together, sets the tone for how they handle money, dreams, and difficult choices, and maintains a steady moral compass through faith and care. Her leadership matters most in steering the family toward a shared dream and in balancing the desires and tensions of the others. Ruth and Beneatha are key family members, and Walter is a central figure as well, but the overarching, guiding authority in the household rests with Mama.