A Raisin in the Sun Essay

Submitted By seanlampley2003
Words: 427
Pages: 2

ENC1102
May 1, 2015
Word Count: 445
A Raisin in the Sun

In the play, “A Raisin in the Sun,” by author Lorraine Hansberry, Beneatha is a character who is consistently struggling with her own image. For instance, Lena and Ruth were teasing Beneatha because she always pickups different activities but then merely just quits them; like playing the guitar. Beneatha tries to explain to her family that she is merely attempting to “express herself” and at this moment both Ruth and Lena Laugh. Beneatha is in no doubt living an identity crisis between trying to become a future and doctor as well as getting in touch with her roots. Beneatha is always being held back but sometime of entity whether it be a person or a thing. A person who had a negative impact on her for instance was George. A very rich black man to whom everyone approved of because of this notion, she felt that he was “shallow” yet Lena and Ruth argued that she should like him simply because he is rich. All of these outside sources are constantly tempting Beneatha to veer from the path she has for herself. Beneatha doesn’t want to be part of the status quo, but become an independent and liberated African American woman. An individual by the name of Asagai, felt the wrath of this notion. Asagai who was African intellectual, brings Beneatha some Nigerian clothing and music as gifts. Asagai shows he cares for her very much, yet doesn’t understand why she doesn’t care for him, and yet again Beneatha letting her identity crisis get in the way, says she is looking for more than storybook love. After Beneatha