Book Review: "A Raisin In The Sun": Assimilation vs. Heritage

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Assimilation vs. Heritage

10) In the play Bennie is dating two completely opposite men. George Murchison, who is from a wealthy and well-educated family. Although he has some good qualities he has a snobby attitude, which Bennie doesn't like at all. On the other hand,she dates Joseph Asagai, who is from Nigeria and believes in natural things. He believes that African-Americans should be knowledgable and proud of their real home of Africa. In a way, Lorraine Hansberry portrays the character George as a representation of assimilation/conformity for African-Americans. Joseph respresents the complete opposite, which is Bennie's heritage and her African pride. How does Bennie choose between these two beliefs? How do you know which one she prefers? Explain.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...: Bennie is a character that can never make her mind, always exploring what else is out there and gaining more knowledge everyday. When Bennie is stuck between the two men in her life, Asaiga and George, Bennie tries to hide her true feelings to both of them. Later on in the play, we come to see her preferance is Asagai, a man who believes there's more to life then money and cars. When Asagai asked Bennie to come back home with him to Africa she sees he really understands her for her and not her beauty and the fact she accepted his offer it tells the same about her. [MCW]; May 22, 2008 at 6:52 AM
Anonymous said...: Throughout the play, Bennie struggles over whether to join, or assimilate to the white culture or to embrace and celebrate her African heritage. The two men in Bennie’s life represent these radically different ideas. The decision is difficult for Bennie, who as an African American does not have a distinct cultural identity. Asagai encourages Bennie to embrace and welcome her African heritage and rich culture. He presents her with a beautiful Nigerian robe and she clearly appreciates and is enthused by the gift. Conversely, George represents a man rooted in American culture and dissuades Bennie’s interest in her African roots. At this point, Bennie begins to draw away from George and empathizes with the sincere Asagai. As Bennie struggles to find her identity as an African American in a dominantly white world, Asagai provides the missing piece Bennie longs for. It is evident that Asagai cares deeply for her and he invites her to join him back in Africa. His proposal leaves Bennie lighthearted and she intends to accept Asagai, his dreams, and his culture.

VT; May 22, 2008 at 12:55 PM

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"A Raisin In The Sun"

"A Raisin In The Sun," is a play by Lorraine Hansberry that takes the viewer through the struggles of the Younger family. Lena, the grandmother is awaiting for the arrival of an insurance check from her husband's death that could change the lives of all the Younger's. Beneatha, Lena's daughter is a noncomformist who wants to become a doctor, but she struggles to find her identity throughout the play. Beneatha gets help finding her identity by means of Joseph Asagai. Joseph teaches Beneatha that she cannot pretend to be something that she is not and that she has to accept who she really is. Walter, Lena's son, is a chauffeur for a rich white man and is fed up with not being able to provide the life he wants for his family. Walter's dream is to open a liqor store and have a successful business. Ruth, Walter's wife is shy and never expresses her feelings, so you never know Ruth's dream until her catharsis moment; Ruth breaks down and expresses all she wants is to live in a home and have a backyard for her son to play in . Travis, is Ruth and Walter's son and all he wants to do is live a normal life, but it's difficult when his parents can't supply him with money like his other friends. When the insurance check finally arrives, Lena decides to buy a home in Clybourne Park, a white community. A representative from the neighborhood goes over to Younger home to try to buy the home back from the Younger's because the community doesn't want any problems with a black family moving in. Lena then gives the rest of the money to Walter and hopes he can finally make a good decision in his life. However, Walter gives all the remaining money to a friend who eventually steals the money. Walter's friend was supposed to get the liqor license for the store. Everyone's dreams are crushed and Lena decides not to move to the white neighborhood. However, Walter finally steps up and becomes a man and makes the decision that the family will move to the new home. The play is full of catharsis moments, historical references, and personal connections.