A Raisin In The Sun By Lorraine Hansberry

Rainer Maria Rilke once said, “The only journey is the one within.” This quote applies to the journey of self-discovery Beneatha goes through in the play “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry. George Murchison and Joseph Asagai are the men of Beneatha’s life and their views of the world and relationship with Beneatha are polar opposite when compared.

Beneatha is a young African-American woman who grows and changes throughout the story. In the beginning of the play Beneatha’s actions and the way she talks give off that she is an obnoxious and self-centered girl. Beneatha says, “Lovely. Lovely. And you know, biology is the greatest. (Looking up at him) I dissected something that looked just like you yesterday.” (Hansberry), to her brother.

She is expressed as the “annoying little sister” in the beginning scenes of the play. As “A Raisin in the Sun” progresses we are shown different sides of Beneatha and she becomes a more relatable and likable character. She goes on a search for her identity throughout the play. The closer she gets to her ancestors and culture via her relationship with Asagai the more she develops into a likable character.
Asagai is charismatic, well-mannered, approachable, and knowledgeable character.

Even though there is a large cultural barrier between Asagai and the Youngers they get along quite well. Asagai fits in better with the Youngers than George Murchison who seems to constantly be at conflict with either Beneatha or Walter. Beneatha seems to favor her African Suitor, Joseph Asagai. Asagai is a student from Africa who is fond of Beneatha. Asagai tries to win Beneatha over by gifting her things and showing his affection. He is persistent in going after her but never overbearing. The gifts he gives her are all hold meaning to Beneatha and aren't useless trinkets. All the gifts given were desired by Beneatha. Like the Nigerian robes which Asagai went through alot of trouble to get from his home in Africa to gift to Beneatha. Asagai has a very optimistic vision for the future of his country. He states, “ In my village at home it is the exceptional man who can even read a newspaper ... and perhaps for it I will be butchered in my bed some night by the servants of empire …” (Hansberry), here Asagai proves that he would be willing to do whatever it takes to gain the independence of his country. He would be willing to put his life on the line if it meant his country would gain its independence. Despite Asagai being able to afford a Western education his core beliefs are all routed from his African culture. Which at the time being 1959 were biased and old-fashioned. His old-fashioned views

caused strain in his relationship with Beneatha. However there are hints dropped by Lorraine Hansberry that foreshadow that Beneatha and Asagai would be able to overcome this tension. When Walter loses all the money Asagai confronts Beneatha’s views, “He questions, for example, the satisfaction of receiving money through misfortune while calling it "success." He contrasts this view with his own that "making it" via insurance money gained through misfortune is not really "making it." Asagai's character gives Beneatha political focus and nourishes her idealism.” (Cliffsnotes). Beneatha is very fond of Asagai as she sees him as hope of an escape from a loveless marriage to George Murchison.
George Murchison is playing against Asagai to win Beneatha’s heart.

He is the complete opposite of Asagai. George is portrayed as very attractive and rich in the play, but this does not impress Beneatha. George is arrogant, egotistical, and pedantic. His character in the play symbolizes the colored person who’s own self-hatred projects onto other colored people. He is constantly trying to prove his wealth and education by saying things like, “ It’s an eight-thirty curtain. That’s just Chicago, though. In New York standard curtain time is eight forty.” (Hansberry) when he knows that such information is useless and wont be understood by Ruth. George is arrogant and pompous to the point where he can’t ignore a Walter’s lie when he says, ”New York ain’t got nothing Chicago ain’t. Just a bunch of hustling people all squeezed up together— being “Eastern.” (Hansberry) He immediately responds saying, “Oh you’ve been?” (Hansberry), belittling a man who’s self esteem is already nonexistent. George’s character doesn't stand a chance against Asagai. George gets irritated when Beneatha tries to speak her mind or talk about politics because he believes that people receive higher education for the sole purpose of getting a good job. Beneatha doesn't agree with this. In the big debate of assimilation that goes on throughout the play, George sees nothing wrong with assimilation while Asagai believes that colored people should be in touch with their African roots. George believes that it is

a complete waste of time. George and his family are well off and have no problem with assimilating into “White-America”, which Beneatha obviously disagrees with. In the end of the play all the differences and tension between George and Beneatha outweigh the good in the relationship, causing the impending break up.
George and Asagai come from extremely different backgrounds and do not share the same values and beliefs. We are able to see this throughout the play in the debate of assimilation. Their views of the world and relationship between Beneatha end up being polar-opposite.