Analyzing Character Change In Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun

Analyzing Character Change in A Raisin in the Sun: Beneatha Younger Written in 1959, Lorraine Hansberry’s Play A Raisin in the Sun tells the story of an embattled African-American family living in south-side Chicago during the 1950s. Lena (Mama) Younger is the mother of Beneatha and Walter Lee Younger, and he is married to Ruth Younger and the father to Travis Younger. In the novel, the Younger family anticipates an insurance check that encloses money for the death of Mama’s late husband, Walter Younger. Each member of the family has their dreams, and the family believes that their wishes can be attained with the $10,000 check. This book follows the themes of religion vs. science, assimilationism, and status/rank. Throughout the play, Beneatha

In A Raisin in the Sun, Beneatha wants to find herself, but she struggles to do so because of societal limitations. Therefore, she learns to understand the values of others and accept her past to solidify her identity. At the beginning of the play, in act I, scene i, during a conversation between Mama, Ruth, and Beneatha, the prospect of God was on the table. Even though she grew up in a Christian household, Beneatha opposes the idea of God. Provoking her mother, Beneatha mentions, “‘Mama you don't understand. It’s all a matter of ideas, and God is just one idea I don't accept. It’s not important. I'm not going out and being immortal or committing crimes because I don't believe in God… It’s just that I get tired of Him getting credit for all the things the human race achieves through its own stubborn effort. There is simply no blasted God–there is only man and it is he who makes miracles’,” (act I, scene i, 51). Hansberry displays Beneatha as a realist who contradicts the traditional values her family holds. Based on Beneatha’s primary education in medical studies, she challenges the concept of God because she has conviction in facts. She believes that her

As the family prepares to leave the home, Beneatha declares, “‘Mama, Asagai asked me to marry him today and go to Africa… To go to Africa, Mama–be a doctor in Africa,’” (act III, scene i, 149-150). Hansberry illustrates the self-discovering Beneatha experienced by the end of this play. Although she concluded what she wanted as a career at the beginning of the play, she now has a specific plan and solidified decision. Her future also implements the traditional values her family holds for marriage. Benethea has comprehended that her future must combine her and her family’s values, so her time ahead is transparent to her, alongside her identity. Amid the moment, Beneatha reacted angrily, “precisely as in the first scene of the play,” (act III, scene i, 150). Hansberry enhances Beneatha’s character by illustrating her confidence, even at the conclusion of this story. Beneatha’s spirit persists as both bold and assertive, exactly how the play began. During that time, she already had a set vision for her future that she could see in front of her. Even up to now, her strong personality persists and elevates her determination to reach her goals. Following this statement, Mama responds, “‘He [Asagai] did? You ain't old enough to marry nobody,” (act III, scene