What Is Raisin In The Sun Mama's Relationship With Beneatha

In her play Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry depicts the intellectual and charming Asagai as a better suitor for Beneatha as compared to the wealthy assimilationist George, thus suggesting that money is not as important as having a healthy relationship, which can influence self identity. After the chaos with Ruth fainting, Asagai calls Beneatha and tells her he just got back from Africa, prompting her to invite him over. Mama claims that the house is too messy to have guests, but Beneatha argues, “‘Asagai doesn’t care how houses look, Mama- he’s an intellectual’” (56). Beneatha refers to the African student, Asagai, as an “intellectual” because of his broad passion and love of learning. She also calls him an “intellectual” because of how she sees him, as not only a prospective suitor but as someone with whom she can discuss her heritage and Africa.

Lorraine Hansberry uses the charming and personable Asagai, who sees things as they are, to contrast the college degree-obsessed, wealth-focused George, who has distinctively different views on education and his relationship with Beneatha. A few weeks later, George and Beneatha return home to Mama’s after a night out. George interrupts Beneatha’s talking in an attempt to kiss her, which sets her off in annoyance, unable to finish her thought. George, in frustration, says to Beneatha “‘...I want you to cut it out, see—The moody stuff, I mean. I don’t like it. You’re a nice-looking girl ... all over. That’s all you need, honey, forget the atmosphere. Guys aren’t going to go for the atmosphere—they’re going to go for what they