Beneatha Younger in A Raisin in the Sun

After all, she is a twenty-year-old black woman from Southside Chicago. It is also in 1950. So while the rest of her family are concerned only about their daily survival she dreams big. Her family, however, is willing to make great sacrifices so she can afford a good education. Miss Younger appears not to appreciate the sacrifice made by her mother, brother, and sister in law; her attitude is usually a selfish and obnoxious one. What has he got to do with anything in this house? Does he pay tuition?’ The argument escalates and becomes physical, her mum slaps her and tells her God exists in that house. This is one of the many instances that show her conflict with traditional views. Traditionally, African Americans are very religious, more so women close to her mother’s age.

Moreover, questioning God is unheard of and is considered blasphemous. However, as the main character becomes more educated, she feels the need to question her conditioning and beliefs. Beneatha: Well – you finally got it said. Hansberry 119) It took you three years but you finally got it said. ’ Her brother still believes that each sex has designated job description that should be adhered to. Younger, on the other, disagrees with this view and is not at all surprised by her own brother’s admission of holding stereotype. For this play, the main character provides a fresh perspective from the rest of the story. The implication is that it renewed her ambition and gave her a new perspective in life (Hansberry 142). In the latter stages of the play, Younger and her brother Walter become closer as she becomes more appreciative of his role in her life.

This represents a new level of maturity where Younger realizes that her dream is just as important as the relationship with her family. The author also uses Beneatha’s character to represents the internal conflict or identity crisis. Internal conflict is most evident in the two men she dates; the Nigerian born Asagai and the American born George Murchison. He represents the individuals in society who have a double standard as far women are concerned. Younger, however, identifies more with the African boyfriend because she seeks to hold on to her roots. Asagai acts as an anchor for her. As she ventures into new horizons, she still feels the need to maintain her bond to Africa represented by Asagai. Beneatha comes across as having been born too ahead of her time.

Conclusion In conclusion, Lorraine Hansberry successfully creates a character who is complex and brilliant in Beneatha Younger. Moreover, he uses her effectively successfully represents the themes of change and identity crisis in a dynamic society. Society is not always kind to those who go against the grain or try to upset the status quo. Her struggle not only with her family but also with other members of society effectively captures how difficult it is to introduce new ideas in a society. Moreover, she captures the struggles of a modern woman trying to establish her identity as modern, educated, and independent.