A Raisin in the Sun – 5
“ The whole course of human history may depend on a change of heart in one solitary and even humble individual- for it is in the solitary mind and soul of the individual that the battle between good and evil is waged and ultimately won or lost. ” This quote speaks of changes in heart. I believe someone who has a change in anyway, whether it’s in heart o anything else, for good has grown and become dynamic. Dynamic is characterized as a constant change in activity or progress. Perhaps the most dynamic character in Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun is Beneatha because of her change in identity, career, and love.
The first reason why I believe she is the most dynamic character is because of her change in identity. During the beginning of the play Beneatha had straight hair, along with everyone else in her family that was a female. She enjoyed and did not mind her straight hair; until Asagai pointed out that she was conforming to society. He was speaking of the act of imitating the behavior of some situation or some process by means of something suitably analogous, or a simulation. He makes the argument that she should straighten her hair because she should keep her original routes.
He begins to speak of being assimilated or, people of different backgrounds come to see themselves as part of a larger national family. Another thing that Beneatha to change her identity was listen to different types of music. She did this in the hopes to prove to her family she did not want to conform. She wanted to prove that she could stay true to her heritage. The next thing that led me to believe that Beneatha is the most dynamic character is her change in career. Although Beneatha has chosen a career path, she is not sure what she would like to do in her spare time.
She speaks to mama about learning how to play the guitar. Mama says, “Why you got to flit so from one thing to another, baby? ” (Hansberry 47) Beneatha replies, “I just want to learn to play the guitar. Is there anything wrong with that? ” (Hansberry 47) “Ain’t nobody trying to stop you. I just wonders sometimes why you has to flit so from one thing to another all the time. You ain’t never done nothing with all that camera equipment you brought home-“, Mama says (Hansberry 47). She has pursued several different options, but she is like a kid in a candy store and has an extremely difficult time staying, or sticking to one thing.
But the thing about her career that changes isn’t what she wants to do, but why she wants to do it. In the beginning of the play she talks about how she wanted to be a doctor because of a tragic accident she witnessed as a child. Her friends face split open before her eyes, and she thought, “Well that’s the end of him. ” But, one day he returned with just a simply scar on his face, and since then she wanted to be that person to help a child live on. But, in the middle of the play, she loses faith and finds all dreams pointless, she loses sight of everything that she once stood for.
Asagai brings her back to reality, and helps her realize that she can make a difference and change the world, one person at a time. At the end of the play it now becomes clear that she wants to help kids in Africa along side of Asigai. The structure of why is changed because love gets mixed within her dreams. My last reason why I believe that Beneatha is a dynamic character is because of her in heart. George Murchison offers the best opportunities for Beneatha and her family. However, Beneatha comes to a startling discovery after spending an evening with George.
He says to her, “I don’t go out with you to discuss the nature of ‘quiet desperation’ or to hear all about your thoughts – because the world will go on thinking what it thinks regardless – “(Hansberry 97). After George’s departure, Beneatha is speaking to Mama. She says, “Mama, George is a fool – honest” (Hansberry 97). Even though George is a wealthy, good-looking man, his shallowness becomes his bitter downfall. Beneatha realizes that she can do much better than him, and that she deserves better than him. George is completely oblivious to her revelation and thinks that his opinion is neither ignorant nor cruel.
The irony in George’s statement is that Beneatha can make a difference simply by voicing her opinions and letting her presence made known. Even before George made his brutal comments to Beneatha, she was rethinking her choice of companion. This is when she begins to look further into the enigma that is Asagai. Joseph Asagai, an intellectual from Nigeria. Asagai says that Beneatha seeks out those who understand her hardships, her lack of a definite identity, and her need for an intellectual relationship. As is true with almost any young woman, what she thinks she needs and what she actually needs are two strikingly different things.
With two men vying for her heart, Beneatha must make a decision regarding who is best for her. She then, at the end the play, realizes this is the man the she wants and should be with. In conclusion, As Beneatha’s interests change, so does who she is. Her ever-changing identity helps to define her as a diverse individual. This is shown through her change in identity, career, and love. Maybe who we are as a person isn’t so much about what we do, but rather what we’re capable of when we least expect it. Never doubt oneself and don’t worry about what others think, because sometimes change can be a good thing, and sometimes change is needed.
