Assmilation

A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry

"It means someone who is willing to give up his own culture and submerge himself completely in the dominant, and in this case oppressive culture" (Hansberry, page 81).

From the span of two scenes, Beneatha finds herself contradicting herself in her opinions of her own heritage and culture. After Asagai comes over to the apartment, Beneatha changes her opinion of her culture to reflect his views. From such a simple conversation, Beneatha surprised me when she cut off all of her hair in order to conform to Asagai's idea on respecting their heritage. Furthermore, Asagai blames Beneatha for assimilating herself to fit the American culture. Beneatha turns that on George in return for commenting on her new hair style. 

Beneatha's change in two acts was unexpected as she seemingly would have most likely kept her American look in order to fit into the society she was in. 

A difference in generations was apparent through Mama. Mama compares Walter to Big Walter. "Once upon a time freedom used to be life - now it's money. I guess the world really do change..." (Hansberry, page 74). Mama uses this to compare that Walter is seeking money though any means while during her time with Big Walter, freedom is all they searched for in their society. Through this comparison, Mama is able to show a differential gap between her generation and the current generation.

A Raisin in the Sun

A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry

"This morning, I was lookin' in the mirror and thinking about it... I'm thrity-five years old; I been married eleven years and I got a boy who sleeps in the living room - and all I got to give him is stories about how rich white people live..." (Hansberry, page 34).

A clash of opinions within the Younger household is made apparent in the first scene of the play. Walter, more than anything, wants to excel by starting his own liquor shop. Although Ruth and Mama are pushing him away from his idea, he feels the need to start the shop in order to make a better way of life for his family. Walter hopes to attain a lifestyle where his son does not have to sleep in the living room or worry about money for his family. Much like Walter, Beneatha wants a better lifestyle for herself by getting an education and being able to support herself without a man. Ruth, on the other hand, wants nothing to do with Walter and Beneatha's dreams and acts as a contrast to their ideas. Each time Walter would mention his aspiration of his store, she found reasons why everything was not good enough. Furthermore, Ruth and Beneatha act as direct contrasts in appearance and attitude. While Ruth is older, a homemaker, and rougher in complexion, Beneatha is younger, educated, and handsome. 

A symbol that is seeming apparent is money. A contrast between Ruth and Beneatha put the symbol to the test. Ruth believes money is what brings the man and the love will follow. Beneatha  would much rather provide for herself and find love in a man.