Lena Younger’s recently deceased husband and the father of Walter Lee and Beneatha. A Raisin In The Sun takes place in the city of Chicago, in the 1950s. She carries herself with grace, intelligence. By far the youngest member of his family (stage directions describe him as ten or eleven years. He is a deeply insecure man who is chasing a dream of breaking out of the. Beneatha set these standards for herself, and allowed for other women. The character of the Younger family include: Lena Younger “Mama” who is in her 60’s and is the matriarch of the family, her son Walter Lee Younger a 35-year old chauffeur, his wife Ruth, their son Travis and Beneatha Younger, Walter’s 20-year old sister that is attending college and studying to become a doctor. Her dream of becoming a doctor, her many ways of expressing herself, and the fact that she is an assimilationist are all shown throughout the play. the same day when they got they check; the same day where ruth is considering an abortion, mama left, beneatha went to the hair salon, and walter went to the bar. While reading the play, the audience can come to this conclusion because of Beneatha’s selfish remarks. However, Beneatha is determined and she stands up to her brother for her right to want to become a doctor. Summary and Analysis Act III. She’s smart-mouthed, insatiably curious about her place in the Black diaspora, and full of hopes for things beyond her immediate reach. Through her education, she gets to stand to own her own and a bold feminist in the society. Here, we see the kindness she shows Walter. Ultimately, what is their American Dream? The passage does not necessarily have to be the character speaking. Hansberry describes Ruth as being “about thirty” but “in a few years, she will be known among her people as a ‘settled woman. Share Cite. Walter. She seems to think that the whole world, and especially her family, is against her, and she has lost her faith in God. Despite the traits that make her an amazing and complex character, her main plot line in the play is choosing between two male figures both of who do not. Beneatha Younger, a main character in the book, demonstrated the want for an education. mama's daughter and Walter's sister; educated, struggles to find identity. Never appearing onstage, Willy Harris is Walter Lee’s supposed friend and business partner. About thirty years old, Ruth was once “exceptionally” pretty, although an air of “disappointment has already begun to hang in her face. mama's daughter and Walter's sister; educated, struggles to find identity. Mama, or Lena, is described a very strong, able-bodied woman in her sixties. Once upon a time freedom used to be life—now it’s money. The 1950s was a time of ongoing struggle against racism and segregation. Moreover, you can use these traits to guide your reading of the drama and your work on the related assignments. #2: “Asagai: Then isn’t there something wrong in a house—in a world—where all dreams, good or bad, must depend on the death of a man? Beneatha: AND YOU CANNOT ANSWER IT! Asagai: I LIVE THE ANSWER!” #3: “Mama: Oh—So now it’s life. George Murchison, a young Black man and one of Beneatha’s suitors, has immense pride in his social status. The daughter of Mama Lena Younger and the sister of Walter Lee Younger, Beneatha represents the young women of the so-called silent generation of the 1950s on the verge of. She is the daughter of Walter and Ruth Younger, and sister to Travis Younger. Walter and Beneatha often fight about the money Mama had. A Raisin in the Sun, a play by Lorraine Hansberry, is the story of a lower-class African American family living on the Southside of Chicago during the 1950s. Throughout the play is she known as mama. Created by. Physical and character traits of Ruth. This scene begins one week later. While character and personality are both used to describe someone’s behaviors, the two examine different aspects of that individual. Mama says, with a little laugh, that. Anansi And Iktomi Character Analysis. Lena possesses the “noble bearing” of a woman. He's lean and fidgety, and he has an emotional, outspoken. Beneatha is an attractive college student who provides a young, independent, feminist perspective, and her desire to become a doctor demonstrates her great ambition. A Raisin In The Sun Beneatha Character Analysis 614 Words | 3 Pages. Beneatha’s Hair Symbol Analysis. Table. This character trait is seen when Asagai mentions how he met Beneatha. Despite her pregnancy, Ruth does strenuous domestic work in white homes and plays a key part in keeping the entire Younger family functioning. You came up to me and you said…. In the play, it seems as if Beneatha changes the most in the shortest amount of time, and it doesn’t take her long to realize what fits her. She tells Ruth, “You are looking at what a well-dressed Nigerian woman wears. With her. A person showing that anyone can achieve anything, such as a revolutionary dream for their time, if they put their mind to it. Perhaps surprisingly, the monster mourns his creator and expresses remorse over the fate that Victor suffered. Walter and Beneatha's mother. 1. Walter Lee needs money to invest in a liquor store in order for. Lorraine Hansberry says this through her main characters' trait, Walter's pride, Beneatha's impressionability, and Mama's love for her family. George is pedantic — an academic show-off — constantly making literary allusions even when he knows that this information is lost upon his audience. In the beginning, Beneatha is confident, although she wants to understand who she is. In more concrete terms: “Personality is easy to read, and we’re all experts at it. Upon her entrance, Mama is. Nicknamed “Bennie,” Beneatha is Mama’s daughter and Walter Lee’s younger sister. Walter is portrayed as a middle-aged man who works as a chauffeur and drinks a lot. He represents one extreme of the American debate on assimilation. Ruth Younger. He tries to teach Beneatha about her heritage as well. Meanwhile, Beneatha's character and direction in life are influenced by two different men who are potentially love interests: her wealthy and educated boyfriend George Murchison, and Joseph Asagai. In the same scene, Polonius advises his daughter Ophelia to avoid Hamlet because he’s worried about her. For example, when Beneatha loses her. He always looks for her attention and makes everything possible to spent to spend some time with her. Played by Sidney Poitier in the original Broadway production. The main characters in A Raisin in the Sun all undergo some changes, but the minor characters are largely static. Hansberry describes Ruth as being “about thirty” but “in a few years, she will be known among her people as a ‘settled woman. Beneatha’s dream is to become a doctor to help cure people. Related Documents. In the end, Walter finds his self-respect and leads his family on to their new house. He follows current events in the civil rights movement and is unhappy in his job working for a rich white man. One character, Beneatha, faces an obstacle that is out of her. Dynamic Character. In A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, one of the main characters is. However, this character flaw only serves to make her seem all the more understandable and human. This obstacle is gender inequality. Tita Character Analysis 632 Words | 2 Pages. She is the "worn-out wife" with a tedious, routine. Abigail’s traits mirror those of various Disney villains. The main characters in A Raisin in the Sun are Lena Younger, Walter Younger, Beneatha Younger, Ruth Younger, and Travis Younger. It's all dead now. Choose a scene or background that makes sense for the. View All Quotes. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, many African Americans began migrating to Chicago from the South. In the play's final scene, Beneatha is seriously considering his proposal. Table of Contents. Beneatha is an intellectual. A twenty-year-old college student with dreams of becoming a doctor, Beneatha is “as slim. Concerning the Characterization of the characters, it is obvious that the majority of the characters are women. She refuses to assimilate and embraces her African heritage. Ruth, just like Beneatha, has determination. She has different views from her family. a character that stays the same throughout the story. In the character of Beneatha we see a direct opposition of "assimilationism" to "Pan-Africanism" and this is the fundamental conflict for Beneatha. Mama is a devout Christian. During Act Two, Scene Two, Mama entrusted $6500 to her son, Walter. Walter feels that he should financially support his family and provide. Beneatha. Has been able to affect the Younger Family in several ways. - want to achieve their dreams - share a desire to escape their current lives. Walter Younger. Shmoop analyzes the most important quotes in A Raisin in the Sun, including relevant Walter quotes and Mama quotes. Walter: See there, that just goes to show you what women understand about the world. She is an educated, independent woman who challenges social norms by going to school to be a doctor. Walter, the protagonist in the literary drama Raisin in the Sun, is competing with his sister Beneatha to achieve his dream of liquor store ownership. Unlike the biblical story, though, no mention is ever made of Ruth Younger's parents or siblings or background. With her. In trying to win her affections, he is persistent but never overbearing. Chosen Character: Beneatha [Character to choose from Ruth, Walter Lee, Beneatha, Mama] 2. The writer also highlights that Beneatha’s character is marked by her slim and intense appearance, which gives her a distinct personality. Yet, as our characters develop. Character analysis: Beneatha Younger - "Bennie" "Or fester like a sore - / and then run?" Bennie is an eccentric and eclectic young, African American woman. Beneatha evokes critical character traits of the play's main characters, Lena and Walter Lee. Walter is a “lean, intense young man” in his mid-thirties and “nervous movements and erratic speech habits” characterize his behavior. But, her ideals butt heads with Mama’s beliefs that God has everything to do with our. She demands that members of her family respect themselves and take pride in their dreams. Beneatha is forced to change her dream after Walter loses all of her tuition money. She is a flat caricature of the nosy, jealous neighbor. NATIONAL ENDCNMENT FOR THE SITEment marcopolo . Ruth, just like Beneatha, has determination. Time & Place. George Murchison. This essay received a B by one of Kibin's. Hardison | Certified Educator Share Cite One thing that characterizes Beneatha is the self-detrimental ease with which she gives into external influence. This makes getting ready every morning even more challenging. Lorraine Hansberry's play "A Raisin in the Sun" is driven by characterization. In short, Beneatha is depicted as a woman who is challenging gender norms and expectations upheld by her family, whereas Ruth is seen as an example of a submissive housewife fulfilling. ” This reveals a rare kind of beauty that is not as obvious as Ruth’s but that come from the clever look. Despite their many similarities, Walter and Beneatha have drastically different character traits. When Hattie gets the opportunity to move on, she jumps. ” (Swim) A good example of this is when Beneatha Younger was judged and belittled by her family. Beneatha Younger of A Raisin in the Sun. Walter Lee Younger, one of the main characters from A Raisin in the Sun is a desperate dreamer that strives to be able to take care of his family. Karl Lindner. During the 1950, it was very rare for a young woman to become a doctor. - single women and is hesitant on marriage. Throughout most of the play, Walter is a self-centered character who never admits to his wrongdoings. Lindner arrives at the Younger household, he is extremely shy and timid, not threatening or abrasive or loud. By Beneatha doing this it shows her determination. 245 Words. In fact, he believes that love is a sufficient reason behind any action she takes. Character Analysis George Murchison. In the drama, A Raisin in the Sun, Beneatha Younger, often called Bennie, is a twenty year-old African American young woman, who has grown up during a difficult time period for blacks in the United States. She has white hair and a dark brown face that is marked by wit and spunk. She is determined to pursue her own dreams and refuses to be intimidated by anyone, as well as being intelligent and capable of coming up with creative solutions. For sure, it means the end of their relationship, and Beneatha makes a decision to start building new relations with Joseph. In the play, A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry presents resilience in the characters of Beneatha, Ruth, and Mama to convey the gender norms and the disparency between men and women regarding equality, ultimately illustrating the unfair treatment of Black women in the 1950s. Younger’s insurance policy. Asagai's main function as a character seems to be to inject the play with symbolism. Instructions: 1. In Act one, Travis is asking for fifty cents required in. Her demeanor indicates that life has delivered “little that she expected,” and, as Walter says, she is “tired” of. Lena Younger ("Mama") - Walter and Beneatha's mother. 20 essay samples found. Barrows in James Thurber's 'The Catbird Seat'? What are the personality traits of the character Mathilde Loisel in the story The Necklace? What genre is Madame Bovary? What kind of person is Penelope in The Odyssey? In what ways can Cathy be seen as an Eve figure in John Steinbeck's East of. Played by Sidney Poitier in the original Broadway production. Mr. Ruth has the determination to keep her family in check, and to do what is best for them. He brings Beneatha thoughtful gifts and encourages her to learn about and embrace her African heritage. L. " Passionate, ambitious, and bursting with the energy of his dreams, Walter Lee is a desperate man, shackled by poverty and prejudice, and obsessed with a business idea that he thinks will solve all of his. Beneatha’s effort to make herself different from her family shows her personal identity. “A Raisin in the Sun” is an autobiographical play written in 1950 by Lorraine Hansberry, an African American writer. George is Asagi's competition for the affections of the lovely Beneatha. Mama (dynamic) - more understanding with Walter and Beneatha. Beneatha is determined, intellectual, progressive , and most importantly, she thinks for herself, all traits that were so controversial. A Raisin In The Sun Walter Character Traits. Ruth Younger The thirtyish wife of Walter Lee Younger and the mother of Travis, their ten-year-old son. Lena Younger's Character Traits. To Ruth, Beneatha calls Mama “a tyrant” before leaving for school. Walter Lee Younger. Her atheistic views reveal the complex authoritarian and traditional values held by. Traits associated with the name Beneatha: Dogs named Beneatha tend to be loving, industrious, loyal, and good-natured. Lena’s son, Walter, married to Ruth with a son, seeks to invest the money. Mama. Read More. Ruth Younger. Spread the love. She is not aggressive; she just lets life “happen” to her. He commented on how Beneatha has changed her hair, and does not like it. To Walter, her dream seems kind of far-fetched. She exudes strength, pride, and a tenacious spirit. Beneatha is a college student. -Relation to other Characters: Friends with Beneatha-What values does he represent?-He likes Beneatha, and gives her gifts, and represents Nigerian Culture and Identity-He is an assimilationistBig Walter was never able to attain his dream. Analysis: Act II, scene ii. Beneatha is an educated, cultured woman, while Walter is depicted as an ignorant, bitter man. Mama’s oldest child and Beneatha’s brother. George is flat and his dominant trait is egotism because of the wealth that his family has. wants to earn money by carrying groceries. " Passionate, ambitious, and bursting with the energy of his dreams, Walter Lee is a desperate man, shackled by poverty and prejudice, and obsessed with a business idea that he thinks will solve all of his. He embraces politics in the family and advocates for civil rights. Questions for A Raisin in the Sun Discussion Questions. For example, Both Beneatha and Walter are restless and prideful. african-american activist young woman college student feisty doctor sister daughter africa 1m 1f scenes. Beneatha is a character in the play A Raisin in the Sun, along with her Mama and brother Walter. George is also arrogant and takes great pride in appearing intelligent; he is also condescending. Raisin In The Sun Beneatha. Beneatha evokes critical character traits of the play’s main characters, Lena and Walter Lee. Three characters in this story, Walter, Beneatha, and Mama all have dreams, that are. Asagai and George differ greatly from one another making them both foil characters. Walter Lee is a character from the play A Raisin in the Sun in which a black family tries to get out of poverty and go against stereotypes by trying to start over with their Grandpa’s life insurance money. Lena Younger's Character Traits. About Africa. A wealthy, African-American man who courts Beneatha. Her dream of becoming a doctor, her many ways of expressing herself, and the fact that she is an assimilationist are all shown throughout the play. A Raisin in the Sun • This presentation presents some personality traits associated with Beneatha, Mama, Ruth, and Walter in A Raisin in the Sun. - traditional beliefs (marriage) and very religious. Mama is upset when she realizes that Ruth is contemplating an abortion. Character Type: Dynamic Physical Traits: White hair, older Character Traits: Strong, matriarch, graceful Description: Dreams of providing the best life for her family and of a house with a garden and enough space for her family Relationships: Mother of Walter/Beneatha, grandmother of Travis Loraine Hansbury created a tense argument between Beneatha and Mama. In A Raisin in the Sun, characters have a goal. How can blacks live in America yet retain some of. Raisin In The Sun Beneatha Character Traits. Asagai declares that love should be enough for Beneatha to come to Nigeria with him. His presence in the play forces the audience (and Beneatha) to ask what it truly means to be an African American. The play unfolds in the Younger family’s tiny apartment and the scene describes a cramped and roach infested environment. Think again of the traits; ambitious, unhappy and selfish. When Walter expresses a desire to have the insurance money in order to invest in a business venture, he makes sense — even in his argument with Beneatha. His sister, Beneatha wants to be a doctor, a more noble goal for Mama than a liquor store. Joseph Asagai. Click the card to. So – I would rather be living in Buckingham Palace. Mama husband died; who was also the childrens father. Beneatha like many others has a dream; hers is to become a doctor. In a Raisin in the Sun, the characters display similar personality traits. Self Starter. Find passages from the play in which this. In trying to win her affections, he is persistent but never overbearing. Son of Lena, brother to beneatha, and wife of Ruth (father of travis). This character trait is seen when Asagai mentions how he met Beneatha. Open Document. Mama and the children was expecting a insurance check from his death and each family member. In Lorraine Hansberry’s play, jealousy, bitterness, and selfishness cloud Walter’s judgement on what. Open Document. Race. 1S. Skip to document. Walter and Beneatha's mother; religious, moral, and maternal; longs for a house. Ruth is in some ways like a typical housewife of the 1950s. Ruth joined the Younger family when she married Walter, and from the play’s opening moments it is clear that her day-to-day life in the Younger household has exhausted her utterly. the manipulative and scheming traits of Claudius and Gertrude are mirrored in Walter’s behavioral dispositions. . 835 Words; 4 Pages; A Raisin In The Sun Beneatha Character Traits. Joseph Asagai is a minor character of the play A Raisin in the Sun who struggles to develop his relations with Beneatha. George Murchison, a young Black man and one of Beneatha’s suitors, has immense pride in his social status. Character Analysis “ A Raisin in the Sun” is a play written by Lorraine Hansberry about the life of an African American family during the era of segregation. Beneatha’s college education has helped to make her progressive, independent, and a total feminist. Big Walter’s death provides the family with an insurance payment of $10,000, part of which serves as the down payment on the Youngers’ new home. Beneatha. Mr. Lindner, who is part of the welcoming committee wanted Walter and his family to move out of Clybourne Park. Most of his actions and. A Nigerian man studying in Chicago, Joseph Asagai is a student who Beneatha met on her college campus. Beneatha’s college education has helped to make her progressive, independent, and a total feminist. Character Type: Dynamic Physical Traits: White hair, older Character Traits: Strong, matriarch, graceful Description: Dreams of providing the best life for her family and of a house with a garden and enough space for her family Relationships: Mother of Walter/Beneatha, grandmother of TravisBeneatha also said she had grown “tired of Him getting the credit for all the things the human race achieved through its own stubborn effort. DREAM: Becoming a doctor. We can see how Beneatha’s dreams change throughout the play. Improved Essays. This divide is further emphasized by Beneatha’s description of GeorgeBut as the story unfolds, the Younger family must repeatedly weigh their wish for material wealth against their wish for freedom. Character Analysis Of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun. We learn that Beneatha is ambitious. She is a students at a college and dreams to be a doctor but no one else seems to believe in her. How unique is the name Beneatha? From 1880 to 2021. He believes that he is above his African roots especially when he says “What have you done with your head — I mean your hair!” when Beneatha’s hair is “ closed, cropped and straightened “. Beneatha. Beneatha is different from. Physical and character traits of beneatha. Asagai is thoughtful and well-spoken and he fosters Beneatha’s. Raisin in the sun was written in 1957 and first produced in 1959. Lena Younger is the matriarch of the Younger family. “Mr. Despite both characters being attracted to Beneatha, George is Joseph’s polar opposite. Ruth Younger: An approximately 30-year-old African-American woman,. In a Raisin in the…In 1961, the film adaptation of "A Raisin in the Sun" was released. The 7 Most Embarrassing Proposals in Literature. He is true Negro wealth. Beneatha’s condescending attitude towards her family comes from her own view of her family--beneath her--making Beneatha an apt name for such a self-centered character. The Younger family consisted of Walter, Ruth, Beneatha, Mama, and Travis. She is constantly told that women should just sit and look pretty. Again and again and again she struck, and each time her head came with a whack on the matting of the veranda. In the beginning of the story, Luis is up to no good. She appears to the most intellectual member of her family, and, therefore, she gets pride. He is presented to the audience as well educated and rich fellow who like to show off with his academic achievements. This is one of those sad and beautiful moments that make her character seem truly human. She has white hair and a dark brown face that is marked by wit and spunk. The main characters are the Younger family, Mama, his son Walter and her daughter Beneatha. Lena Younger is the matriarch of the Younger family. (58) Although Beneatha immediately regrets asking this, it indirectly reveals Beneatha’s self focused traits. "characters who have opposite traits". The household consists of Mama, Walter’s wife and sister, Ruth and Beneatha, and. Very low-key, Ruth reveals her strongest emotions only when she learns of the possibility of their moving to a better neighborhood. Results may vary. Beneatha's college education has helped to make her progressive, independent, and a total feminist. - idealistic. • The lists of traits are by no means complete. She is very giving and does whatever she can to improve her family. Beneatha is a young independent woman, who has big dreams of becoming a doctor. She knows what she wants to do, she wants to be a doctor and do things to help other people. At the beginning of the play, Walter is harassing Beneatha about her choice of becoming a doctor. Karen P. Ruth wakes her son Travis and husband Walter. Lena (Mama) Younger. Parameters are set by them, and they ensure that the projects are. Walter is a chauffeur and aspiring business owner in his mid-30s. Walter is a chauffeur and aspiring business owner in his mid-30s. Beneatha’s natural hair symbolizes her pride in her African heritage and her desire to explore her African roots. Joseph Asagai. Throughout the play, Lena struggles to connect with her children, Beneatha and Walter. This is another point that reveals Beneatha's explosive and apparently selfish character. Lena’s son, Walter, married to Ruth with a son, seeks to invest the money. One character, Beneatha, faces an obstacle that is out of her control. A Raisin in the Sun. When Mama reminisces about her life with Big Walter, she speaks of him with admiration, although the audience might question Mama's tolerance of some of his past behavior. This is shown in Beneatha Younger in “A Raisin in the Sun”. A foil character is known to have different qualities to help highlight the traits of the other character. A Raisin in the Sun What are some physical traits for each character? Lena (Mama) Walter. Beneatha’s exploration of her African heritage and her entrance with her afro and Nigerian garb were perhaps the first such appearance on an American stage. This character appears to be the most educated person in her family and, for that reason, she feels herself to be different from others. Asked by Katelyn on 5/5/2016 1:03 AM Last updated by jill d #170087 on 5/5/2016 1:10 AM Answers 1Hattie Brooks Character Analysis. The play dramatizes a conflict between the main characters’ dreams. At this point in the play, Walter has hit rock bottom. A list of all the characters in A Raisin in the Sun. She refuses to assimilate and embraces her African heritage. Sometimes dreams can cost a lot of money to achieve and sometimes money can be the reason of not achieving dreams. A Raisin In The Sun Beneatha Character Traits. Basically, Asagi is Africa. Ruth acts as peacemaker in most of the explosive family situations. Beneatha's college education has helped to make her. …show more content…. The play was adapted. Her brother is Walter Lee. ”? Scene 1 act 2. A Raisin in the Sun characters include: Walter Younger, Mama, Beneatha Younger, Joseph Asagai, Ruth Younger, George Murchison, Mr. 27). Beneatha Younger Beneatha is the educated daughter of Lena and sister of Walter. Beneatha’s effort to make herself different from her family shows her personal identity. Beneatha. Her name comes from the word 'beneath '. In the play “Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry. One of the issues that Beneatha faces in the play is her relationships with two men in her life, George Murchison and Joseph Asagai. In Beneatha and George’s conversation, Hansberry reveals two sets of values regarding education. Look for direct descriptions, character interactions, and any other details that may hint at their physical appearance. Character Analysis Joseph Asagai. Because Beneatha is the most educated of the Youngers, she sometimes seems to be obnoxious and self-centered; especially in the early scenes, she freely verbalizes her. Mrs. Upon her entrance, Mama is described as a stout, sturdy woman in her early sixties with dark-brown skin and white hair. Beneatha evokes critical character traits of the play's main characters, Lena and. i. Select colors and a pose appropriate to story and character traits. Analysis. The play explores this theme through its characters Beneatha, Mama and Walter. At the conclusion of Frankenstein, Robert Walton has an encounter with the monster, who arrives after Victor Frankenstein has died. shareAnalysis: Act II, scene i. She is determined to become a doctor, despite the challenges and obstacles she faces as a black woman in a racist and sexist. A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry has many themes, some more important than others. Travis Younger. He's a black American as well, but sees absolutely no reason to honor their. 675 Words; 3 Pages; Raisin In The Sun Beneatha Character Traits. Beneatha and Mama are busy doing weekend housecleaning when Ruth comes in, announcing sadly that she is pregnant. A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry is a play which contains many different obstacles that the characters face. As an expressive woman, she often provides tongue-in-cheek humor. He challenges the thoughts and feelings of other black people through his arrogance and flair for intellectual competition. He is from Nigeria and wants to take Bennie back with him to practice medicine in Africa. He's really good looking and his family has tons of money. Summary. Walter, his mother, and his sister Beneatha all have an idea about the best use of the insurance money the family receives.