What does Beneatha want to be? This question has been a central focus in Lorraine Hansberry’s groundbreaking play, “A Raisin in the Sun.” Beneatha Younger, one of the main characters, grapples with the societal expectations placed upon her and her aspirations for a life that transcends the limitations of her upbringing in a racially segregated Chicago neighborhood during the 1950s.
Beneatha, the middle daughter of the Younger family, is a complex and dynamic character who dreams of breaking free from the constraints of her environment. She is an aspiring doctor, a goal that not only represents her desire to heal and help others but also symbolizes her quest for independence and self-worth. Beneatha’s ambition is a direct challenge to the traditional roles expected of African American women during this era, as she seeks to pursue a career that is both uncommon and groundbreaking for a woman of her background.
As the play unfolds, Beneatha’s journey to self-discovery is both inspiring and tumultuous. She is torn between her desire to follow her dreams and the pressure to conform to the expectations of her family and community. Her mother, Lena, is a pillar of strength and perseverance, but she also embodies the traditional values that Beneatha is striving to reject. Lena’s dreams for her daughter are rooted in the idea of stability and family, while Beneatha is driven by a yearning for personal fulfillment and the pursuit of her own identity.
Throughout the play, Beneatha’s struggle to define her own destiny is reflected in her relationships with other characters. Her romantic involvement with Joseph Asagai, a Nigerian student studying in Chicago, adds a layer of cultural and racial complexity to her search for self. Their relationship highlights the tension between the desire to embrace her African heritage and the pressure to fit into the predominantly white American society in which she lives.
Ultimately, the question of what Beneatha wants to be becomes a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and the power of dreams. Beneatha’s quest for self-definition serves as a mirror to the broader struggle for civil rights and the fight against societal oppression. In seeking to be a doctor, Beneatha is not just pursuing a career; she is challenging the status quo and forging a path for herself and future generations.
What does Beneatha want to be? The answer lies in her unwavering determination to define her own future, even in the face of adversity. Her journey is a powerful reminder that the desire to be something more than what is expected of us is an essential part of the human experience, and that the pursuit of one’s dreams can transcend even the most daunting of obstacles.
