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An Assegai is a short-handled stabbing spear. Joseph was named after this weapon for a reason. He is quick and straight to the point. He doesn't beat around the bush but goes straight  through to the point he is trying to make. "Good! Then stop moaning and groaning and tell me what you plan to do," he tells her. Just like a spear, quick and effective. (566)

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Throughout most of the story, Beneatha is struggling with support in her career choice. Joseph is fully supportive of her goals. He even becomes a bridge by asking her to come back to Africa with him. He tells her, "My dear, young creature of the New World— I do not mean across the city—I mean across the ocean home—to : Africa."

In doing so, she could be a doctor in a place that would more than happy to have her. The bridge gives her a clear path to being a doctor.

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Joseph acts as a mentor to Beneatha. He shows her that there is a world outside of the racism she feels in her own town. He attempts to explain to her of the opportunities in Africa. He also shows her a way to rediscover herself somewhere where she would be accepted for who she is. He tells her, "I will show you our mountains and our stars and; and the ways of our people." (95)

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Beneatha's first partner, George, wasn't the best person for Ruth. He would argue with her in front of the Younger family and did not get along with Walter. If Ruth had married George, she would not have a great life. Beneatha explains that George doesn't support her when she says, "Oh, I probably will. . . but first I'm going to be a doctor, and George, for one, still thinks that's pretty funny. I couldn't be bothered with that. I am going to be a doctor and everybody around here better understand that!" (506) But then Joseph comes in and shows her how she ought to be treated. He saved her from a miserable life with George and showed her a brighter side to life.

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Joseph's dream is to take Beneatha back to Nigeria. If Beneatha doesn't agree to go with him, a big part of his dream would be crushed. Joseph expresses this desire when he says, "and, in time, we will pretend that—(very softly)—you have only been away for a day. Say that you'll come—". (566) Beneatha is like the bungee cord while Joseph is the jumper. If she bails on him, things will not go as planned. If the bungee cord fails, the jumper is in a bit of trouble.

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Joseph is seen as a step for Beneatha in some ways. He asks her to come back to Nigeria with him. We know this when he says, "My dear, young creature of the New World— I do not mean across the city—I mean across the ocean home—to : Africa. (566) In doing this, Beneatha would be able to rediscover herself. She has been struggling with her identity and needs help in finding herself. Joseph is giving her a means of attaining the self confidence she desires. He gives her a way of going higher in life and achieving her dreams.

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Joseph is kind of like an ant. His home country of Nigeria isn't a very wealthy country and not exactly a place you think of when you think of success. He believes in the potential of his country though, kind of like ants. They build their intricate homes out of dirt, something that is considered worthless. But their ambition drives them to build massive tunnel systems in a place nobody would expect. Walter believes that his country can be rebuilt, and that he can help in the process.