A Raisin in the Sun Character Activity by Liam Noonan

Who is Beneatha?

17tedeschim — 2015-12-18 16:30:56 UTC

Beneatha is the daughter of Mama. Describing her physical appearance, the text states that she is "about twenty, as slim and intense as her brother. She is not as pretty as her sister-in-law, but her lean, almost intellectual face has a handsomeness of its own" (Hansberry 35).

Beneatha's Dreams and Goals

17noonanl — 2015-12-18 16:35:11 UTC

Benetha is a woman who has many dreams and desires. Her primary goal is to become a doctor, an uncommon job for a woman during this time period. While talking to Ruth, Beneatha says "I'm going to be a doctor. I'm not worried about who I'm goingto marry yet—if I ever get married" (Hansberry 50). Beneatha has her mind set on becoming a doctor, and Mama will probably be the one paying for her tuition with the insurance check. Beneatha also aspires to be a skillfull guitar player.

Beneatha's Conflicts and Obstacles She Faces

17noonanl — 2015-12-18 16:35:23 UTC

Beneatha's dream is to become a doctor, but she must overcome the deep rooted gender roles of her society in order to achieve what she dreams for. Walter displays this general mindset of the people living in Chicago at this time when he asks "Who the hell told you you had to be a doctor? If you so crazy 'bout messing 'round with sick people—then go be a nurse like other women—or just get married and be quiet" (Hansberry 38). Beneatha and her family also suffer because they live in an old run down house with few rooms and old furniture, and they are short on money excluding their insurance check.

Beneatha's Relationships with Other Characters

17noonanl — 2015-12-18 16:35:35 UTC

Beneatha and her brother Walter initially get in a fight about her not being grateful, and her desire to have Mama spend money on her. Walter also doesn't like the idea of her becoming a doctor; instead, he would rather see her be a nurse or get married. Mama and Beneatha have a seemingly average mother-daughter relationship. They talk about Beneatha's love life, and how she isn't interested in George Murchison. In Act I Scene II, it is revealed that Beneatha might be in love with an African American from Nigeria named Asagai. Upon returning from his trip to Canada, Asagai gifts Beneatha a traditional Nigerian dress from his sister's wardrobe. This hints at their possible relationship. He also says, with charm, "For you--I would do much more..." (Hansberry 63).

Beneatha

17noonanl — 2015-12-18 16:37:19 UTC

As seen in the play

Doctor

17tedeschim — 2016-01-05 09:38:02 UTC

Beneatha would like to become a doctor, an unusual occupation for a woman