This seminar paper explains the historical and biographical background of Lorraine Hansberry's writing "A Raisin in the Sun". The African American intelligentsia has always been torn between assimilating into a society built by and for white people, and the longing for a deeper connection with Africa and its cultures. Hansberry, the most talented African American playwright of the post-war era, tackles this issue by using two male figures as antagonists in her play which is one of the all-time classics of black American literature. Apart from its witty dialogues and the realistic and authentic characters, the many issues the play comments on make it stand out. For an analyst of literature, there are many possibilities of examining it further. One possibility could be the role segregation (and the struggle to overcome it) plays in "A Raisin in the Sun", since Lorraine Hansberry’s father fought in court for his right to move into a predominately white neighborhood.
Another way of studying the play could perhaps lay the focus onto Hansberry’s feminism and the representation of gender roles in it, since it features various strong female characters. One could also analyze the play as a comment on capitalist ideology, the American dream and the poor’s desperate quest for material well-being. However, I decided to analyze the actions of two characters that symbolically stand for two different ways African Americans can choose: identification with blackness and Africa and assimilationism are represented by the characters of Asagai and George Murchison, respectively. The stark contrast between the two, the scenario of Beneatha choosing between them, and the way Hansberry employed the literary technique of personification were the reason this aspect of the play appeared the most interesting.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Joseph Asagai
3. George Murchison
4. Pan-Africanism and Lorraine Hansberry
4.1 Marcus Garvey and W.E.B. DuBois as Pan-Africanist thinkers
4.2 Hansberry’s personal relationship with Africa and Pan-Africanism
5. African American assimilationism
5.1 The example of Booker T. Washington
5.2 Assimilationism in the life of Lorraine Hansberry
6. Resume / Conclusion
Objectives and Research Focus
This paper examines the contrasting ideological paths presented in Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun," focusing specifically on the symbolic conflict between Pan-Africanism and African American assimilationism. By analyzing the characters of Joseph Asagai and George Murchison, the study aims to illustrate how Hansberry uses literature to comment on identity, racial heritage, and the social struggles of African Americans in the mid-20th century.
- Analysis of Pan-Africanist ideology through the character of Joseph Asagai.
- Critique of assimilationist behavior represented by George Murchison.
- Investigation into Lorraine Hansberry’s personal intellectual and historical background.
- Evaluation of the historical influence of figures like W.E.B. DuBois and Booker T. Washington.
- Interpretation of the play as a critique of mainstream American racial power structures.
Excerpt from the Book
2. Joseph Asagai
Joseph Asagai appears two times in the play, in Act I Scene II and in the third and final act. His name, especially his last name, reveals a lot about this character, as an assegai is a war spear used by the peoples of southern Africa. The symbolism is obvious, his family name stands for his support of the African nations’ struggle for independence, but it could also be interpreted as a hint on a different kind of struggle: the one for finding one’s identity. As will be pointed out, Asagai is a key figure in Beneatha’s search for herself.
Although his first name, Joseph, is less loaded with symbolism, the biblical figure of Joseph of Nazareth contains character traits that may be a play on Asagai’s personality. Joseph of Nazareth is considered Jesus of Nazareth’s “social father”, who took care of him after birth. Since the moment of independence is also called the “birth of a nation”, this could be a play on Joseph Asagai’s aspiration of participating in the construction of a new, independent Nigeria. The biblical Joseph was also a builder, which would also be a fitting metaphor for this role. In any case, Asagai’s role in the play and especially in the relationship with Beneatha involves guidance and tutelage, so that Joseph is indeed a fitting first name.
There is no direct information on Asagai’s physical features or his style of dress. But since he (although teasingly) points out that Beneatha’s hairstyle imitates the hair of a white person in Act I, Scene II, and since he takes a lot of pride in his African identity, we can assume that he does not dress in a “assimilated” way with almost complete certainty. This would be a contradiction to his actions (such as pointing out that Beneatha straightens her hair, or giving traditional African clothes to her as a gift), and in the play, there is no information that points to Asagai being a contradictory character in this aspect.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the significance of "A Raisin in the Sun" as a classic of black literature and introduces the core comparison between Pan-Africanism and assimilationism.
2. Joseph Asagai: Characterizes Asagai as a symbol of African heritage and pride, analyzing his role as a mentor in Beneatha's journey toward self-discovery.
3. George Murchison: Examines Murchison as the representative of shallow assimilationism and his role as a contrast to the idealistic values of Asagai.
4. Pan-Africanism and Lorraine Hansberry: Provides historical context on Pan-Africanism and discusses how Hansberry’s personal views and education shaped her portrayal of Africa.
4.1 Marcus Garvey and W.E.B. DuBois as Pan-Africanist thinkers: Reviews the political contributions of these key historical figures and their relevance to the Pan-African movement.
4.2 Hansberry’s personal relationship with Africa and Pan-Africanism: Connects the author's biography and childhood perceptions of Africa to the themes present in her writing.
5. African American assimilationism: Analyzes the concept of assimilationism and its historical roots within the African American experience.
5.1 The example of Booker T. Washington: Discusses the influence and controversial legacy of Booker T. Washington regarding his approach to economic uplift and race relations.
5.2 Assimilationism in the life of Lorraine Hansberry: Explores the societal pressures faced by the Hansberry family and how these experiences informed the play’s critique of racism.
6. Resume / Conclusion: Summarizes the findings, confirming that Beneatha’s ultimate choices reflect a preference for Pan-African identification over the limitations of assimilation.
Keywords
Lorraine Hansberry, A Raisin in the Sun, Pan-Africanism, Assimilationism, Joseph Asagai, George Murchison, African American identity, W.E.B. DuBois, Booker T. Washington, Civil Rights, Racial heritage, Post-colonialism, Literature analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on the ideological struggle between Pan-Africanism and assimilationism as portrayed through the characters in Lorraine Hansberry's play "A Raisin in the Sun."
Which characters represent the opposing ideologies in the play?
Joseph Asagai serves as the representative for Pan-Africanism and cultural identification, while George Murchison embodies the ideology of assimilation into mainstream American society.
What is the primary goal of the author in this analysis?
The primary goal is to examine how Hansberry uses the literary device of personification to represent complex historical ideologies, ultimately highlighting the author's critical stance toward assimilation.
Which research methods are employed in this study?
The study utilizes a literary analysis of the play's text in conjunction with a review of historical events and biographical information related to Lorraine Hansberry's life and views.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the work?
The main body explores the character traits of Asagai and Murchison, the historical development of Pan-Africanism, the role of Booker T. Washington in the discourse on assimilation, and the personal influences of the Hansberry family.
How would you describe the key characteristics of the work?
The work is characterized by an interdisciplinary approach that bridges literary criticism with historical and biographical inquiry to evaluate themes of black identity and social empowerment.
How does the author interpret the name of the character Joseph Asagai?
The author interprets the name as symbolically significant, noting that an "assegai" is a traditional African war spear, which underscores his commitment to the struggle for independence and identity.
Why is George Murchison described as a "shallow" character?
He is described as shallow because he dismisses the importance of African heritage and intellectual depth in favor of material wealth, societal status, and assimilation into white American power structures.
- Quote paper
- Jakub Duch (Author), 2015, Pan-Africanism and Black Assimilation in Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/512574
