Assimilationism in A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry

Assimilationism in Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun is a powerful theme throughout the play. Assimilationism refers to the idea of trying to fit into a culture or society that you are not originally from through adopting its values, beliefs and practices. In the play, it is displayed through Walter Lee’s attempt to use the money from his mother’s insurance policy to invest in a liquor store. He hopes that this will lead to financial success and social mobility, enabling him to join the upper class and be accepted into white society. However, his sister Beneatha struggles with her own identity as she discovers her African heritage and resists any form of assimilationism. Ultimately, the play highlights the difficulties of assimilationism and how it can lead to conflict between individuals. It also shows that ultimately, a true sense of identity lies in being comfortable with who you are and not feeling the need to conform to society’s expectations. By presenting this theme, Hansberry challenges traditional notions of what is socially acceptable and encourages readers to think about their own identity.

Themes of Assimilation and Identity Crisis in A Raisin in the Sun

The play A Raisin in the Sun is full of themes that explore the idea of assimilation and identity crisis. Throughout the play, multiple characters are faced with conflicting pressures to assimilate into American culture while still maintaining their own sense of identity. One central character facing this conflict is Walter Lee Younger, who tries to balance between his family’s expectations and his own ambitions. He is torn between the idea of assimilating into mainstream American culture in order to get ahead, or staying true to his identity and embracing his roots.

The theme of assimilation is reinforced by other characters in A Raisin in the Sun, such as Beneatha Younger. She faces pressure from her brother Walter to conform to traditional gender roles by becoming a housewife instead of pursuing her dreams of becoming a doctor. While Walter is struggling with his identity crisis, Beneatha is stuck between the expectations of her family and her own ambitions.

The theme of identity crisis is also explored in other characters such as Joseph Asagai. He advocates for Beneatha to stay true to her African roots and not succumb to the pressure of assimilating into a white-dominated culture. He also encourages Walter to pursue his dreams despite the pressures from his family.

The themes of assimilation and identity crisis are explored deeply in A Raisin in the Sun, creating an interesting dynamic between characters with conflicting desires and pressures. Ultimately, the play suggests that each character must find a balance between assimilating into American culture while also staying true to their identity and roots.

Analyzing Assimilationism Through the Lens of Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun

In Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, assimilationism is a central theme that reveals how characters struggle to assimilate into American society while preserving their identity. Assimilationism can be seen in various forms throughout the play as characters try to fit into the dominant white culture or remain true to their own racial and cultural heritage. The Younger family struggles to maintain their identity while striving to succeed in the white-dominated society. Walter, Lena and Beneatha all display different approaches to assimilationism throughout the play and show how difficult it can be for African Americans to navigate a world that is so drastically different from their own culture.

Walter is the most vocal proponent of assimilationism in the play. He seeks to gain acceptance into white society by any means necessary, and often puts aside his own desires for the sake of making a better life for himself and his family. His dream is to open up a liquor store, which would be an extension of the larger white American economy. He also shows a willingness to abandon his family’s traditional values when he seeks to marry a white woman, which would be seen as an act of assimilation in the eyes of the white majority.

Lena and Beneatha take a different approach to assimilationism. Lena emphasizes her commitment to her heritage by refusing to succumb to pressure from Walter and other characters who want her to accept their ideas of assimilation. She is a representation of the traditional African American values that are being threatened by assimilationism, and her presence serves as an important reminder of how much can be lost when one assimilates into the dominant culture. Meanwhile, Beneatha strives to find a balance between honoring her roots and embracing the benefits of assimilation. She is willing to learn about other cultures but also shows a strong commitment to her racial heritage by studying African culture and history.

Overall, Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun provides an insightful look at assimilationism and its effects on African Americans as they attempt to make their way in a white-dominated society. The play highlights the importance of maintaining one’s identity even when faced with overwhelming pressure to assimilate into the dominant culture, and demonstrates how difficult it can be for African Americans to navigate a world that is so drastically different from their own. Ultimately, assimilationism serves as a reminder of the challenges that minorities face in an ever-changing global landscape.