Introduction
A raisin in the sun cannot be complete without the influence of people who are outside of the Younger family. Every character that is introduced ion different scenes in the book has a fundamental part to play in how the different themes are developed. They make the themes in the book have a real effect, and the audience can tell that the themes are universal concepts that happened to the people in the society. The book reverberates around an African American family that struggles to have their mark in a world that is full of atrocities and adversaries that threaten their very existence. In addition, their fight is extended to what is within them, their fears, hopes and battle with an inferiority complex. Through all this, the other characters that appear in their lives at calculated intervals in the different scenes can highlight the themes of social injustices, racism, poverty, betrayal, and issues of gender
Joseph Asagai is one of the characters(Cusatis, John, 221). From the onset, Joseph is the ultimate symbol of true Africanism that is raw and uncompromised by the ways of the west. Joseph’s association with Beneatha helps to bring out the theme of racial affiliations and identity. Joseph is seen as a person who helps Beneatha to find her real self and prevents her from losing her identity in her race and herself. For instance, when he is first introduced, he questions her about her straight hair in his bid to make her realize that it does not identify with her African roots. She is later on identified as having shaved her hair. The identity of the African community that shapes the African Americans is deeply showcased through the music, style and clothing that Joseph introduces in the book. Identity is something that is mandatory to Betheana, and Joseph is the only character that can steer her towards that direction. He is a symbol of African identity as it relates to the African American race, and his presence facilitates information on what characterizes the race. The character of Joseph brings out the rebellion in Betheana and her view about how the white cultures often appear oppressive(Morrin, Maxine, 22). In addition, he brings out the theme of women discrimination when he mocks Betheana after she tells him of her dream to become a doctor and subsequently liberated woman. Joseph supports her endeavors and is seen throughout the play as the supportive character, but his position about women empowerment is highlighted in the scene where he mock her ideas on becoming a liberated woman.
George Murchison helps to highlight the differences between the rich and the poor and the theme of social classes(Mitchell, Diana, 20). The family of Betheana thinks that it would be good for her to date him because they hope that she would marry rich. However, she is painfully aware that his family would not approve of her because of the differences that exist in their social status. The terms of marriage are still seen to be defined by status and race, and Gorge is the character that helps to facilitate such information. The white shoes that he wears are also metaphorical in the book. He appears as the character that has adapted to white cultures and accepted their ways. Betheana is probably not in love with him because of the very reason and refers to him as being shallow. He does not understand the importance of identity and racial acceptance as she does. George, therefore, helps to highlight the robust nature of Betheana and the importance that cultural identity and belonging have for her. The issue of racial affiliations is exploited well by the use of his character. Also, the position of women in the society comes out when her family taunts her to go out with him because of money. Her striving to become a doctor is not seen as a feasible dream for a woman. The woman should stay home and let a man take care of her, which is the position that existed in the story.
Lindner is the epitome of racial discrimination in the book. Karl Linder comes to inform the family that they are not wanted in the neighborhood they are planning to vacate to because white people do not wish disturbances. He offers to pay them more than what they were giving for the house, which showcases the extreme nature of how the white people despised the black race. Lindner helps to present the fact in a raw manner that is essential in helping the audience to understand the extremes of the racial differences and discriminations that occur. In addition, Lindner highlights that the white race viewed Africans as people they could not cohort with even from a mile. They treated the black race as a source of disturbance and saw no good in them. Karl not only makes the family aware of the perception of them, but does so in a menacing ruthless way that helps in highlighting of the theme of racial discrimination. Lindner says that the white populace in the community did not want a threat to their precious dreams(Hansberry and Arthur, 50). He says so in a tone that highlights just how much the black race is unwanted.
Bobo is the delivery man for bad news. From his character, the theme of betrayal is addressed in the book. Bobo arrives at a time when the family feels oppressed and culminates the mood with the bad news of how Willy ran away with all the investment money. The betrayal he portrays is not centered on Willy running away with the money alone. It is also premised on the betrayal of Walter towards his sister. Walter was given all that was left of the $10,000 and told to keep half of it for the education of Betheana. However, Walter fails to do so and betrays his sister when he uses her share of education funds. He degraded the manhood that was handed back to him by his mother who taught it would help if he took responsibility. Betheana feels betrayed by the action from his brother. Becoming a doctor was a goal that she had dedicated herself to and Walter had grossly put a stumbling block to it. Bobo is symbolic when he delivers the news and helps to show the degree of the betrayal. In addition, his arrival is important for the climax of the theme. Willy is also a representation of betrayal and deceit(Sutton, Gabriel, 30). At first he pressurizes Walter into acquiring the money and Walter in turn puts pressure on his mother who hands him the money. It was a big breach of trust on the part of Willy when he ran away with the money. The same betrayal that Walter did to Betheana was extended to him by Willy on an even greater level. Willy also represents the social injustices that are rampant in society.
Conclusion
The Younger family goes through things are undeniably related to what most people would experience. The book exploits instances in the society that form part of the unjust world in which we live. The characters that are mentioned above are essential in the delivery of the themes and exploitations that the family goes undergoes. They add valor, a break in monotony and highlight the themes in the book.
Works cited
Hansberry, Lorraine, and Arthur Kutsch. A Raisin in the Sun: Drama in Three Acts. Stuttgart: Reclam, 2012. Print.
Morrin, Maxine A. Lorraine Hansberry's a Raisin in the Sun. Piscataway, N.J: Research & Education Association, 1994. Print.
Mitchell, Diana. "A RAISIN IN THE SUN." (2010). Print.
Sutton, Gabriel. Theme Analysis: Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun" 2nd ed. Vol. 2012. Chicago. Print.
Cusatis, John. Research Guide to American Literature: Vol. 6. New York, N.Y: Facts On File, 2010. Internet resource.
