Bennie is an eccentric and also eclectic young, African-American lady. Bennie is a dreamer who likes trying all sorts of endless possibilities. Ever since her childhood, Bennie had attempted all sorts of activities for the sake of earning a living. At one time, she was a photographer, the shifted to play-acting to horseback and also the guitar. In one of the rather humorous scenes, we see Bennie dancing in a traditional clothing of an African origin to an African tune. Here he portrays yet another fanciful, all-consuming interest. Because of this constant mind change Bennie exhibits, her family finds it difficult to assist her achieve her dreams. However, we see that Bennie’s dream to be a doctor is unique compared to all the other thoughts and inclinations. That is why the play includes a background story explaining the reason for this dream so as to alert the reader that the dream is real and permanent. For example, in one of the dialogues with Asagai, one of her suitors, Bennie reveals the day when the thought to become a doctor first hit her mind. She tells about one of her friends who was involved in an accident, and how she watched with amazement the doctor’s ability to fix him up. That is when Bennie made up her mind that fixing people is one of the greatest things that one can pursue in life. That is, the doctors offer the solution to the problem presented.
Unfortunately, notwithstanding how true the base of this dream may be, Bennie is unrealistic about the hindrances that threaten her dream. These obstacles are majorly,her social status, race, and gender. Bennie refuses to acknowledge the reality that the majority of the people support Walter’s view that she should either get married or pursue nursing just like the other women. Bennie’s downfall is as a result of her attraction to the unconventional. It makes her frustrated and causes he dreams to “fester like a sore” on the shelf of unlikelihood. The major reason Bennie’s dream can behow she sees herself and the World’s perspective on her. Because of this false impression that she is in a position to access all that the World has to offer, Bennie is constantly seeking ways to express herself to the world. However, this is not forthcoming because the culture of the time wants to coerce her into stereotypes that are not in agreement with her visions.
Bennie suffers from both arrogance and ignorance regarding her dreams. Bennie has confidence that her dreams will be taken care of. We see that she is optimistic that mama will dedicate some of the insurance money to her education. Although she defends herself by her claim that she never asks for anything, her struggle to pursue multiple and complex dreams shows that she is not ready to set limits for her future. Just as Walter points out that there is a distinction between asking and just accepting, Bennie is obviously ready to accept what is offered to her. Such things include Walter’s carelessness in handling moneyand preoccupation with his dreams, the anticipated baby that will need another division of the family’s assets, and the expectation to incorporate. In her defense, she brings into light the life of, their neighbor, Mrs. Johnson, whose family life has been transformed by education. Hence, Bennie sees education as the key that opens doorsand provides respect.
The loss of her medical funding caused by Walters unsteadiness plunges her into looking at the unfair cruelties of reality. Her stand is evidenced by her conversation with Asagai where she says that she is not in any real progress. Instead, she is convinced that life is only a circle in which people fool themselves with an illusion of false hopes. Asagai, who represents the voice of insight and reason from without the four walls of the Younger apartment, views life as an eternal line where it is not possible to see the starting point, the end or the changes that occur in between. The perception of this fact will depend on the individual’s point of view. Those who dream and hence see the changes are called idealists, and those who view life as a circle ofBennie represents what progress has created.
People are contented with their advancement instead of challenging them, to once again improve the world. People are also quick to give up on hope and turn skeptical rather than have the courage to dream and be the innovators of the current age. In the end, Bennie is rejuvenated by witnessing the prideful stand of her brother, but the journey to follow her dreams is far from over. With the likelihood of marrying Asagai and moving to Africa ringing in her mind, Bennie has a renewed feeling that opportunities are not guaranteed but with determination, they can eventually be created.
Works Cited
“Beneatha Younger in A Raisin in the Sun.” Shmoop.N.p., n.d. Web. 1 June 2015.
Hansberry, Lorraine. A Raisin in the Sun: A Drama in Three Acts. New York: Random House, 1959. Print.
“A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, Analysis, and Activities:: Spotlight: E-News from Theatrefolk.” Play Scripts for High Schools & Middle Schools – Theatrefolk. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 June 2015.