Beneatha Younger is a young woman growing up during a difficult era in American history. Although the situation for African Americans had improved, the Civil Rights Movement had not yet hit its peak. As more and more people of color gave in to the immense pressure to relinquish their past customs and traditions, the African culture became lost and forgotten among the new mixing pot of various ethnicities. Beneatha is speaking in the family apartment with

Just as Beneatha searches for her ethnic identity, she also attempts to find her own personal identity. Specifically, Beneatha is looking for what she enjoys in life and what her passions are. Mama says, “Why you got to flit so from one thing to another, baby?” (Hansberry 47) Beneatha replies, “I just want to learn to play the guitar. Is there anything wrong with that?” (Hansberry 47) “Ain’t nobody trying to stop you. I just wonders sometimes why you has to flit so from one thing to another all the time. You ain’t never done nothing with all that camera equipment you brought home – “ Mama says (Hansberry 47). Beneatha gets defensive and responds, “I don’t flit! I – I experiment with different forms of expression – “ (Hansberry 48). Although Beneatha has chosen a career path, she is not sure what she would like to do in her spare time. She has pursued several different options, but none have truly made her happy. As Beneatha’s interests change, so does who she is. Her ever-changing identity helps to define her as a diverse individual. Although her many hobbies may irritate those close to her, Beneatha’s search for what comforts and satisfies her is necessary for her livelihood. Beneatha’s struggle to find her passions in life help her to realize what kind of person she is, as well as the types of people she is compatible with.

Joseph Asagai, an intellectual from Nigeria. Asagai says,

Beneatha seeks out those who understand her hardships, her lack of a definite identity, and her need for an intellectual relationship. As is true with almost any young woman, what she thinks she needs and what she actually needs are two strikingly different things. With two men vying for her heart, Beneatha must make a decision regarding who is best for her. Theoretically, George Murchison offers the best opportunities for Beneatha and her family. However, Beneatha comes to a startling discovery after spending an evening with George. He says to her, “I don’t go out with you to discuss the nature of ‘quiet desperation’ or to hear all about your thoughts – because the world will go on thinking what it thinks regardless – “ (Hansberry 97). After George’s departure, Beneatha is speaking to Mama. She says, “Mama, George is a fool – honest” (Hansberry 97). Even though George is a wealthy, good-looking man, his shallowness becomes his bitter downfall. Beneatha realizes that she can do much better than him, and that she deserves better than him. George is completely oblivious to her revelation and thinks that his opinion is neither ignorant nor cruel. The irony in George’s statement is that Beneatha can make a difference simply by voicing her opinions and letting her presence made known. Even before George made his brutal comments to Beneatha, she was rethinking her choice of companion. Earlier, Joseph Asaga

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