Question

Look up the word assimilationist. Now that you know what it means, why do you think Asagai brings it up? What does Beneatha's reaction to the word reveal about her?

a) Beneatha is offended by the term
b) Beneatha is indifferent to Asagai's comment
c) Asagai uses the term to praise Beneatha
d) Beneatha is intrigued by the concept of assimilationism

Answer 1

Asagai uses the term 'assimilationist' to challenge Beneatha's ideas about her identity and culture in 'A Raisin in the Sun'. Beneatha is offended by the term, showcasing her pride in her heritage and her desire to resist conforming to the dominant culture.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term assimilationist refers to someone who advocates or participates in racial or cultural integration, absorbing and integrating people, customs, or ideas into a wider society or culture. In Lorraine Hansberry’s play A Raisin in the Sun, Asagai uses the term to highlight Beneatha’s potential internal conflict about her African heritage and her place in American society. When Asagai accuses Beneatha of being an assimilationist, she reacts with shock and annoyance. This indicates that Beneatha is offended by the term (a) and reflects her desire to explore and connect with her African roots, as opposed to simply blending in with the dominant culture. Beneatha's reaction to Asagai's comment reveals that she is against the idea of surrendering her cultural identity, which indicates her pride in her heritage and her struggle against societal pressures to conform.