Who is Joseph Asagai in a raisin in the sun?
2 min read
Asked by: Duane Oakley
What does Asagai symbolize?
Asagai, a symbol of Black identity in the play, argues that true freedom for Black people is not attained through assimilation, but from returning to Africa.
What does Asagai represent to Beneatha?
What does Asagai say and do to encourage Beneatha’s search for her identity? Asagai represents black racial pride and identity, with a Noble African heritage. Asagai gives her a nickname Alaiyo, which means, “one for which food is not enough.” This name means he understands what is most important for her.
How are George and Asagai different?
George Murchinson is a wealthy African American man who is dating Beneatha at the beginning of the play. Asagai is a Nigerian man who is in love with Beneatha, and they bond over their interests about Africa.
What was Asagai’s dream?
Asagai goes on to describe his dream: he wishes to return to Nigeria, bring back what he has learned, and share it with the people of his homeland so to improve their lives. In other words, Asagai believes in bringing modern advancements from Western society back to Africa to improve the quality of life there.
What is your impression of Asagai?
What is your impression of Asagai? Very intelligent, grounded, treats Beneatha very respectfully, and proud of his heritage.
Is Asagai a static or dynamic character?
static, round character. dramatic-looking, idealist. He’s giving, sweet, and caring. His dream is to take Beneatha back to Nigeria with him.
What is Asagai’s nickname for Beneatha?
When Asagai says goodbye, he calls Beneatha by a nickname, “Alaiyo.” He explains that it is a word from his African tribal language, roughly translated to mean “One for Whom Bread—Food—Is Not Enough.” He leaves, having charmed both women.
What does Beneatha like about Asagai?
She identifies much more with Asagai’s interest in rediscovering his African roots than with George’s interest in assimilating into white culture. Beneatha prides herself on being independent. Asagai criticizes her for being both too independent by not wanting to marry and too dependent by not wanting to leave America.
