These supporting characters add to our understanding of the Younger family because they act as symbols in the play. While George Murchison represents great wealth and the desire for blacks not to be looked down upon by whites, Joseph Asagai symbolizes the indifference towards racial inequality and the movement of African Americans who wished to resort back to their roots. By analyzing how each family member responds to these two men, one is able to discover some differences among the people of the family. For example, while Walter reacts poorly towards George Murchison, showing that he envies rich people and is immensely jealous, the rest of the family does not react negatively or even very positively towards him. Beneatha has the most positive reaction towards Joseph Asagai which shows that she does not care as much about money and does not obsess over black and white equality.
During this time in history, it was quite uncommon for an African American to be rich and upper class. He is a symbol of hope because he shows the Youngers that anyone, no matter what who they are, can achieve the impossible. Walter responds to him in a positive way because he wants to become rich, but his dream seems to be hard to obtain. Beneatha likes him because he has overcame society and its mold for people, and that is what she wants to do by becoming a doctor. Ironically she also admires Asagai, a man who is very much in touch with his heritage. He isn't one to like change and wants to stay true to his roots. Beneatha likes him because he doesnt want her to change who she really is. Throughout the play, Mama doesnt show a true intrest in any of them which explains her character and that she doesnt care for money or for the image that people portray. She knows that all these things will perish and that she needs to build her life around things that matter.
George Murchison and Joseph Asagi help display the type of person and the type of personality that each member of the Younger family have. George is a major supporting character because he amplifies the obviousness that Walter is focused on money and becoming a wealthy man like Mr. Murchison (a wealthy African-American). This is true because Walter reacts negatively towards George because he (George) has what he (Walter) wants and is jealous. Another supporting character is Joseph Asagai who is a traditional African man who is not focused on money but is proud about his heritage. Beneatha, one of Joseph's good friends, shows an interest in Joseph and as a result, it is obvious that Beneatha is not focused on money or wealth. She is also proud of her heritage but not as much as Joseph. - IndiboiX911
The characters George Murchison and Joseph Asagai resemble two different ideals that the African Americans had during the 1950s. Murchison portrays the assimilation of African Americans into pure American culture while Asagai characterizes the "back to africa" mind which demonstrated many ways in which African Americans can become what their african ancestors were long ago. Benethea's calling Murchison a fool shows that she is against assilimilation; her mom calls him a fool at one point, indicating that most of the Younger family members agrees with Benethea. However, the Younger family also makes fun of the "back to africa" idea when Walter and Ruth satirize the tribal rituals using the Nigerian clothing that Asagai had given to Benethea. What these two events indicate is that the Younger family members believe in an ideal that borders both Murchison's and Asagai's beliefs; they found those two beliefs somewhat ridiculous and were willing to preserve and take pride in what they already have that define them as African Americans.
These characters serve as vital insights into the personalities of some of the Younger family members. One way these supporting characters create insights is by the interaction of Joseph Asagai and the Youngers. When Joseph visits Beneatha so he could give her the traditional robes, some of the subtle characteristics of Mama and Beanetha rise to the surface. One trait of Beneatha that comes to light is her ability to be easily persuaded. When She is talking to him over the phone, she tries to delay his arrival because Mama NEVER lets people come over while they are cleaning the house. Joseph easily persuades her to let him visit her. George also displays some of the intimate details of Beneatha and Mama. When they are talking about whether or not Beneatha should go on a date with George. During this argument, we see that Beneatha searches for the deeper meaning of a boyfriend. She categorizes by personality, while Mama preoccupies herself with trying to get Beneatha to go out with him just because he is rich.
The reader's understanding of the Younger family is further expressed through George Murchison and Joseph Asagai. George and Asagai are conflicting characters in the play which represents the struggle within the Younger family. George has assimilated to Amercian culture and, as a result, has established himself as one of the few rich blacks at the time. Asagai is the total opposite. He believes that Africans should keep their African culture and not conform to American culture. These characteristics play a rol in how each of the Youngers percieve them. Beneatha is more attracted to Asagai because of who he is. This shows that she does not care about wealth as much as Walter does. Walter acts naivley around George which shows that he cares about money and is somewhat jealous of George. Ruth reacts to both characters in about the same way. She takes them for who they are and not what they have of do not have. Mama reacts in a similar way to both of Beneatha's boyfrieds. She makes no prejudgements about them and forms her opinion on them as she gets to know them better.
George and Asagai are two completely different people, but are the same. This relates to the relationships and lifestyles of the Youunger family. The Younger's are the same because they all live in the same conditions, same place and they are all enduring the same social status and money crisis. The Younger family members also contrast each other, just as George and Asagai do. George is a rich and educated black man who has no shame of being just like the white community. Walter wants to be just like George. All Walter cares about is becoming rich, and until then, he wont be happy. Asagai, on the other hand, is completely content with his life and background. HE is not rich, and not completely educated, but he still loves life. This somewhat describes the rest of the Younger family, not the most powerful people on the planet, but definately content. -Loof
Murchison represents the struggles that they endure in their community, being an Afircan-American family. He represents their fight and the "block" to their "freedom". Asagai represents the roots of the African-American Family, and where they came from. He represents the other side to the black/white issue. He reminds the family of where they came from.
George Murchison and Joseph Asagai are supporting characters because they show new characteristics of each of the members of the Younger family. George Murchison is important in showing Walter's viewpoints. Walter wishes to be like George, becuase he is a well off African American. That helps me see how Walter is so concerned with becoming rich like George. This is also supported when Walter starts to act a little bit jealous and negative around George because he has something that Walter has always wanted. Also George is a character who shows how assimilation is an idea the Younger's don't like very much. Joseph Asagai interests Beneatha, because he his connected with his African heritage. This shows how Beneatha is not so obsessed over money and that she values her culture and heritage as well. Mama doesnot really look at the personality of each and she believes that Beneatha should go out with George, because he is rich.It shows that she doesnot take a lot of interest in wealth or heritage. All of these show how even though the Younger's might act positively or negatively toward George and Asagai, they don't really fit into assimilating or being more African.
Asagai and George add to our understanding of the youngers in different ways. Walter interacts with George differently than with others. This is because George is rich and Walter wants to associate himself with the upper class. Beneatha just uses him for his money to go on nice dates even though she says she is an intellectual. She does not even like him. Asagai is who she really likes. None of them know anything of their heritage that he preaches not to lose. The two characters bring out flaws within the younger family.
The supporting characters add to our understanding of the youngers because they are the manifestations of the dynamic personalities within the family.George Murchison represents the wealth that everyone especially, Walter, dreams of. Murchison is black and rich,something Walter wishes to be one day. Asagai is ,on the other hand, true to his race and proud to be african. Beneatha is interested in native african ways and mama is like Asagai in that she knows where she came from.
George Murchison and Joseph Asagai portray two very different characters whom add to our understanding of the Youngers. George Murchison is the wealthy, African-American. Ruth and Mama are supportive of him and Beneatha because he is rich such as when Ruth calls Beneatha "strange" because she is not totally content with him. This reaction of Ruth and Mama display a part of their character where they think money is an important factor when chosing someone to marry. Walter is shown as jealous and bitter when he displays rude manners to Murchison. Joseph Asagai helps us understand Beneatha better. It lets us know Beneatha cares more than just the surface and superficial posessions. He is proud of his heritage and does not care much about wealth or acception by other people. Beneatha likes him and this help us to know that she has deeper values than just money.
The supporting characters, Joseph Asagai adn George Murchinson show more about some of the younger family members. Joseph Asagai represents African heritage and culture while George represents the wealth and desire the African Americans want. Benetha's realtiohship with both of these characters show that she is torn between choosing one; she wants a part of both of they represent. Walter's interaction with George shows us that he is envious and jelous of what George has and wants it as well. Mama's reacction of negligence towards both men shows us that she is not torn either way; she just wants her family to be themself and not waht others want them to be. Both of these supporting characters characterize the Younger family members by showing us that each of them are very different in many ways.
George Murchison and Joseph Asagai add to our understanding of the Younger family because they bring out emotions in the characters. The emotions brought out such as anger, jealousy, and frustation add to the conflict and tension between the Younger family members. Walter Lee can not stand George Murchison because of his wealth. Walter Lee desires to be exactly like George. He wants his wealth and he expresses his jealous and angry opinions during George's visit with Beneatha. On the contrary, Joseph Asagai brings joy to Beneatha because he honors her ways of staying true to oneself. She does not want to change herself for anyone. Joseph Asagai has not melded into the "white" society. Beneatha respects this greatly because she says she is not an assimilationist. These two contrasting characters bring out various feelings for the characters.
The two characters George and Joseph symbolize what the youger family is separated by. They are torn from each other by a want of money but also a want of respect and happiness. Walter wants a medium of wealth and respect but to his dismay he lost his main chance at both. Lena wants happiness but the unwelcoming neighborhood is starting to ruin her chances. Ruth and Travis want happiness as well but they both have a lower drive to get it. Beneatha wants wealth and happiness but has to decide about which she wants most. Joseph represents the happiness while Geoge represents the wealth. there seems to be a corelation between the coices of Beneatha and the families future. When she stop having intrest in George they lost the money.
George Murchison and Joseph Asagai represent two different sides of the Younger family. The side of them that is a dream and a side that is forgotten. The Younger family wants to live a wealthy life, or the American dream. George Murchison shows who the Younger family is striving to be like. George is part of a rich colored family who can even afford college. The Younger family is very envious of George because he is living the American dream. George helps readers better understand the family because he brings out the envious side of the Youngers. The Youngers are so caught up in living the new, wealthy life that they have forgotten their own background. Joseph is not as rich as George, but he is more concerned with his own identity than wealth. Joseph represents the Younger's family heritage that has been forgotten. The family cares more about money than finding who they really are and where they came from, except for Benethea.
George Murchison and Joseph Asagai add to our understanding of the Younger family members because they show how they are different from Younger family members. George Murchison is rich even thuogh he is African American, and Joseph Asagai is very oppoite character from Africa that portrays African culture. Beneatha is not part of either one because she is not rich and she is not African. Beneatha's struggle between two chatacters, mom's curiosity towards Asagai, and Walter's jealousy towards George shows how Younger family members are different from them.
The two characters of George Murchison and Joseph Asagai are opposite characters. George Murchison represents the families desire to be wealthy and have equal opportunities with whites. George tried to blend in and become fully integrated into the American culture that he does not even seem to care about his heritage. Joseph Asagai is the exact opposite. Although not poor, he is not wealthy either. Joseph does not think Africans should mold to society and forget about their culture. He is constantly telling Beneatha to be natural, and to keep true to her roots. Ruth and Mama seem to want Beneatha to go for George because of his money, which shows their greedy side, and how much they think a person's wealth has to do with if you should like them. Walter is very jealous of George and the way he can pay for everything he wants and even act as an equal to whites. The rest of the family seems to only show slight interest with Asaigi but not much. Beneatha shows the only true interest in him which shows she is not concerned as much with money as the rest of her family.
Both supporting characters, George Murchison and Joseph Asagai, act as symbols. While George represents the epitome of an African American who’s wealthy, intelligent, and the aspiration of blacks not being unequal to whites, Joseph is the complete opposite. Joseph on the other hand is very into his heritage and staying true to his African American roots. Walter shows many times throughout the book that he is extremely jealous of George. All Walter has ever dreamed of becoming is someone just like George. Benetha and Mama have many arguments over the two men. Benetha goes for more of the personality and compatibility while Mama goes for wealth. Joseph believes the black society should not conform to the outside world. He thinks blacks should stay true to who they are and not worry about anything else. Though Benetha likes many aspects about George, she really loves Joseph’s ideas. George also is mainly interested in Benetha for her looks while Joseph loves her for who she is and her looks are just a bonus. Both men represent the Younger family in many different aspects.
George and Joseph are both having relationships with Beneatha. George is the rich "black boy" and shows Beneatha's interest in the wealthy lifestyle. Also when George meets Mr. Younger he appears to be very jealous of George because of the money that he has. Joseph on the other hand brings out Benetha's African identity and helps her express her dreams. Really only George causes serious emotion in the family, Walter is very jealous of him, but Joseph could represent the dreams that the family has only because he wants to talk about dreams with Beneatha.
I agree with much of the bloggers above that George Murchinson and Asagai were swmbols, but yet extremes of each other. We have in one corner George Murchinson, not the typical black person in the 50s but in the fact that he is rich and has "assimilated" into "white" culture . Then we have in another corner Joseph Asagai, a Nigerian who never wants to "assimilate" into the "white" culture and wears traditional clothes. These two people serve to show the reactions of the family of two extremes of blacks. It also proves the point that The Younger family doesn't fit into either group and is in between but is influenced by them as seen by Beneatha's relations with Joseph Asagai and George. Beneatha likes her heritage but not THAT much, as well with riches. The only exception is Walter, but he is consumed by greed anyways so his view will be jealous and shifted form the rest of the family.
Both the characters George Murchison and Joseph Asagai act as a foil to Walter Younger. George acts as a foil by representing the acheival of Walter's dream and drawing attention to Walter's ignorance. Joseph is a foil because he takes pride in his heritage and refuses to assimilate, while Walter seems, at times, to be ashamed of being black. These characters also highlight the opposing natures of Beneatha's character, causing her to struggle internally over the wish to assimilate and the need to understand herself through her heritage. Furthermore, these characters show how tolerant both Mama and Ruth can be. However, it is obvious, from the discussions Beneatha has with them, that both motherly characters judge the men based on their husband potential, rather than simply by their personalities.
The supporting characters, George Murchison and Joseph Asagai, show the two extremes of the Younger family. For instance, George Murchison is the symbol of wealth and success that the Younger family want. The family admires him in that George is one of the few African American men who do have money at this time. This understanding of George is helpful because Walter is the main character who wants to have a lot of money. On the other hand, Joseph seems to represent a "true" African. His character helps with the understanding of Mama who is always sticking up for what she believes in and sticking to her roots. Both characters help readers understand the Younger family and their actions.
The reactions the family members (mainly Mama) have to these characters and thier different personalities show that they don't want to seem ignorant in front of Mr. Asagai. The way Walter interacts with George Murchinson show that he feels inadequate and jealous.
George Murchison and Joseph Asagai help to understand the personalities of the main characters. George Murchison brings out the way theat Walter really feels. Walter envies George because George is wealthy and that is what Walter really wants. Also, since George is African American, it lets Walter believe that becoming wealthy is achievabele for a black person. Joseph Asagai brings out the true colors of Beneatha. Beneatha is a girl who doesn't care much about money. She cares more for the person behind the wealth. Joseph Asagai helps her to realize this by staying true to his African roots. He is also a person who does not care much about money, and he influences Beneatha in many of his own ways.
Joseph Asagai and George Murchinson in some ways can be seen as opposites. Joseph is a more positive character than George because even though he looks down upon assimilationists, he does not openly insult them. Asagai is more occupied with the rediscovery/discovery of one's heritage. Murchinson, however, seems to look down upon people who are desperately searching for their identity, he sees an education as something to earn a job with, while Asagai sees education as an opportunity to scrutinize the world through educated eyes. These two characters show much about the family. For example, while Murchinson shows us the side of Walter that is jealous, greedy, and spiteful, Asagai's influence with Bennie shows us Walter's more playful side when he is laughing and getting along with his family. While Murchinson brings out the worst in Walter, Asagai indirectly affects Walter in such a way that he can be seen in a more positive light. Also, Beneatha's involvement with Murchinson shows a good side of her relationship with her mother [especially after the God Scene]. Asagai, on the other hand, shows Mama's disregard for Bennie's fluctuating tendencies as well as her aim to please her daughter when she tries to speak with Asagai intellectually. Murchinson and Asagai represent the conflicting ideas that Beneatha has. Beneatha's internal struggle with finding her heritage and past versus exploring something new for the future is shown through her interactions with George and Joseph. This and the example of Bennie's many different classes [riding, guitar, etc] show how indecisive and timid Beneatha really is contrary to her rather pigheaded behavior.
George Murchison and Joseph Asagai are supporting characters that symbolize that other classes of African Americans unlike the Youngers. George portrays the wealthy,privileged class and Joseph the native,cultural class. George's family symbolizes the class of African Americans that have essential become the "white" people of their race. They have mixed into the white culture while losing pride in their heritage. While Joseph on the other hand, symbolizes the African American population that has a strong sense of African American pride and does not conform to the culture of white Americans. Compared to these supporting characters, the Youngers are a mix of the two. Even though they are poor, the Youngers still have the desire to become rich and wealthy like George; however, they still have pride in their heritage of where they came from. Beneatha is a good example because she unlike most women wants to become more than just a house wife. She wants a career of her own whether she has a husband or not. She also has pride in her African heritage by letting her hair go "natural" and dressing in African clothing. George and Joseph are important characters because they are both contrasting figures in society, and are important to see that their are different classes of African Americans.
Both supporting characters, George Murchinson and Joseph Asagai, represent the two different ideas about life for African Americans in the 1950s that can be applied to all the members of the Younger family. For example, Joseph Asagai feels that all African Americans should have a pull back to their homeland--Africa. This ideal can be seen through Beneatha and somewhat through Mama, since she thinks that money has corrupted the minds of young African Americans. On the other hand, George Murchison's ideal on life can be seen as assimilatory as he represents wealth and the act of becoming 'white.' This way of life, although somewhat modified, can be seen through the remainder of the Younger family. The change, however, is that the Younger family somewhat feels no need to assimilate to white culture in entirety, but only to acquire the wealth of which they believe will make their dreams come true. These two supporting characters help us in understanding that the Younger family has different views on how they wish themselves to be seen in society as well as how they see their dreams coming true.
I agree with blah on how Walter's attitude toward George Murchison conveys Walter's jealousy toward rich people and his aspirations to becoming rich and powerful. George Murchison definitely plays a significant role in illustrating Younger family members' opinions about their economic position. Benethea believes that money is less valuable than independence and achievement. Lena's desire for Benethea to marry Murchison shows how much Lena cares for money.
I agree with blakjak21. The Younger family members' interactions with Murchison and Asagai do demonstrate the two conflicting ideas of assimilation and "Return to African heritage" that were prominent during the 1950s. Benethea prefers African heritage over assimilation while all other family members think of the two ideas in ambivalent ways.
I believe the supporting charecters are very important to this play because they show the extremes the family must go through. Asagai believes that blacks should not become like the whites with their wealth and what not but rather enjoy natrural beauty and be traditional. George and Asagai are foils of one another and the Younger family acts as a buffer between the two extremes. Without these charecters the family would not go through such emotion that has already been shown in this play. These charecters also symbolize how divided the younger family is, because Walter wishes to be like George while Bennie is more traditional like Asagai. Both George and Asagai help elaborate the family's emotions throughout the play.
George Murchison and Asagai represent two very different stereotypes of African Americans. George represents the successful assimilationist African American that fits well into American society. George is also very materialistec. In contrast, Asagai stands for African pride and believes that African Americans should be proud of their heritage. He is an advocate of change and enjoys new ideas. The reactions of the younger family to these two show their opinions on these different ideas. Beneatha's behavior towards George show that she is not very materialistic and her reaction to Asagai show that she is searching for her identity and is looking to connect with her African side.
I thought your connection between Asagai and Mama was really interesting. You said that Mama and Asagai were alike because they were not afraid to stand up for their background. I feel that Asagai and Mama are alike because of this but for another reason too. I felt that both Asagai and Mama were not materialistic and that also made them very similar.
George and Asagai increase our understanding of the Younger family members by showing how Mama, Beneatha, and Walter react to them. Mama trys to seem knowlegeble of Africa by reapeating exactly what Beneatha had said before. Walter thinks that Beneatha should marry a rich man so she would have money. Beneatha wants to keep her heritage with Asagai and aknowleges the shalowness of George. She inevitably ends up with Asagai.
Their main purpose in the novel is to give the reader insight into the way Beneatha thinks. They are very conflicting of one another and they show that Beneatha is less interested in a rich man then she is in an intellectual. They also give some insight into the way that Walter and Mama think. For example, they show how Walter thinks when all he can talk about is money to George.
The supporting characters, George Murchinson and Joseph Asagi play opposing roles in the Younger family. George Murchinson represents the part of the family that wants to conform to the white culture and become rich and wealthy. Joseph Asagi, on the other hand, is all about sticking to his naural roots. Each family member acts differently toward each man, and this shows how they truly are as a person. For example, Walter acts rudely toward Murchison because he is jealous of him and would like to be just like him.
blakjak21, I partly agree with your view on George Murchison, because I think he doesnt really represent the struggle of African Americans in that community. He is one of the most wealthy African Americans in Chicago, and so therefore it doesnt really show that he has struggled that much. Most African Americans (like the Youngers) have to overcome being poor and having no rights, and so the fact that George Murchison is already rich, he cant represent all African Americans. I agree with you in that, he still has to fight for an end to inequatily which was true for all African Americans in that time period. I agree with your statement on Joseph Asagai, which is that he represents the ties of African heritage and he does remind the family of their African ancestry.
blah, I agree with your explanation of how George Murchison and Joseph Asagai are symbols for each memebers of the family. Joseph Asagai is pretty much a character who shows that the Youngers are indifferent toward heritage, although they do still respect. Beneatha is a character who is the most interested in Joseph, which shows that she cares about her African heritage. George Murchison is suppose to bring out Walter's qualities. George's wealth brings out the jealous side of Walter and it shows his desperate desire to be rich.
38 comments:
These supporting characters add to our understanding of the Younger family because they act as symbols in the play. While George Murchison represents great wealth and the desire for blacks not to be looked down upon by whites, Joseph Asagai symbolizes the indifference towards racial inequality and the movement of African Americans who wished to resort back to their roots. By analyzing how each family member responds to these two men, one is able to discover some differences among the people of the family. For example, while Walter reacts poorly towards George Murchison, showing that he envies rich people and is immensely jealous, the rest of the family does not react negatively or even very positively towards him. Beneatha has the most positive reaction towards Joseph Asagai which shows that she does not care as much about money and does not obsess over black and white equality.
During this time in history, it was quite uncommon for an African American to be rich and upper class. He is a symbol of hope because he shows the Youngers that anyone, no matter what who they are, can achieve the impossible. Walter responds to him in a positive way because he wants to become rich, but his dream seems to be hard to obtain. Beneatha likes him because he has overcame society and its mold for people, and that is what she wants to do by becoming a doctor. Ironically she also admires Asagai, a man who is very much in touch with his heritage. He isn't one to like change and wants to stay true to his roots. Beneatha likes him because he doesnt want her to change who she really is. Throughout the play, Mama doesnt show a true intrest in any of them which explains her character and that she doesnt care for money or for the image that people portray. She knows that all these things will perish and that she needs to build her life around things that matter.
George Murchison and Joseph Asagi help display the type of person and the type of personality that each member of the Younger family have. George is a major supporting character because he amplifies the obviousness that Walter is focused on money and becoming a wealthy man like Mr. Murchison (a wealthy African-American). This is true because Walter reacts negatively towards George because he (George) has what he (Walter) wants and is jealous. Another supporting character is Joseph Asagai who is a traditional African man who is not focused on money but is proud about his heritage. Beneatha, one of Joseph's good friends, shows an interest in Joseph and as a result, it is obvious that Beneatha is not focused on money or wealth. She is also proud of her heritage but not as much as Joseph.
- IndiboiX911
The characters George Murchison and Joseph Asagai resemble two different ideals that the African Americans had during the 1950s. Murchison portrays the assimilation of African Americans into pure American culture while Asagai characterizes the "back to africa" mind which demonstrated many ways in which African Americans can become what their african ancestors were long ago. Benethea's calling Murchison a fool shows that she is against assilimilation; her mom calls him a fool at one point, indicating that most of the Younger family members agrees with Benethea. However, the Younger family also makes fun of the "back to africa" idea when Walter and Ruth satirize the tribal rituals using the Nigerian clothing that Asagai had given to Benethea. What these two events indicate is that the Younger family members believe in an ideal that borders both Murchison's and Asagai's beliefs; they found those two beliefs somewhat ridiculous and were willing to preserve and take pride in what they already have that define them as African Americans.
These characters serve as vital insights into the personalities of some of the Younger family members. One way these supporting characters create insights is by the interaction of Joseph Asagai and the Youngers. When Joseph visits Beneatha so he could give her the traditional robes, some of the subtle characteristics of Mama and Beanetha rise to the surface. One trait of Beneatha that comes to light is her ability to be easily persuaded. When She is talking to him over the phone, she tries to delay his arrival because Mama NEVER lets people come over while they are cleaning the house. Joseph easily persuades her to let him visit her. George also displays some of the intimate details of Beneatha and Mama. When they are talking about whether or not Beneatha should go on a date with George. During this argument, we see that Beneatha searches for the deeper meaning of a boyfriend. She categorizes by personality, while Mama preoccupies herself with trying to get Beneatha to go out with him just because he is rich.
-benhamini-
The reader's understanding of the Younger family is further expressed through George Murchison and Joseph Asagai. George and Asagai are conflicting characters in the play which represents the struggle within the Younger family. George has assimilated to Amercian culture and, as a result, has established himself as one of the few rich blacks at the time. Asagai is the total opposite. He believes that Africans should keep their African culture and not conform to American culture. These characteristics play a rol in how each of the Youngers percieve them. Beneatha is more attracted to Asagai because of who he is. This shows that she does not care about wealth as much as Walter does. Walter acts naivley around George which shows that he cares about money and is somewhat jealous of George. Ruth reacts to both characters in about the same way. She takes them for who they are and not what they have of do not have. Mama reacts in a similar way to both of Beneatha's boyfrieds. She makes no prejudgements about them and forms her opinion on them as she gets to know them better.
George and Asagai are two completely different people, but are the same. This relates to the relationships and lifestyles of the Youunger family. The Younger's are the same because they all live in the same conditions, same place and they are all enduring the same social status and money crisis. The Younger family members also contrast each other, just as George and Asagai do. George is a rich and educated black man who has no shame of being just like the white community. Walter wants to be just like George. All Walter cares about is becoming rich, and until then, he wont be happy. Asagai, on the other hand, is completely content with his life and background. HE is not rich, and not completely educated, but he still loves life. This somewhat describes the rest of the Younger family, not the most powerful people on the planet, but definately content.
-Loof
Murchison represents the struggles that they endure in their community, being an Afircan-American family. He represents their fight and the "block" to their "freedom".
Asagai represents the roots of the African-American Family, and where they came from. He represents the other side to the black/white issue. He reminds the family of where they came from.
George Murchison and Joseph Asagai are supporting characters because they show new characteristics of each of the members of the Younger family. George Murchison is important in showing Walter's viewpoints. Walter wishes to be like George, becuase he is a well off African American. That helps me see how Walter is so concerned with becoming rich like George. This is also supported when Walter starts to act a little bit jealous and negative around George because he has something that Walter has always wanted. Also George is a character who shows how assimilation is an idea the Younger's don't like very much. Joseph Asagai interests Beneatha, because he his connected with his African heritage. This shows how Beneatha is not so obsessed over money and that she values her culture and heritage as well. Mama doesnot really look at the personality of each and she believes that Beneatha should go out with George, because he is rich.It shows that she doesnot take a lot of interest in wealth or heritage. All of these show how even though the Younger's might act positively or negatively toward George and Asagai, they don't really fit into assimilating or being more African.
Asagai and George add to our understanding of the youngers in different ways. Walter interacts with George differently than with others. This is because George is rich and Walter wants to associate himself with the upper class. Beneatha just uses him for his money to go on nice dates even though she says she is an intellectual. She does not even like him. Asagai is who she really likes. None of them know anything of their heritage that he preaches not to lose. The two characters bring out flaws within the younger family.
The supporting characters add to our understanding of the youngers because they are the manifestations of the dynamic personalities within the family.George Murchison represents the wealth that everyone especially, Walter, dreams of. Murchison is black and rich,something Walter wishes to be one day. Asagai is ,on the other hand, true to his race and proud to be african. Beneatha is interested in native african ways and mama is like Asagai in that she knows where she came from.
George Murchison and Joseph Asagai portray two very different characters whom add to our understanding of the Youngers. George Murchison is the wealthy, African-American. Ruth and Mama are supportive of him and Beneatha because he is rich such as when Ruth calls Beneatha "strange" because she is not totally content with him. This reaction of Ruth and Mama display a part of their character where they think money is an important factor when chosing someone to marry. Walter is shown as jealous and bitter when he displays rude manners to Murchison. Joseph Asagai helps us understand Beneatha better. It lets us know Beneatha cares more than just the surface and superficial posessions. He is proud of his heritage and does not care much about wealth or acception by other people. Beneatha likes him and this help us to know that she has deeper values than just money.
The supporting characters, Joseph Asagai adn George Murchinson show more about some of the younger family members. Joseph Asagai represents African heritage and culture while George represents the wealth and desire the African Americans want. Benetha's realtiohship with both of these characters show that she is torn between choosing one; she wants a part of both of they represent. Walter's interaction with George shows us that he is envious and jelous of what George has and wants it as well. Mama's reacction of negligence towards both men shows us that she is not torn either way; she just wants her family to be themself and not waht others want them to be. Both of these supporting characters characterize the Younger family members by showing us that each of them are very different in many ways.
George Murchison and Joseph Asagai add to our understanding of the Younger family because they bring out emotions in the characters. The emotions brought out such as anger, jealousy, and frustation add to the conflict and tension between the Younger family members. Walter Lee can not stand George Murchison because of his wealth. Walter Lee desires to be exactly like George. He wants his wealth and he expresses his jealous and angry opinions during George's visit with Beneatha. On the contrary, Joseph Asagai brings joy to Beneatha because he honors her ways of staying true to oneself. She does not want to change herself for anyone. Joseph Asagai has not melded into the "white" society. Beneatha respects this greatly because she says she is not an assimilationist. These two contrasting characters bring out various feelings for the characters.
The two characters George and Joseph symbolize what the youger family is separated by. They are torn from each other by a want of money but also a want of respect and happiness. Walter wants a medium of wealth and respect but to his dismay he lost his main chance at both. Lena wants happiness but the unwelcoming neighborhood is starting to ruin her chances. Ruth and Travis want happiness as well but they both have a lower drive to get it. Beneatha wants wealth and happiness but has to decide about which she wants most. Joseph represents the happiness while Geoge represents the wealth. there seems to be a corelation between the coices of Beneatha and the families future. When she stop having intrest in George they lost the money.
George Murchison and Joseph Asagai represent two different sides of the Younger family. The side of them that is a dream and a side that is forgotten. The Younger family wants to live a wealthy life, or the American dream. George Murchison shows who the Younger family is striving to be like. George is part of a rich colored family who can even afford college. The Younger family is very envious of George because he is living the American dream. George helps readers better understand the family because he brings out the envious side of the Youngers. The Youngers are so caught up in living the new, wealthy life that they have forgotten their own background. Joseph is not as rich as George, but he is more concerned with his own identity than wealth. Joseph represents the Younger's family heritage that has been forgotten. The family cares more about money than finding who they really are and where they came from, except for Benethea.
George Murchison and Joseph Asagai add to our understanding of the Younger family members because they show how they are different from Younger family members. George Murchison is rich even thuogh he is African American, and Joseph Asagai is very oppoite character from Africa that portrays African culture. Beneatha is not part of either one because she is not rich and she is not African. Beneatha's struggle between two chatacters, mom's curiosity towards Asagai, and Walter's jealousy towards George shows how Younger family members are different from them.
The two characters of George Murchison and Joseph Asagai are opposite characters. George Murchison represents the families desire to be wealthy and have equal opportunities with whites. George tried to blend in and become fully integrated into the American culture that he does not even seem to care about his heritage. Joseph Asagai is the exact opposite. Although not poor, he is not wealthy either. Joseph does not think Africans should mold to society and forget about their culture. He is constantly telling Beneatha to be natural, and to keep true to her roots. Ruth and Mama seem to want Beneatha to go for George because of his money, which shows their greedy side, and how much they think a person's wealth has to do with if you should like them. Walter is very jealous of George and the way he can pay for everything he wants and even act as an equal to whites. The rest of the family seems to only show slight interest with Asaigi but not much. Beneatha shows the only true interest in him which shows she is not concerned as much with money as the rest of her family.
Both supporting characters, George Murchison and Joseph Asagai, act as symbols. While George represents the epitome of an African American who’s wealthy, intelligent, and the aspiration of blacks not being unequal to whites, Joseph is the complete opposite. Joseph on the other hand is very into his heritage and staying true to his African American roots. Walter shows many times throughout the book that he is extremely jealous of George. All Walter has ever dreamed of becoming is someone just like George. Benetha and Mama have many arguments over the two men. Benetha goes for more of the personality and compatibility while Mama goes for wealth. Joseph believes the black society should not conform to the outside world. He thinks blacks should stay true to who they are and not worry about anything else. Though Benetha likes many aspects about George, she really loves Joseph’s ideas. George also is mainly interested in Benetha for her looks while Joseph loves her for who she is and her looks are just a bonus. Both men represent the Younger family in many different aspects.
George and Joseph are both having relationships with Beneatha. George is the rich "black boy" and shows Beneatha's interest in the wealthy lifestyle. Also when George meets Mr. Younger he appears to be very jealous of George because of the money that he has. Joseph on the other hand brings out Benetha's African identity and helps her express her dreams. Really only George causes serious emotion in the family, Walter is very jealous of him, but Joseph could represent the dreams that the family has only because he wants to talk about dreams with Beneatha.
I agree with much of the bloggers above that George Murchinson and Asagai were swmbols, but yet extremes of each other. We have in one corner George Murchinson, not the typical black person in the 50s but in the fact that he is rich and has "assimilated" into "white" culture . Then we have in another corner Joseph Asagai, a Nigerian who never wants to "assimilate" into the "white" culture and wears traditional clothes. These two people serve to show the reactions of the family of two extremes of blacks. It also proves the point that The Younger family doesn't fit into either group and is in between but is influenced by them as seen by Beneatha's relations with Joseph Asagai and George. Beneatha likes her heritage but not THAT much, as well with riches. The only exception is Walter, but he is consumed by greed anyways so his view will be jealous and shifted form the rest of the family.
Both the characters George Murchison and Joseph Asagai act as a foil to Walter Younger. George acts as a foil by representing the acheival of Walter's dream and drawing attention to Walter's ignorance. Joseph is a foil because he takes pride in his heritage and refuses to assimilate, while Walter seems, at times, to be ashamed of being black.
These characters also highlight the opposing natures of Beneatha's character, causing her to struggle internally over the wish to assimilate and the need to understand herself through her heritage.
Furthermore, these characters show how tolerant both Mama and Ruth can be. However, it is obvious, from the discussions Beneatha has with them, that both motherly characters judge the men based on their husband potential, rather than simply by their personalities.
The supporting characters, George Murchison and Joseph Asagai, show the two extremes of the Younger family. For instance, George Murchison is the symbol of wealth and success that the Younger family want. The family admires him in that George is one of the few African American men who do have money at this time. This understanding of George is helpful because Walter is the main character who wants to have a lot of money. On the other hand, Joseph seems to represent a "true" African. His character helps with the understanding of Mama who is always sticking up for what she believes in and sticking to her roots. Both characters help readers understand the Younger family and their actions.
The reactions the family members (mainly Mama) have to these characters and thier different personalities show that they don't want to seem ignorant in front of Mr. Asagai. The way Walter interacts with George Murchinson show that he feels inadequate and jealous.
George Murchison and Joseph Asagai help to understand the personalities of the main characters. George Murchison brings out the way theat Walter really feels. Walter envies George because George is wealthy and that is what Walter really wants. Also, since George is African American, it lets Walter believe that becoming wealthy is achievabele for a black person. Joseph Asagai brings out the true colors of Beneatha. Beneatha is a girl who doesn't care much about money. She cares more for the person behind the wealth. Joseph Asagai helps her to realize this by staying true to his African roots. He is also a person who does not care much about money, and he influences Beneatha in many of his own ways.
Joseph Asagai and George Murchinson in some ways can be seen as opposites. Joseph is a more positive character than George because even though he looks down upon assimilationists, he does not openly insult them. Asagai is more occupied with the rediscovery/discovery of one's heritage. Murchinson, however, seems to look down upon people who are desperately searching for their identity, he sees an education as something to earn a job with, while Asagai sees education as an opportunity to scrutinize the world through educated eyes. These two characters show much about the family. For example, while Murchinson shows us the side of Walter that is jealous, greedy, and spiteful, Asagai's influence with Bennie shows us Walter's more playful side when he is laughing and getting along with his family. While Murchinson brings out the worst in Walter, Asagai indirectly affects Walter in such a way that he can be seen in a more positive light. Also, Beneatha's involvement with Murchinson shows a good side of her relationship with her mother [especially after the God Scene]. Asagai, on the other hand, shows Mama's disregard for Bennie's fluctuating tendencies as well as her aim to please her daughter when she tries to speak with Asagai intellectually. Murchinson and Asagai represent the conflicting ideas that Beneatha has. Beneatha's internal struggle with finding her heritage and past versus exploring something new for the future is shown through her interactions with George and Joseph. This and the example of Bennie's many different classes [riding, guitar, etc] show how indecisive and timid Beneatha really is contrary to her rather pigheaded behavior.
George Murchison and Joseph Asagai are supporting characters that symbolize that other classes of African Americans unlike the Youngers. George portrays the wealthy,privileged class and Joseph the native,cultural class. George's family symbolizes the class of African Americans that have essential become the "white" people of their race. They have mixed into the white culture while losing pride in their heritage. While Joseph on the other hand, symbolizes the African American population that has a strong sense of African American pride and does not conform to the culture of white Americans. Compared to these supporting characters, the Youngers are a mix of the two. Even though they are poor, the Youngers still have the desire to become rich and wealthy like George; however, they still have pride in their heritage of where they came from. Beneatha is a good example because she unlike most women wants to become more than just a house wife. She wants a career of her own whether she has a husband or not. She also has pride in her African heritage by letting her hair go "natural" and dressing in African clothing. George and Joseph are important characters because they are both contrasting figures in society, and are important to see that their are different classes of African Americans.
Both supporting characters, George Murchinson and Joseph Asagai, represent the two different ideas about life for African Americans in the 1950s that can be applied to all the members of the Younger family. For example, Joseph Asagai feels that all African Americans should have a pull back to their homeland--Africa. This ideal can be seen through Beneatha and somewhat through Mama, since she thinks that money has corrupted the minds of young African Americans. On the other hand, George Murchison's ideal on life can be seen as assimilatory as he represents wealth and the act of becoming 'white.' This way of life, although somewhat modified, can be seen through the remainder of the Younger family. The change, however, is that the Younger family somewhat feels no need to assimilate to white culture in entirety, but only to acquire the wealth of which they believe will make their dreams come true. These two supporting characters help us in understanding that the Younger family has different views on how they wish themselves to be seen in society as well as how they see their dreams coming true.
I agree with blah on how Walter's attitude toward George Murchison conveys Walter's jealousy toward rich people and his aspirations to becoming rich and powerful. George Murchison definitely plays a significant role in illustrating Younger family members' opinions about their economic position. Benethea believes that money is less valuable than independence and achievement. Lena's desire for Benethea to marry Murchison shows how much Lena cares for money.
I agree with blakjak21. The Younger family members' interactions with Murchison and Asagai do demonstrate the two conflicting ideas of assimilation and "Return to African heritage" that were prominent during the 1950s. Benethea prefers African heritage over assimilation while all other family members think of the two ideas in ambivalent ways.
I believe the supporting charecters are very important to this play because they show the extremes the family must go through. Asagai believes that blacks should not become like the whites with their wealth and what not but rather enjoy natrural beauty and be traditional. George and Asagai are foils of one another and the Younger family acts as a buffer between the two extremes. Without these charecters the family would not go through such emotion that has already been shown in this play. These charecters also symbolize how divided the younger family is, because Walter wishes to be like George while Bennie is more traditional like Asagai. Both George and Asagai help elaborate the family's emotions throughout the play.
George Murchison and Asagai represent two very different stereotypes of African Americans.
George represents the successful assimilationist African American that fits well into American society. George is also very materialistec. In contrast, Asagai stands for African pride and believes that African Americans should be proud of their heritage. He is an advocate of change and enjoys new ideas.
The reactions of the younger family to these two show their opinions on these different ideas. Beneatha's behavior towards George show that she is not very materialistic and her reaction to Asagai show that she is searching for her identity and is looking to connect with her African side.
-In response to peaches
I thought your connection between Asagai and Mama was really interesting. You said that Mama and Asagai were alike because they were not afraid to stand up for their background. I feel that Asagai and Mama are alike because of this but for another reason too. I felt that both Asagai and Mama were not materialistic and that also made them very similar.
George and Asagai increase our understanding of the Younger family members by showing how Mama, Beneatha, and Walter react to them. Mama trys to seem knowlegeble of Africa by reapeating exactly what Beneatha had said before. Walter thinks that Beneatha should marry a rich man so she would have money. Beneatha wants to keep her heritage with Asagai and aknowleges the shalowness of George. She inevitably ends up with Asagai.
Their main purpose in the novel is to give the reader insight into the way Beneatha thinks. They are very conflicting of one another and they show that Beneatha is less interested in a rich man then she is in an intellectual. They also give some insight into the way that Walter and Mama think. For example, they show how Walter thinks when all he can talk about is money to George.
The supporting characters, George Murchinson and Joseph Asagi play opposing roles in the Younger family. George Murchinson represents the part of the family that wants to conform to the white culture and become rich and wealthy. Joseph Asagi, on the other hand, is all about sticking to his naural roots. Each family member acts differently toward each man, and this shows how they truly are as a person. For example, Walter acts rudely toward Murchison because he is jealous of him and would like to be just like him.
blakjak21,
I partly agree with your view on George Murchison, because I think he doesnt really represent the struggle of African Americans in that community. He is one of the most wealthy African Americans in Chicago, and so therefore it doesnt really show that he has struggled that much. Most African Americans (like the Youngers) have to overcome being poor and having no rights, and so the fact that George Murchison is already rich, he cant represent all African Americans. I agree with you in that, he still has to fight for an end to inequatily which was true for all African Americans in that time period. I agree with your statement on Joseph Asagai, which is that he represents the ties of African heritage and he does remind the family of their African ancestry.
blah,
I agree with your explanation of how George Murchison and Joseph Asagai are symbols for each memebers of the family. Joseph Asagai is pretty much a character who shows that the Youngers are indifferent toward heritage, although they do still respect. Beneatha is a character who is the most interested in Joseph, which shows that she cares about her African heritage. George Murchison is suppose to bring out Walter's qualities. George's wealth brings out the jealous side of Walter and it shows his desperate desire to be rich.
Post a Comment