Pressure

We are always pressured by outside forces. Pressure from outside forces often influences people to make decision they normally wouldn't even consider making. This pressure comes from society, and from other people. Several characters in "Raisin in the Sun" feel compelled to take actions that they normally wouldn't have taken.

Beneatha, Walter's sister, often feels pressure from her strict, christian family. While Beneatha wants to live an independent, feminist, liberal life, the members of her family emphasize familial hierarchy, and stick close to the ideals of Christianity. With such ideals in mind, Beneatha wants to date a man whom she can learn about her past heritage from; Asagai. Asagai is a charming African man from Nigeria, who still keeps his heritage at the core of his heart. However, Beneatha's family wants her to date George, a wealthy black man who attends college with Beneatha. George keeps money close to his heart, submitting himself to white culture to stay on top. Beneatha doesn't respect this, and thinks George is a "Fool". When Beneatha finally hears from her mother that she doesn't have to date a fool if she doesn't want, Beneatha finally feels understood, and sincerely thanks her mother for giving her support. Like many of the other characters, Beneatha feels pressured into performing certain actions to gain the support of her family.