The wise sage, Asagai

A Raisin in the Sun
Lorraine Hansberry


Asagai comes to visit Beneatha occasionally at the house because he likes her attitude about life. I'm sure he is physically attracted to her too, but he particularly likes how she wants to rise above all the stereotypes and prejudices she faces in order to help the common good. Asagai sees this in her, and treats her with respect when he talks with her. After Walter loses the money, Benetha practically gives up her dreams because she feels the evil can never be cured in this world, let alone by her. When Asagai stops by, his reasoning is that "I had some free time. I thought I might help with the packing" (Hansberry 519). He literally stops by out of the goodness of his heart, making one think that his presence will have little effect on the situation. However, Asagai recognizes how Bennie has changed her views on the world, and he is compelled to explain to her how she must revert back to her old way of thinking. Asagai single-handedly shows Bennie how, though the bad in the world will always look for a way to get worse, Bennie has a chance to go out and fight that bad. Bennie has the ability and the mind to face her opposition and transform the evil into a new sense of goodness. Asagai was close to getting Bennie to marry him and move back to Africa to overthrow the British and French colonial empires. Asagai's kind heart of wanting to help a girl pack turned into him re-exciting that girl's most important aspirations. The play ends before Bennie decided what to do with the rest of her life, but whatever she chooses, she will probably be with Asagai.