A Raisin in the Sun: "He's a Fool"

In the book A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry, Mama refers to Booker T. Washington and George Murchison as “fools.” “Education has spoiled many a good plow hand,” Said Washington. “You read books –- to learn facts – to get grades -– to pass the course -–to get a degree. That’s all -– it has nothing to do with thoughts,” says George. That’s why they are both fools, they think that education it’s just to get a degree and have money, they don’t think about what education really does for them. Beneatha likes being educated and it gives her something to be proud of, she wants to use it in life to help her achieve her dream of being a doctor. “…You know how some of our young people gets when they get a little of education….’Course I can understand how she must be proud and everything – being the only one in the family to make something out of herself” quotes Mrs. Johnson. “My husband always said that, a servants wasn’t a fit thing for a man to be. He said a man’s hands was made to make things, or to turn the earth with…” states Mama. That is why they are fools, because they have what it takes to make something out of themselves, but think it’s not as important. “…this is stupid! I don’t go out with you to discuss the nature of “quiet desperation” or to hear about your thoughts – because the world will go on thinking what it does regardless.”