Alayio

Alayio, or The one who food isn't enough is the African name Asagi gives Benetha. There are several reasons why he chose this name for her; for starters, it is a reference to her dreams. While reading the book I was under the impression that becoming a doctor has been something she had wanted for a long time, and is willing to work incredibly hard for. Considering that she is a black woman in the 50s, she's at an incredible disadvantage. Food is not enough for her because she is starving to get ahead in life. In another sense the name is due to her curiosity. One of Benethas most defining characteristics throughout the book is that she constantly has a new 'thing' she's exploring. She is in a race to expand her horizons, and she does this by exploring hobby after hobby. Whether its by learning new instruments, being a civil rights activist or exploring her African heritage her search for her identity is something Asagi sees clearly. Not only does Asagai see this, but he tries to empower her by encouraging her with gifts, and even offering to take her home with him. Although the majority of characters in the play go through some kind of change, Benethas character is the one that change defines them. In fact we dont even get to see the end result of her change at the end of the book, and she most likely will never see a point to where she feels she has finally discovered herself.