What does asagai understand about dreams that beneatha and her family dont understand? How do his dreams differ from theirs?

Asagai's main function as a character seems to be to inject the play with symbolism. Basically, Asagi is Africa. He represents one extreme of the American debate on assimilation. His presence in the play forces the audience (and Beneatha) to ask what it truly means to be an African American. The Younger family constantly struggles between both identities. Although Asagai leans towards the African side, it makes us wonder whether it is possible to share both American and African identities. The Youngers want to make it in America through the "American way". Asagai suggests that the American dream need not be defined by only white people.