A Raisin in the Sun is a play written by Lorraine Hansberry that tells the story of the Younger family and their struggles in the 1950s. The play is full of symbolism, which adds to the depth of the characters and the story. Some examples of symbolism in A Raisin in the Sun include the following:
– The title itself is a symbol. A raisin in the sun refers to hopes and dreams that are left to die or wither away. It also refers to the idea that African Americans were “sunburnt” due to their exposure to racism and discrimination.
– Walter Younger’s desire for money can be seen as a symbol for his desire for power and respect.
– The bedspread that Beneatha buys for the family can be seen as a symbol for her quest for identity and self-expression.
– The conflict between Mama and Walter over the money can be seen as a symbol for the larger conflict between generations of African Americans.
– The play concludes with the death of Travis, which can be seen as a symbol for the hopes and dreams that died with him.
Each of these examples is just one example of how symbolism is used in A Raisin in the Sun. By paying attention to the symbolism in the play, audiences can gain a deeper understanding of the characters and the story.
In Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, a black family lives in a bad section of Chicago and faces difficulties. The majority of the problems in this household revolve around Mama, who dreams of providing her family a better life through her husband’s death money. Also, the family confronts racism in Chicago during the 1950s, complicating Mama’s goals for the family as well as other familial issues that arise when money is considered.
Lorraine Hansberry uses symbolism to help the reader understand some of the family’s conflicts as well as how difficult it is for a black family to live in Chicago during this time.
The first symbol is the plant that Mama takes care of. The plant represents Mama’s hopes and dreams for her family. She tends to it carefully, making sure it gets just the right amount of sunlight and water. However, despite her best efforts, the plant never seems to grow or thrive. This symbolizes how Mama’s dreams for her family always seem to be just out of reach. No matter how hard she tries, she can’t seem to make them come true.
Another symbol is the check that Mama gets from her husband’s life insurance policy. This check represents a chance for the family to finally have some money and get out of their bad neighborhood. However, the other characters in the play all have different ideas about what to do with the money. This leads to lots of conflict within the family.
Finally, one of the most important symbols in A Raisin in the Sun is the black sun. This symbolizes how blacks were treated in America at this time. They were seen as inferior and were constantly discriminated against. The black sun shows how blacks had to live their lives in the shadow of racism and discrimination.
The title of this section may have misled you. The main characters in A Raisin in the Sun attempt to deal with the overpowering conditions that dominate their existence, and much of the play’s drama grows out of their attempts to realize these goals. Throughout the play, the Youngers strive to achieve these ambitions, and much of their pleasure and anguish is related to whether or not they are fulfilled. They come to understand at the conclusion of the play that the dream for a home is paramount because it binds together relatives.
One of the most important symbols in A Raisin in the Sun is the money. As Mama Younger says, “Money is life.” The family’s dream of buying a house is contingent on them having enough money, and their interactions with other characters throughout the play are often based on financial transactions. For example, when Walter Younger first meets Ruth, he tries to buy her from her brother. As they get to know each other, they come to realize that love is more important than money, but the financial aspect of their relationship never disappears entirely.
Another symbol in A Raisin in the Sun is the bottle of liquor that Walter buys for his mother. This liquor represents the possibility of the family achieving their dreams. Mama Younger is initially hesitant to drink it, but eventually she does and her attitude changes. She becomes more determined to get the money for the house and to protect her family. The liquor also represents the problems that the family faces. They know that they shouldn’t drink it, but they are tempted by it because it offers them a chance to escape their difficult lives.
Mama is a sensitive, loving mother and the head of the Younger household. She expects her family to respect themselves and take pride in their goals. Mama insists that the apartment in which they all live be kept neat and clean at all times. She fights for what she believes in and offers adult perspective from an older generation. Mama puts money above everything else, believing that dreams are more valuable than material things, and her ambition is to buy a home with a garden where Travis may play.
Mama’s plant is a symbol of her own dreams and aspirations, as well as her care and nurturing nature. Walter is the head of the Younger household and Beneatha’s brother. He is an aspiring political leader who wants to open a liquor store with his friends. Walter is initially content with his job as a chauffeur, but he eventually becomes frustrated with his position in life. He feels that he is not living up to his potential and that he is not providing adequately for his family.
When Walter receives the $10,000 insurance money from his father’s death, he sees it as an opportunity to finally make something of himself. However, his plans are dashed when Mama uses the money to put a down payment on a house. Walter’s frustration and anger come to a head when he confronts his mother about her decision.
Beneatha is Walter and Mama’s daughter. She is a college student who is trying to figure out her place in the world. Beneatha is confident, outspoken, and opinionated. She is also very independent and has little patience for traditional gender roles. Beneatha dreams of becoming a doctor, which sets her apart from the other women in her family. she also begins to question her own black identity and starts to explore African culture. Beneatha’s hair is a symbol of her journey of self-discovery.
