A symbol in literature is an object or idea that has a representation beyond the literal meaning of the object. Symbols add meaning and further a point the author is trying to make. In A Raisin in the Sun, Mama’s plant represents her dream. The play is written by Lorraine Hansberry, and it is a drama. It features an African American family from the Southside of Chicago. They live in an apartment with one window. Mama, the mother of the family has a dream of owning her own house. Throughout the entire play, Mama’s plant was mentioned. The plant continued to change as Mama’s dream was affected. Mama has always dreamed of owning her own house. When she receives her husband’s life insurance check, she decides to use that money for her dream. With …show more content…
Mama’s plant sits on the windowsill. Her plant isn’t exposed to much light due to the fact the window is small and there is only one.. Because of this, the plant is very weak. “She crosses through the room, goes to the window, opens it, and brings in a feeble little plant growing doggedly in a small pot on the windowsill” (Hansberry 1.1.39). Mama goes on to say, “Lord, if this little old plant don’t get more sun than it’s been getting it ain’t never going to see spring again“ Mama is taking care of her plant, just like she takes care of her family. The plant also serves as a comfort device for Mama. “(Coming out, going to her plant) They frightens me, Ruth. My children” (Hansberry 1.1.40). Mama uses her plant when she is in distress. To expand moving is another way the plant grows. Beneatha questions Mama about bringing the plant to the new house. Mama responded with, “It expresses ME!” (Hansberry 2.3.120). The plant is almost a part of Mama. She feels as though she can not leave it behind. The plant will be brought to the new house. It is now the time the plant will get a new house along with Mama. There will be more windows and possibly even a garden. Just like Mama’s dream, the plant will grow. It will no longer be dried up. The plant can now flourish like it was meant to. With more windows, there will be more light and fresh
In the book The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver, the wisteria vine functions as a symbol of Turtle’s growth throughout her journey, as well as the people that have helped her along the way. When Turtle is first given to Taylor, she is agonized and timid, without a clue of whom she can look to as a motherly figure. Taylor remarks how “the most amazing thing was the way the child held on... to [her]… it’s little hands like roots sucking on dry dirt.” (22) Turtle’s horrible past has mentally scarred her. She views Taylor as safety and is relying on her for care. Turtle’s need for Taylor is similar to a plant’s need for water. Neither can survive without the other. As time progresses the duo bonds more closely, and Turtle begins to open up. One
Columbia Pictures' A Raisin in the Sun is a 1961 dramatic motion picture, starring Sidney Poitier. It's based on a 1959 Broadway play by Lorraine Hansberry. It tells the story of an African American family's personal and social struggle as they try to improve their way of life. Its major themes include poverty, racism, manhood and cultural pride.
Broadway in 1959. A character named Walter Lee invisions to buy a liquor store in his poverty.
As Friar mentions that “residence” takes place within the “infant rind,” he emphasizes that within something new and untouched by the world, the possibility for any future direction exists. He highlights that as “smelt” the flower brings “cheers,” demonstrating its ability to deliver happiness. Conversely, Friar says that “being tasted” the plant “slays all senses,” emphasizing its capability to also promote harm. Friar portrays the two characteristics of the plant, and in doing so, he demonstrates how one is capable of damage and cure. Friar mentions the presence of evil and goodness within one small bud to highlight the coexistence that occurs in all things.
The first piece of literature is, "Raisin in the Sun." This story was written by Lorraine Hansberry during the 1950's after World War 2. The story was used as an example of an average African American family during this time period. It talked about the financial struggles and decisions African Americans faced while also talking about the low status of females during the 1950's. It also talks about conflicts that occurred between African American family members. The Battle Royale is the next piece of literature that is written by Ralph Ellison. This piece of literature was written in the 1950's as well. The story follows a young African American male that claims to be invisible. He states these claims because during this time period African
The struggles of being African American have been very evident throughout history. To present day many African Americans (commonly referred to as "black") endure injustice and inequality. As many racial protests and movies have been made to depict such hardships, so have books. The controversial topics of racism and gender roles are spread throughout A Raisin in the Sun. Lorraine Hansberry lived through such a time where racial and gender discrimination was at its highest point; which she portrays in her book. As the Younger family eventually developed into a family so do the gender issues. My goal in this paper is to identify gender injustice as it has been dominantly illustrated, whether that be where the women stand or what the men should be doing as opposed to the women having higher power.
In the novel, A Raisin in the Sun written by Lorraine Hansberry , shows the reader how society was viewed back then in the 1950s .It was tough for african american lives. An African american family living on the southside of Chicago in the 1950s. The play opens from receiving a 10,000 thousand dollar insurance check to do whatever they want with it. Living with five people in a tiny- one bedroom apartment puts the environment pressures high. The book portrays the idea of a dream within all the African american characters shown differently and the different struggles they have to live with in a world of racism, social standards/higher expectations, and regret fullness. Walter Lee Younger, the man of the house, truly encapsulates the American
We need to dream big, and reach for the stars, isn't that the way to go? In the book A Raisin In the Sun dreams of moving up and living a better life style is the goal. The characters have many difficulties achieving their dreams. Lorraine Hansberry, the author shows us how the Youngers are a black family in 1950, dreams of getting out of the ghetto. They want to move in to a house with a backyard, a garden, and live a better life. Mama has many difficulties, in addition to having to make tough decisions, together with her family. She continues to dream big. Regardless, of all the obstacles involved, the theme is to keep dreaming.
It is common knowledge that money doesn’t buy happiness or does it ? The classic play, “A Raisin in the Sun”, by Lorraine Hansberry seems to analyze this idea. The play tells a story of the Youngers, a poor African American family, who are awaiting the arrival of a ten thousand insurance check from their Dad because he passed away. This check arouses great tension and conflict within the family. Each character has a different idea of what to do with the insurance money as well as different views on the use and importance of money in general. Hansberry used everyday objects to symbolize the Youngers struggle to deal with racism and oppression in their everyday lives, as well as to exemplify their dreams. Mama sees money as a way to help her
Do you believe it's okay to be different? In the book Raisin In the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, Beneatha searches her identity throughout the play. She also wants to be different from her family. How? Beneatha tries everything in her power not to give up on her dream of becoming a doctor. Throughout this play, it shows how this African American family struggles to become successful while going through segregation and racism. Beneatha doesn’t let none of this stop her, difficult situations happen and she has to still figures out who she is. In this play you’ll see how independent Beneatha is, she doesn’t believe in God but she believes in herself and she doesn't want to follow her culture.
In Raisin in the Sun, a play by Lorraine Hansberry, Walter Lee Younger is a married father working as a chauffeur in segregation-rich America, driving for people several times richer than him. The play follows the life of Walter Lee and his role in the Younger family as they reach a climax of a listless, bitter time within their cramped household, with a grandmother, a student, a father, a mother, and a son residing. Following the death of the grandmother’s (Mama’s) spouse, the poor family receives a check for ten thousand dollars. What happens to the money stirs a controversy within the household, and disagreements begin to lead to conflict between family members. Many mistakes are made along the way, including many on the account of Walter
In the play “Raisin in the Sun” the person whose dream was most deferred was Walter Lee. With Walter being the man of the house he struggles against poverty and wanting to provide a better life for his family. In the play, it is Walter’s dream that is deferred and leaves the family devastated. Walter’s dream was to be wealthy to gain pride, dignity, and respect. He believed that he could achieve this dream by opening a liquor store with friends as joint investors. He believed that a man who works for someone else can never truly be great or respected. He is frustrated by his dead-end job and wants to make a better life for his family. Walter feels that he can only give his sun Travis stories about white life and how things are better for other
Burnett constantly questioned why the plant was still alive even though she no longer desired to water it. She had “rang herself bone dry” in order to
The writer believes that it has 2 connotation on Mama conversation because she said about little old plant but the denotation of the ” little old plant” means a plant which already withered. On the other hand, the connotation of “little old plant” means herself because she describes herself with using the connotation of “little old plant”. She tries to convey that even though she already become old but she never lost her dreams. She believes on the magic if her children wanted to work so hard their life would be blessed.
‘In gardening, as with everything in life, there are actions and consequences. For instance, let’s say you are too busy to water your garden for a few days—as a result, your plants would suffer. Or if you place an herb that thrives on low sunlight intensity in an open field, you may get less of a harvest or even kill it. These are simple understandings that come along with attention and awareness of your garden.’(The 7 Spiritual Laws of Gardening. 2016).