preview

Themes Of Symbolism In A Raisin In The Sun

Decent Essays

focusing on the little things going in her life at the moment such that poverty heavily influences what one can do. SETTING 1. Place and Symbolic Significance A Raisin in the Sun takes place in Southside Chicago. The entire Younger family shares a cramped, two bedroom apartment. When the play begins, the kitchen is shown to be as small as a closet. Throughout the play, most if not all action takes place in the living room, which serves as a multipurpose dining room as well as bedroom. Located on each side of the living space is a bedroom. The bathroom is communal, and is located outside. 2. Time Period and Contextual Significance The events that happened in this play occurred between World War II and 1958. During the 1950s in America, people of color were being racially segregated in society by those who believed they were of higher importance and quality. 3. Time Span A few months pass. CONFLICTS 1. Main Conflict a. Type of Conflict The Younger’s vs. Racism – external b. Values Embodied in Conflict Man vs. Idea c. Thematic Significance of Conflict The Younger’s, badly treated by others; have a hard time finding themselves – both culturally and individually. Race plays a major role in their ranking in the social class and limits what they can or can’t do on a day to day basis. Their moving into a white community comes to a halt, as they are not welcomed by the neighborhood committee. Living life as one of color is not easy; instead it is bombarded constantly with fear and life scaring threats. 2. Minor Conflicts and Thematic Significance A minor conflict that characters in A Raisin in the Sun face is that of financial instability. Due to the large percentage of African Americans who were in debt and in poverty at the time, money was a big part of everyday life. It controlled what people did and bought. Money prohibited the Younger’s from moving to a house where everyone would be able to have personal space of their own since the beginning. Instead, it happened by the $10,000 inheritance check that was given. Even with all the hard work that was put into finding them a new home, the white neighborhood association offered them money to stay away, as they weren’t appreciated. SYMBOLS AND MOTIFS

Get Access