The drama titled “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry revolves around the Younger family, a poor African-American, who got the opportunity to break free of poverty through a $10000 insurance money; but the huge demand and desperate intentions over the appropriate way to spend the money made the drama went a long way.
This post intends to view the use of symbolisms in the poem based on the words of the Cosmopolitan Version of A Raisin in the Sun.
(1) Mama’s Plant:- The most clear and open symbol in the play is Mama’s plant. It represents mama’s care and dream for her family. Her first appearance is seen when she moves towards the plant to take care of it. She complains that the plants never get enough light or water but she is proud that it flourishes under her care. This is akin to the care for her children which is unconditional and unending within a less-than-perfect environment for growth.
(2) Beneatha’s Hair:- Beneatha’s Hair at the opening of the play, Beneatha’s hair is straitened. In its place we have radical afro. Her radical afro represents her embracing the African heritage. The action of haircutting is a powerful social statement.
(3) Rats:- The use of rats in the play is analogous to vermin that playing with a vermin indicates the doom likely to befall Travis’ future
