Analysis of the Play A Raisin in the Sun

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Rising in the Sun
A Raisin in the Sun, penned by Lorraine Hansberry, portrays the struggles of the Younger family, an African American household residing in the South Side of Chicago during the 1950s. The family grapples with racial discrimination and economic hardships while striving to fulfill their aspirations. The essay intends to examine the interplay of literary devices such as setting, symbolism, and themes in A Raisin in the Sun to illustrate the characters' challenges and the significance of hope in their lives (Alaqeel 14).
In A Raisin in the Sun, the Younger family resides in a modest apartment on the South Side of Chicago. The living quarters are confined, with only one bathroom and separate bedrooms for each member, except for Travis, who sleeps on the living room couch. This location emphasizes the family's economic hardship and limited prospects due to their social and financial circumstances. The close quarters of the apartment symbolize the family's lack of room and resources, which they must contend with daily (Alaqeel 17).
The play's portrayal of the family's daily struggles is heavily influenced by the setting, underscoring the significance of their living conditions. For instance, the small size of their apartment creates friction between family members, as demonstrated by Walter and Beneatha's argument over the bathroom. Additionally, the lack of privacy caused by the cramped space is evident when Mama's bedroom is converted into a shared area for Ruth and Walter. The confined quarters further affect the family's aspirations and desires for a better life, exemplified by Mama's desire to purchase a larger home with the insurance money. The setting is essential in illustrating the Younger family's living conditions and hardships (Alaqeel 27).
A symbol is a literary tool beyond its literal meaning to represent an idea or concept. In "A Raisin in the Sun," a play by Lorraine Hansberry, symbols convey complex themes and ideas. One example is the plant Mama cares for in their small apartment, representing the family's hopes and dreams for a better future. The struggling plant reflects the family's challenges, but Mama's nurturing care represents her determination to help her family succeed. The life insurance check that arrives also symbolizes the possibility of a better future, offering hope and the promise of achieving their dreams. Using symbols adds depth and meaning to the story, allowing readers to interpret the themes and ideas uniquely (Alaqeel 34).
The importance of symbols in "A Raisin in the Sun" lies in their ability to deepen the story's themes and characters. They convey the struggles and aspirations of the Younger family and provide a relatable lens for readers to connect with their experiences. The plant, for instance, represents hope and perseverance, while the check symbolizes the challenges of social and economic mobility...