In this play A Raisin in the Sun Lorraine Hansberry had many symbols. Lorraine Hansberry chose an African American Family that lived in the South side of Chicago in the 1950s. The family she wanted to base this genre on is the Younger family. The symbols in the story show the strength that the family has and the obstacles the go though. In this paper I will be discussing three major symbols. The three major symbols I chose were Beneatha's hair, Mama's plant, and Mr.Linder.
Beneatha's hair was a symbol. I chose her hair because in the story she was straightening her hair. It symbols that she cared for what people of the world thought and saw her of her. It also symbolized that she was not embracing her heritage. Once she cut her it was a symbol that she did not care for how the world saw her. She also symbolized that natural is beautiful no matter what.
Mama's plant was a symbol. I chose the plant because it symbolized Mama's care and the dream she had for the strength of her family. It symbolized that no matter what they still hang on. In the story Mama says that the plant will never get enough light or water water but she still put her all in the plant like she dose with the family. It also symbolized her dreams of having her own garden and a yard that she can call her own.
Mr.Linder was a symbol. I chose Mr.Linder because I felt like he was a big symbol because he showed the racism of the people of that time. He also symbolized one of obstacles they had to overcome. He also symbolized the way they tried to keep black families out the white neighborhoods. Mr.Linder was a symbol of a text because if Walter Lee did not call him over he would not have came into his manhood.
Lorraine Hansberry gave me some great symbols that I could pick out the story to talk about. Mama's plant, Beneaths's hair, and Mr.Linder were the things that life brought this family. Even though some times the Younger family thought it was over they keep pushing though it all. Beneatha learned life is more than what the world thought of her. Mama's plant kept her dreams alive. Mr.Linder helped Walter to realize that he should never give up his pride or his manhood to achieve his dreams.
