A Raisin In The Sun Symbolism

What if someone worked so hard, had all the traits to earn something, but yet still could not achieve their goals. This is the harsh, but true reality for African Americans during the 1950’s. During this period racial inequality was very relevant, and numerous African Americans encountered racism in their way of pursuing the American dream. In the play “A Raisin in the Sun" Mama's plant, the eggs, and the purchase of the house are used as symbols to represent the characters' aspirations and obstacles they face while finding their identity and chasing the American Dream. These symbols reflect the racial inequality and economic hardship experienced by the Younger family as they chase their version of the American dream. Through the use of symbolism,

Mama's desire for a garden reflects her desire for a brighter future, despite the harsh reality of the Younger family's circumstances being lower class African Americans in a very segregated environment. She tends to the plant with love and care, just as she does with her family, and views the plant as a symbol of hope and resilience. The statement "Well, I always wanted me a garden …This plant is close as I ever got to having one." (Hansberry) highlights her desire for a better life. The Youngers have a very somber, dreamless mood at the beginning of the play. This can be symbolized through Mama's plant, “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." (Hansberry, 16) The plant's lack of sunlight and the desperate efforts to save it reflects the Youngers' initial sense of hopelessness and lack of direction. However, as the play progresses, Walter's dream for a better life sparks a change in the family's outlook, just as the plant begins to thrive under Mama's care. Overall, Mama's plant serves as a powerful symbol of the family's journey towards hope, a brighter future, and the American

When Ruth dismisses Walter's ambitious plans for the future by saying "Eat your eggs, they gonna be cold." (Act I, Scene I), it portrays the struggle that African Americans go through while chasing their dreams in a country that is filled with systematic racism. The eggs represent the reality that many black Americans face, where their dreams are often not reached due to societal and economic barriers within the country. Walter's reaction to Ruth's lack of support illustrates the frustration that many people of color feel as they try to break out of this racial inequality. He believes that he needs a woman's support, and says “A man needs a woman to back him up.” (Hansberry) Walter also feels that colored women are part of the problem in society. Ultimately, the eggs serve as a powerful symbol of the challenges that black Americans have faced in their journey to achieve their