Examples Of Allusion In A Raisin In The Sun

The hidden meanings in the references that authors write about, when they write their novels or plays, change how a play or book is thought of and also commences the development of better critical thinking skills.. In the play, A Raisin In The Sun, Lorraine Hansberry uses many different types of literary devices for the play to have a deeper meaning or idea than what is just read. Taking place during the 1950’s in Southside Chicago, the play is about an African American family who live through many struggles, racially and financially. When the father dies and the Younger family receives $10,000, their hopes and dreams are possible and may come true. It is until they lose their money that they realized they “aimed to high”(140), especially Mama and Walter Younger.

Washington was one example of a historical allusion in the play. In the play, when we are introduced to Mrs.Johnson, a neighbor of the Younger family. Mama and Mrs.Johnson are talking with each other and Mrs. Johnson talks about how the Younger family has a lot of pride and how she thinks of what Booker T. Washington said, “Education has spoiled many a good plow hand”(103). This is referring to how Booker T. Washington thought that if you are going to have an education, than it should be more of an industrial profession, such as in something about farming. This creates a conflict between the two women because Mama doesn't want her children to stay in the industrial professions but higher up in a profession, such as medically or politically. This section of the play also shows how African Americans were divided up because of how they believed in education. Many sided with Booker T. Washington for more of an industrial profession and education, while others sided with W.E.B DuBois, who thought education should be more focused on equal professions to the white people, such as in politics. This clash is shown when Mama responds to Mrs. Johnson's remark, “Well, it sounds just like him. A