Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun

A Raisin in the Sun is employing the dramatic techniques of symbolism, satire, sarcasm and contrast. Hansberry applies the technique of symbolism in her play. For instance, Mama's plant is an obvious symbol in the play. The plant is not healthy and Mama takes care of it. She checks it constantly. She wants it to have more sun. Obviously, the plant is a symbol for the family. Mama takes care of the family. They suffer in their poor life and want more sun literally. At the end of the play, Mama intends to take the plant with her to the new life. "It expresses [her]" (II.iii.71) (loos46)
Another example for symbolism is while Mama and Beneatha are talking about getting rid of roaches as they find it detestable, Walter is agreeing on business on the phone with Willy. At the end when Willy runs away with Walter's money it reveals that roach is symbolic for Willy. As Mama wants the sun for her plant, Ruth also asks about the sun in the new house because human also needs sun. So, the sun is another symbol in the play that stands for hope and happiness, while the lack of it is dark and despair. (loos47)

For instance, the black families being bombed in white neighborhoods are a satiric example on how racism has affected many in the play. Another example is the way Walter treats his sister, or the way he sees woman in general. He believes that women should have no ambition in life. He says to Beneatha, “Who the hell told you had to be a doctor”. Then he says, “Go be a nurse like other women – or just get married and be quiet”. His speech shows how narrow-minded he is. This is sarcastic because the one who is preventing Beneatha from achieving her dream is her brother, not the society.