What Does Shakur Dear Mama Mean

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One of the literary devices Shakur successfully uses in "Dear Mama" is symbolism. Many of the symbols in the lyrics representative the success Shakur has been able to enjoy because of his work. For example, Shakur's success means that he is not only able to pay the rent when it's due; "I love payin' rent when the rent's due but also being able to give his mother gifts. "I hope you got that diamond necklace that I sent to you" (Shakur, 1995). Additionally, many of the tropes Shakur integrates into the lyrics are symbolic of "thug life" and street codes. Shakur contends that it was much easier to make a living selling drugs and associating with thugs than it was to provide for a family through legitimate means. Shakur raps, "I hung around with