Analyzing Lorraine Hansberrys 'A Raisin in the Sun': An Exploration of Themes, Symbolism, Setting, and Narrative Voice (Rough Draft)

Introduction

"A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry, first performed in 1959, is a play that captures the dreams and aspirations of a working-class African-American family, the Youngers, who are grappling with issues of race, class, and identity in a racially segregated Chicago. The play utilizes symbolism, a specific setting, and first-person narrative to convey its themes and deepen its exploration of the human condition.

Thematic Analysis

One of the major themes of "A Raisin in the Sun" is the centrality of dreams and aspirations. Each member of the Younger family has their own dreamWalter Lee's desire to own a business, Beneatha's aspiration to become a doctor, and Mama's wish for a house with a yard. These dreams act as a driving force for the characters, pushing them towards their goals, yet they also contribute to the family's tensions and conflicts.

Each dream represents different aspects of the African-American experience (Carter). Walter Lee's dream of owning a business mirrors the yearning for economic self-determination and upward mobility among African-Americans during the Civil Rights Movement. Beneatha's aspiration to become a doctor reflects the quest for educational opportunities and professional recognition often denied to African-Americans due to systemic racism. Finally, Mama's dream for a house signifies the pursuit of safe and decent living conditions, a basic human right that was, and still is, frequently denied to racial minorities.

Hansberry's title, drawn from Langston Hughes's poem "Harlem," poignantly questions what happens to a dream deferreddoes it dry up, or does it explode? This query resonates with each character's personal dreams. While Beneatha and Mama manage to keep their dreams alive despite obstacles, Walter's dream of economic freedom gets deferred, leading to frustration and near ruin for the family. The dream's potential to "explode" serves as a metaphor for societal unrest caused by racial and economic inequality (Hughes).

The characters' pursuit of their dreams reflects their struggle for freedom, equality, and dignity. In the end, their dreams don't merely symbolize personal aspirations; they represent the collective hopes of African-American people during a tumultuous era.

Symbolism

Symbolism is a recurring device in Hansberry's play. One of the prominent symbols in the play is the insurance money from Big Walter's death. It symbolizes the Younger family's hopes for a better future. Walter Lee sees it as the means to achieve his entrepreneurial dream, while Mama envisions it as the ticket to a better home environment. It encapsulates both the dreams and divisions within the Younger family. However, its potential misuse also presents a threat to family unity, reflecting the vulnerability of dreams in the face of greed and desperation.

Another powerful symbol in the play is the houseplant that Mama lovingly tends to. Mama's houseplant symbolizes her dream of owning a house with a garden, representing a desire for growth, life, and stability. The plant struggles to...…educated African-American woman in a racially segregated society. Her discussions with Asagai about assimilation versus heritage, presented in the first-person narrative, highlight her internal conflict and her struggle to reconcile her dreams with her cultural identity.

Mama's earnest aspirations for her family, expressed through her heartfelt monologues and conversations, underscore the universal maternal desire for a better future for one's children. Her steadfast belief in the value of family unity and her determination to secure a better living environment reveal the depth of her character and the magnitude of her dreams.

The first-person narrative voice in "A Raisin in the Sun" not only offers an intimate insight into each character's psyche but also encapsulates the diverse experiences of African-Americans in the mid-20th century. Its a testament to Hansberry's masterful storytelling that each voice, while unique, collectively tells a universal tale of dreams, struggle, and resilience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "A Raisin in the Sun" is a remarkable piece of literature that powerfully explores themes of dreams, identity, and racial segregation through its effective ue of symbolism, setting, and narrative voice. The play's ultimate relevance is a testament to Hansberry's skillful examination of human hopes, dreams, and strugglesa testament to the power of theater to reflect and question society, using the elements of symbolism, narration, theme, and setting.

Works Cited

Carter, Steven R. "Hansberry's Drama: Commitment amid Complexity." University of Illinois

Press, 1991.

Hansberry, Lorraine. "A Raisin in the Sun." Vintage, 2004.

Hughes, Langston. "Harlem." The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes, Vintage Classics, 1994.

Matz, Jesse.Literary impressionism…