Symbolism and Irony in Raisin in the Sun

The Folkloric Elements in "A Raisin in the Sun": A Study in Cultural Representation

Introduction

The American Folklore Society (AFS) defines folklore as "the traditional art, literature, knowledge, and practices that are disseminated largely through oral communication and behavioral example" (AFS). This definition encapsulates the wealth of cultural elements, beliefs, practices, and norms that get passed down from generation to generation. Lorraine Hansberry's play "A Raisin in the Sun" stands as a vivid representation of this folklore definition. The play intricately entwines elements of folklore to shape the characters and their lives, reflecting the shared experiences of the African American community. This paper will show how oral traditional narratives, customs, symbols and even the use of irony are important factors in the weaving of the folkloric elements of the play.

The Tapestry of Folklore

The Younger family in "A Raisin in the Sun" resides amidst a woven tapestry of folklore, where tales, stories, and customs significantly shape their life experiences. One such instance involves the narrative of Big Walter. According to the American Folklore Society, oral tradition, an essential element of folklore, is classified as "traditional sayings, proverbs, tales, myths, and legends orally passed down over generations" (AFS). In the play, Mama fondly recollects how Big Walter exerted himself "to death" (Hansberry 42), in an attempt to provide for his family, thereby portraying an almost legendary figure that profoundly impacts the family's choices and actions.

This use of oral tradition is not just a storytelling tool for Hansberry, but it is also a vehicle to shape the identity of her characters, reflecting the importance of intergenerational narratives in the African American community. In a broader cultural context, scholars like Zora Neale Hurston have underscored the importance of oral tradition in African American literature, asserting that these stories serve as a cultural repository, preserving and conveying values, historical memory, and wisdom (Hurston).

Oral narratives, such as the tale of Big Walter, function as a form of communal memory, allowing successive generations to understand their past, contextualize their present, and envision their future. They carry valuable life lessons, moral codes, and cultural norms. The significance of these narratives extends beyond the scope of mere entertainment. As noted by Hurston, they are "the boiled-down juice of human living" (Hurston 98), encapsulating collective wisdom and experiences. In Hansberry's play, the tale of Big Walter not only shapes the Younger family's understanding of work ethic and sacrifice but also influences their aspirations, decisions, and sense of responsibility.

These narratives underscore the collective nature of folklore, as every recollection adds a layer of shared experiences and values. Bronner has explained that folklore is a kind of community expression, and the study of folklore is the search for meaning in the context of community (24). The tale of Big Walter, as a form of folklore, therefore becomes a lens to understand the broader community values that shape the experiences of the Younger family.

Thus, the folkloric element of oral tradition, as exemplified in "A Raisin in the Sun," is an essential part of African American culture. It captures the shared narratives of resilience, struggle, aspiration, and community spirit, illuminating the significance of storytelling in cultural preservation and identity formation. Thus, through her characters and their stories, Hansberry provides a vivid insight into the rich tapestry of African American folklore.

Customs

The exploration and incorporation of customs is another essential facet of folklore according to the American Folklore Society (AFS), and is woven into the narrative of "A Raisin in the Sun". Described by the AFS as "traditional practices and habits," including "rites, rituals, and ceremonies" (AFS), customs make a distinctive appearance in the play through the character of Beneatha. Her journey to rediscover her African roots reveals an active engagement with African customs, showcased through practices such as traditional dance and hair braiding.

Beneatha's exploration of her African roots can be seen as a reflection of the broader cultural and historical context of African Americans' experiences. For many African Americans, customs and traditions have served as powerful means of connecting with their African heritage, offering a sense of identity and belonging. This cultural reconnection, also known as the Black Arts Movement or the Afrocentric Movement, became prevalent during the 1960s and 1970s (Neal).

In the play, Beneatha's engagement with African dance and traditional attire serves as a vibrant, dynamic expression of this cultural reconnection. In Act II, when Beneatha dances to Nigerian music in traditional robes (Hansberry 78), it is not just a form of entertainment or aesthetic spectacle. It is a powerful assertion of identity and cultural heritage, serving as a vivid representation of her journey to rediscover and embrace her roots. This scene also introduces a significant contrast with other characters in the play, especially those adhering to more Western or Americanized lifestyles, further emphasizing the importance and impact of cultural customs in shaping individual identity and societal relationships.

Likewise, traditional beliefs are another element of folklore highlighted by the American Folklore Society (AFS) that are woven into the narrative fabric of "A Raisin in the Sun". According to AFS, "traditional beliefs or superstitions" often manifest in cultural narratives and practices, thereby becoming a significant part of folklore (AFS). Within the play, the small, struggling plant Mama cherishes embodies these elements of folklore. Symbolic of her hope for a brighter future, the plant's resilience within the harsh urban environment parallels the family's determination amidst adversity (Hansberry 56). This faith in the survival of the plant and its linkage with the family's destiny showcase the intertwining of folklore within the lives of the characters.

Hansberry uses the plant as a visual symbol of the family's aspirations and resilience, amplifying the theme of survival and endurance despite hostile circumstances. In many cultures, plants often represent growth, renewal, and the cycle of life, underscoring the deeply ingrained folkloric associations with nature. Therefore, Mama's plant is not merely a domestic object; it is a potent symbol of life, hope, resilience, and tradition, representing a fundamental belief in the possibility of better times despite the adversities the family currently faces.

Furthermore, Hansberry skillfully incorporates irony throughout the play, casting a spotlight on the intricacies and paradoxes of the folklore depicted. The contrast between Walter's fixation on financial prosperity as a means to uplift the family's status and Mama's more traditional beliefs, including the importance of family unity and hard work, creates an ironic juxtaposition. This interplay between modern aspirations and traditional values brings to the fore the intergenerational tension inherent in the acceptance or rejection of cultural customs, a recurring theme in folklore studies.

This disparity in interpreting the American dream between the older and younger generations within the family constructs a layered narrative, further enriching the play's portrayal of folklore. While Mama embodies a traditional worldview that values familial unity and hard work, Walter is more aligned with capitalist values, which can be seen as a rejection or evolution of his cultural heritage. This tension points towards the dynamic nature of folklore, as it evolves and adapts within changing cultural and social contexts, highlighting the intricate and multifaceted nature of folklore within society.

Hansberry's use of irony throughout the play illuminates the complexities of the folklore presented. It also helps to keep the play’s folkloric elements bound together: it serves as a kind of pattern that gives the elements a form or theme to support. Walter's obsession with money as a means to elevate the family's status starkly contrasts with Mama's more traditional beliefs, such as valuing family unity and hard work. The folkloric elements benefit from this context and the irony within it, as it gives them something to explore. This irony underscores the intergenerational tension in adopting or resisting cultural customs, which is also a frequent theme in folklore. The differing interpretations of the American way of life between the older and younger generations within the family create a dynamic narrative that enriches the play’s depiction of folklore.