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,...…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 plays depiction of folklore.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "A Raisin in the Sun" is a neatly woven tapestry of folkloric elements that reaches deep into the elements of storytelling in all its forms to explore themes of life. As a result, the play resonates with the traditional beliefs, customs, and oral traditions of the African American community, revealing their importance in shaping identity and cultural understanding. Hansberry successfully integrates the various elements of folklore into her play, allowing them to drive the narrative and characterization, and providing a deep insight into the folklore inherent within the African American community. This integration of folklore is not only reflective of the lived experiences of the characters but also serves as an authentic portrayal of a communitys shared cultural heritage.

Works Cited

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