One if the major symbols in a rasin in the sun is "eat your eggs." This is taken by Walter as an example of a setback- how women keep men from achieving their goals. In his eyes, women are supposed to view men as respectable and capable of achieving anything. By this logic, Ruth is silencing Walter's achievement potential by telling him "eat your eggs." The eggs symbolize swallowing your pride and accepting that you can't do anything about your life.
Another symbol is mama's plant. Mama's plant symobolizes the care she gives to her family and also the dreams she has for the growth of the family. She openly states that the plant gets insufficient sunlight and water, yet still she has a sense of pride in it's existence. This plant is a symbol of the family. No matter how much nurturing and care is not recieved, it is still an accomplishment; something to be proud of.
Hansberry uses many symbols throughout this story and one very evident symbol is the check. The check symbolizes hope for the Younger's. Everyone in the family has their different idea of what it is going to be used for. They are all searching for ways this check will help them out of their situation and give them a better life. Their hope is eventually materialized through their new house that Mama bought.
ReplyDeleteIronically, I believe that the symbols like "eat your eggs" and the plant are used by even bigger symbols. Each character in the novel is a symbol of a stereotypical dream that most people have. This is to both show people that read that they accomplish anything, and to show that whites and blacks show no differences. Beneatha represents a righteous individual who is confident in herself and wants to see change. Her character is used to show girls that they can make a difference with a little dream.
ReplyDeleteIn addition to these vital symbols in the play, Hansberry incorporates another representation that contributes to its overall value. Sunlight is a symbol that is significant throughout the story. From early on in this play, references to sunlight are being made. Hansberry uses sunlight to show the hopes and dreams of the Younger household, but oftentimes it is implied that the loss of sunlight results in unfortunate situations for them. The little window in the apartment is an example of the omen of not enough sunlight in the household.
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