Symbols in A Raisin in the Sun (Free Essay Sample)

Natural hair, food, a potted plant, and a somber, tiny apartment– all things that sound like a small part of a big story, but they actually connect to each of the characters in a special way. Throughout the story of the Youngers journey of internal growth and accomplishing their dreams of making it out of their apartment, the author uses symbolism to create smaller storylines throughout the play that make the reader have a better understanding and connection to the characters. Most recurring topics or things that are brought up several times throughout the story are actually meant to symbolize something bigger, and they add dimensions to each characters’ individuality instead of just building onto the growing relationships of each character. The symbolism allows the reader to understand the characters on a deeper level than just their relations to other characters, and leaves room for each character to have its own unique traits.

Food is the main symbol in the play, since it links to Beneatha’s nickname given to her from Asagai and since it is an overall symbol of care and affection. Asagai gave Beneatha the nickname “Alaiyo”, because it means “one who food is not enough for”. “It means One for Whom Bread-Food-Is Not Enough. Is that alright?” (Hansberry 43). He is admiring her passion of always needing more, and working past the bare minimum. In the scene where Walter is overreacting because he is drunk, Ruth tries to give him something just so he can have a full belly. “Walter: No I don't want no coffee… Ruth: What else can I give you, Walter Lee Younger?” (Hansberry 88), when Ruth gives Walter hot milk, it shows how even though she can’t fix all his problems all the time, she can at least give him something to fill his stomach when he’s intoxicated. 

Mama’s plant is meant to symbolize her giving up on her dream of having a garden, and also symbolizes her unwilling commitment to the apartment. When Mama says “Now I don’t have to use my knives and forks no more…” (Hansberry 98), it represents that her longterm dream of having a garden is promised, and right around the corner. “She goes to her plant… picks it up and takes it to the window-sill and sits it outside, and she stands and looks at it a long moment” (Hansberry 113). This moment in the play showed how Mama gave up on her dream of moving into the house right after she found out about losing the money.

Beneatha changing her hair from being straightened to being natural represents her leaving her assimilated self in the past, and becoming more in touch with her culture. Beneatha gets offended at first when Asagai says “you wear it well… very well… mutilated hair and all.” (Hanberry 61), but then he tells her he is just teasing her because she is so serious about the littlest remarks people make. When Ruth says to Beneatha, “Girl, you done lost your natural mind!? Look at your head!” (Hansberry 80), Beneatha tries to keep her cool, and she just says she cut it off. Bennie cut off her hair because it was so damaged from “mutilating” it for years with a straightener. Now, when her hair grows back, she will be able to show off her natural, healthy curls. Letting go of her straightened hair symbolizes her letting go of the assimilated part of herself.

Hansberry used symbolism and personification to bring the apartment to life and connect to the characters. Without the use of elaborate symbols and literary devices, the book would not have nearly as strong of a connection as it does between the characters and the reader. Most recurring topics or things that are brought up several times throughout the story are actually meant to symbolize something bigger, and they add dimensions to each characters’ individuality instead of just building onto the growing relationships of each character.