User:Chengezsingh

Critical Analysis of "A Raisin in the Sun"

The play has a very strong view on Feminism in the 1960's. The three characters which are women; Mama, Ruth and Benetha show an influence over themen of the family. They are the main supporters of the family, because Walter is too lazy to do anything or care about his family, since all that is important to him is money. Mama is by far the dominant female in the family, since she directly gave Benetha orders to say "there is still a god in my mothers house" and Benetha obeyed her, so that makes Mama dominant over Her. Now Ruth, listens to Mama and respects her as the sole leader of the household, because she is the oldest and wisest. The women of Raisin in the sun all are very important because of there roles and personalities.

The importance of children in this play is that of a great influence. Walter, Benetha and Travis are the only "children" of the play and they all play an important role. Walter displays an unselfish characteristic that is overshadowed by unwise decisions in the play In one particular scene, his son Travis asked both parents for money. Walter acts out of pride and little motivation by giving Travis his last pocket change. This symbolizes Walter's willingness to be a good father. In a different situation, Walter wouldn't display his selfish intentions. This behavior can be attributed to working in a degrading, underpaid position and not seeing results. Another reason for the importance of children in the play is that if Mama hadn't told Travis to stay in the apartment when Walter was going to sell out to Lindler, then Walter would not of stood up to Lindner, and he would of sold the house. He didnt do this because he wanted the respect of his children, and to not look like someone who could easily be persuaded into things.

The symbols in A Raisin in the Sun were a very important aspect of the play. The four main symbols were; Mamas plant, Walters liquor store, Ruths unborn child and the house in Clyborne Park. Mama's plant is the main symbol of the story. The purpose of the plant is to show hope. Mama perpetually tends to her small window plant and returns to it at the conclusion of the play. Because of her love for foliage, the family buys her gardening tools and a gardening hat as a moving gift. It is something genuine that Mama loves and that she can grow and tend to on her own. It's main purpose is to show that you should never give up and always have hope. Walter's liquor store is another symbol in that is shows that you shouldn't waste money on "shady" things and not all people can be trusted. When Willy Harris runs off with Walters money, Walter realizes that he has done wrong and needs to do something to redeem himself. Ruth's unborn child symbolizes the future, and what my stories it could bring. Walter wants her to get an abortion foreshadowing that they might have a bad future. The unborn baby is a symbol in that some look for the future, while others hide from it. The house in Clybourne Park symbolizes a new beginning, or a fresh start. It shows that everyone in the Younger family needs a fresh start and that they will be willing to do anything for one.