Symbolism in A Raisin in the Sun

Definition A symbol is a physical item that represents something greater than itself. A symbol is a physical item that represents something greater than itself.

What does this symbol represent?

We use symbols to… Represent ideas that are difficult to express Represent ideas that are difficult to express Communicate quickly Communicate quickly Communicate without words Communicate without words Represent ideas in literature and create depth to the plot Represent ideas in literature and create depth to the plot

50 cents Travis asks his mother for 50 cents for a school activity. After his mother says she does not have this meager sum, Walter gives Travis a dollar, telling him to spend the extra on himself. Travis asks his mother for 50 cents for a school activity. After his mother says she does not have this meager sum, Walter gives Travis a dollar, telling him to spend the extra on himself. The 50 cents represents the necessities money can buy The 50 cents represents the necessities money can buy The dollar represents the desire for material goods beyond these needs. The dollar represents the desire for material goods beyond these needs. Walter’s inability to provide for his family Walter’s inability to provide for his family

Kitchen Window This small window, which provides the only natural light coming into the apartment, represents the Younger family's hope for a brighter future. This small window, which provides the only natural light coming into the apartment, represents the Younger family's hope for a brighter future.

Mama’s Plant Mama’s Family. She nurtures the plant just as she nurtures the family. Mama’s Family. She nurtures the plant just as she nurtures the family. Black Americans. The plant struggles to survive with limited exposure to sunlight just as blacks of mid-19th Century America struggle to survive with limited opportunities. Black Americans. The plant struggles to survive with limited exposure to sunlight just as blacks of mid-19th Century America struggle to survive with limited opportunities. Mama’s Tenacity and Pluck. The plant and Mama endure in adverse circumstances. Mama’s Tenacity and Pluck. The plant and Mama endure in adverse circumstances.

Bennie’s Hair Beneatha’s straightened hair represents her acceptance of American norms and her willingness to assimilate. Beneatha’s straightened hair represents her acceptance of American norms and her willingness to assimilate. Beneatha’s natural hair represents her desire to be more “African” and less of an assimilationist. Beneatha’s natural hair represents her desire to be more “African” and less of an assimilationist. The choice between haircuts represents a choice between cultures. The choice between haircuts represents a choice between cultures.