About the Raisin in the Sun

Plays and Their Use of Literary Devices

Plays have evolved over time to communicate specific messages or deliver some coded information to the target audience. The employment of a wide variety of literal devices is often how these codings are accomplished. These techniques were also applied in the drama Raisin in the Sun. For instance, this show makes considerable use of metaphors. In addition, this essay examines the use of such a literal method in the play. This is accomplished by comparing characters in the article to the suffering plants described in the performance.

The Character of Mama

In the drama, Mama is the mother of Walter and Beneatha. She is shown as a devout and upright woman. Consequently, the play also puts her as a hardworking and energetic lady; she saves money to invest and make her family live in their dream home (Vargas 46). Due to the nature of her hard work, she is equated to an ailing plant in the play. For example, Mama wants to invest the income in a home that she feels will be good for all her family members. On the other hand, her son Walter is conflicting with her over the same money. He wants to use it to open a liquor brand as he thinks that it will be a shorter route to becoming rich (Wilkerson 450). Again, one can as well say that Mama should not be in any way related to the struggling plant since her condition is not terrible to such an extent. Her daughter is in the course to becoming a doctor, and she is also on the verge of building her dream house (Wilkerson 444).

Reflections on Raisin in the Sun

In conclusion, Raisin in the Sun has been developed in such a way that it gives the viewers numerous issues to ponder and reflect on in life. This paper has just highlighted some of the aspects the play raises that are also highly relevant in the society today. The use of literary devices such as metaphors has also added flavor to the play.

Works Cited

Vargas, José Roberto Saravia. “From Power-over to Power-to: Power Relations of Women in Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun.” Impossibilia. Revista Internacional de Estudios Literarios, no. 4, 2016.

Wilkerson, Margaret B. “A Raisin in the Sun”: Anniversary of an American Classic.“ Theatre Journal, vol. 38, no. 4, 1986, pp. 441-452.