3. Write a short essay about two symbols that you think are important in A Raisin in the Sun. How do these
symbols serve to develop at least one of the play's themes? Analyze the development of these symbols over
the course of the play, and describe the resulting effects on the reader's experience. Be sure to include
examples from the text to support your answer. (30 points)
Two symbols that are very important in this play are Mama's plant and Beneatha's hair. These two
symbols stand for a lot more than just their name, which you will understand when you read, listen, or watch
this play. Symbols are what create the meanings in the stories.
In the case of Mama's plant, the plant just doesn't symbolize a plant that Mama owns. The Plant
symbolizes the family. Mama wants the plant to become big, strong, and flourish in the eyes of people. She
wants this for her family even more. This is why the plant represents more than just a plant.
In the case of Beneatha's hair, it shows and describes all the changes she went through throughout the
play. Her hair shows how she goes through finding her true identity. She likes her hair to be straightened but as
the play goes on she becomes comfortable with where her family came from and her heritage and she lets her
hair become natural with no gimmicks in front of it.
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