Symbols in A Raisin in the Sun
Mama’s Plant
 She nurtures the plant like she nurtures her family
 The plant survives in less-than-perfect conditions, much like the Youngers
have
 Mama doesn’t give up on the plant, much like she doesn’t give up on Walter
 Symbol for the garden that Mama dreams of, yet it’s also a reminder of where
her family has come from and how hard they have worked for success
Money
 Symbol for power, destruction, and hopelessness
 Also a symbol for hope and possibility/opportunity (the insurance check)
 Symbol for greed/obsession with the power that can accompany money
 The insurance check is a symbol for Big Walter’s life, his influence on the
family, and his hopes for their future
The Liquor Store
 Walter’s dream
 Symbol for W.’s self-esteem and ability to fill his role as male provider/head of
household
 Associated with his family’s disapproval/lack of support
 Represents Walter’s inability to overcome obstacles without his family’s love
and support
 Walter’s real “manhood” must come from within – not from an investment in
a liquor store.
“Eat your eggs.”
 Symbol for Walter being forced to settle for a life that doesn’t meet his
expectations
 Symbol for Ruth’s preference for realism over idealism
 Symbol for the lack of support Walter experiences in his quest to achieve his
dream
 Symbol for the obstacles faced by African-Americans during the 1950s
Beneatha’s Hair
 Represents B. embracing her heritage, and not forcing her hair to conform to
the (white) majority
 “Black/what’s natural is beautiful”
 Symbol for B.’s anti-assimilationist beliefs
 Identity formation
 Rejection of George/respect for and interest in Asagai
The House with a Garden
 Symbol for the family’s dreams, hopes, and goals
 Garden = symbol for the family’s growth throughout the story (and their
expected growth in the future)
 Property = ownership, dignity, and pride
 Symbol for Travis’ future and the hope that has been passed down through 5
generations
 Symbol for courage – the Youngers’ willingness to take chances and face
obstacles in order to achieve their dreams