The Symbolism of House Plants

Literary devices are used by authors to unite a common theme within their work. The device providing the most unity within the play A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry is the house demonstrate Lena Younger, or florists chrysanthemum, so adamantly protects and nurtures throughout the play.The symbolism associated with this plant provides insight into Mamas attitudes toward her family and her belief that they can succeed in their dreams.The plants continual visual aspect shows how necessary this symbol is to provide unity in the play. The symbolism behind the plant takes on many layers, but it always connects back to Mama and her sleep with for her family.In the first scene of the play, Mama is depicted as nurturing her house plant. change surface in the opening scenes, she is drawn to care for the plant, much as she is drawn toward warmth and protecting her family.Mama is always the caregiver in the play. She is the fountainful matriarch that gives strength to the family. Much give care the plant is the unifying symbol of the play, Mamas power often makes her the unifying force within her family. Mamas power is established through a variety of sources. She is the family elder.After the death of Mr. Younger, Mama is Walter and Beneathas lonely(prenominal) surviving parent, but she is also the economic center of the family. After years of hard labor, Mr. Youngers death has provided his family with an insurance settlement of ten constant of gravitation dollars, which the entire family wants, but Mama holds firmly in her hands.Mamas complaints that the plant would do so much better if it only had a little more(prenominal) light, echo her beliefs that her family would prosper if allowed to escape the suffocating environment of their cramped apartment. Mama never stops believing in the potential for the plant to grow and thrive, fairish as she never stops believing in her dream for her family.Even when Walter does the unthinkable and loses Mamas money in a financial gamble, Mama never stops believing. Her family has gone through too much, and she refuses to be forced into submission.Leaving the apartment now becomes risky, the family does not have all the money to guarantee an easy transition, and Mama is forced on many occasions to reconsider to familys move. Mamas dreams are inevitably too strong, and the family eventually moves in to their new photographic plate regardless of the risk.The theme of overcoming resistance in pursuit of a dream is continued when Mr. Lindner visit the family. Even though he suggests that their family may not be wanted in Clybourne Park because of its racial segregation, Mama is convinced that her family must escape the confines of their apartment in order to prosper.Because of her belief in her familys ability to grow, she leads the family in turning down Mr. Lindners monetary offer. Mama believes that the plant, like the family, simply needs a little more room to grow. give care the plant, Mama always encourages her family to grow.She supports her family various dreams, and consistently empowers them so that they will be able to reach them. She even violently apposes the idea of Ruth having an abortion because, like the plant, killing one of the familys members would, in essence, destroy the plant.Mamas plant is practice for her dream of a home with a garden and a yard. Even her moderate success with the houseplant is enough to convince Mama that she will be a successful gardener. Similarly, her success with her children encourages Mama that her family will continue to be a success, if given the right environment.The plant itself becomes fuel for Mamas passionate pursuit of her dream for herself and for her family. As the play closes, Mama symbolically returns to the apartment, rescuing the plant its custody there. The play is left open-ended.No precise details are given concerning the familys decision or their pursuit of their goals. The reader is, never the less, left believing that the plant and the family will thrive in their new home because of Mamas belief in them.