Flowers

A Raisin in the Sun
Lorraine Hansberry

"Lord , if this little old plant don't get more sun than it's been getting it ain't never going to see spring again (Hansberry, 40).  This small, seemingly insignificant, plant represents a much greater aspect of this play. The plant can be symbolic of the Younger family's dreams. Without sunlight and other nourishment, the plant would wither and die. Similarly, postponed dreams shrink out of one's thoughts, and eventually the dream can vanish altogether. This plant physically represented Mama's dream to own a garden of her own. Near the end of the play, Mama looked to secure her plant while the family packed to move. She planned to bring the plant with her to her new garden, and she did at the end when the family left the apartment. Mama's action of carrying the plant with her to the new house shows that one should always carry with him his dreams. Other events may occur in life, but they should not dissuade one from his dreams. Even though achieving one's dream may take many years, he should continue to nourish and work toward his dream. Keeping the dream allows one to add to the dream upon each successful measure to attain happiness.