A Raisin in the Sun: Imagery

   While reading A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, I find the usage of imagery to be purposeful to the overall plot of the play.  To start, the characters are engulfed in a, as they say, "touch of ghettoitis" area (Hansberry).  Hansberry excells in painting the setting of an impoverished family's household for her audience.  In my personal opinion, the dingy environment is what drives Walter and Beneatha to yearn for success.  Without this detailed image of the character's home, the reader would fail to recognize the fierce motivations experienced by Lena's children.  Also, imagery, in this case, set the mood of this American Drama.  Moreover, the dumpy, roach infested house creates a hopeless mood that fits the attitudes of the characters.  Imagery allows the reader to create himself a vivid picture of the environment of the play and make connections with the aspirations of the characters.