“HEY” (Loud shout). Wasn’t that effective in seizing your attention? The opening scene in the play A Raisin in the Sun was somewhat analogous to that. This paperback allows us to gaze into a the typical black family in Chicago sometime after World War II allowing us to behold the toils that they went through just to consummate their dreams. This maelstrom of a play inscribed by Lorraine Hansberry who captivatingly used the literary techniques such as characterization which as a result allowed us to clearly gain insight on the characters mentality and to form a bond with them. Another key point is her use of symbolism which enchantingly divulges to the readers each Youngers perspective dreams. It is also imperative to grasp her use of imagery that cogently portrayed to us their caste of living. By the same token we must not be negligent of her use of contrast which subsequently shows the variance in the emotions of Walter and Ruth, we must also diagnose Walter lack of empathy for Ruth’s feelings in the story.

To begin, the first scene also has a great amount of characterization. In this opening scene of the play we see that Hansberry has carefully outlined the description for each of the main characters (the Youngers) as a way to properly introduce each character into the play. She opens the play with the description of Ruth (the pessimist of the family) who Hansberry states that though in her early thirties due to numerous disappointments in life appears quite older than she is. This is probably due to her letting her problems control her life, they grown from affecting her on the inside to affecting her overall appearance as well. Lorraine Hansberry has given each member of the family in this opening scene similar intros upon their debut in the play describing their appearance as well as giving slight details about their personality. She also further outlined different characteristics of the characters as the scene progressed. One example of this was while Walter was talking to his wife Ruth while showing ambition towards his dream. Walter tries to coax his wife Ruth into assisting him in his endeavour to get money from Mama’s cheque to open a liquor store so they can use the money made from the business venture to make a way to escape poverty. Though Ruth however looks down on and ignores Walter’s ideas simply telling him to just “eat his eggs”. I find it odd that Hansberry allowed a union between these two people who are almost with Ruth being a person to accept the struggle of life while Walter is willing to step outside of the entrapping walls around them to look for a way out. It seems to me that this opening scene was very effective as an introduction to the play by giving the reader a good understanding of the main characters as well as revealing the various dreams and aspirations of each one of them.

Secondly, Hansberry profoundly displays symbolism in a remarkable way. She does so by providing the audience with a memento that carries us throughout the play with the vast thoughts of what it truly represents. In the opening scene of A Raisin in the Sun it is shown how Mama is concerned about her plant and how she cares for it. Hansberry declares how the plant does not receive as much nurturing as it should yet Mama still tries her best. In my opinion it symbolizes how she cares for her family as well as her dream. She does the best that she can even with the pressure for the insurance money to have different uses she still is able to complete her dream in the end which is why the plant is important because it shows us hope that, even through negativity and hardship, dreams can become reality. Mama attempts to flourish her plant with the intention of beauty and growth which can be compared to how she protects her family and her dream of having a house. This plant evolves through the play with different representations and makes the audience suspenseful of the true necessity of the plant.

Thirdly after close analyzation of the play A Raisin in The Sun: Act 1 Scene 1, I have noticed Lorraine Hansberry impeccable skill of using imagery. It is displayed all over the opening scene as the setting of the play is brought to life when she gives a precise description the Youngers' dwelling. By the information I have collected, I was instantly able to construct a detailed mental picture, which gave me a visual of the main setting of the play. Hansberry states in Act 1 Scene 1 "It's furnishings are typical and undistinguished and their primary feature now is that they clearly had to accommodate the living of too many people for too many years-----and they are tired." This shows that the house has a grotty feel and this is also a direct reflection of the moods and attitudes of the Youngers in the play. By bringing imagery to the play Hansberry was able to show that the Younger's had lived a relatively unwealthy life which aided the development of the gruesome economic situation which the Youngers faced, which was a leading theme in the play. In my view, imagery has served as one of the most contributing factors in the play.

Lastly, Hansberry's diction expresses Walter’s true feelings for Ruth. In the opening scene Hansberry speaks to the reader through the words of Walter. Walter and Ruth’s conversation during breakfast gives the reader a clear mental image of what state Walter’s and Ruth marriage is in. When Walter told Ruth." Just for a second it was you looked real young again. It's gone now" it shows the hostility in the marriage and Walter’s inconsideration for Ruth’s feelings. Although it seems to be a little harsh, the writer made evident that there was indeed a loving side of Walter when he shows concern for his wife asking," What's the matter" when she showed signs of irritation. Personally, I believe the writer carefully selected these words to tell the reader that despite Walter’s scrutinizing comment, he still loves his wife unconditionally. Hansberry's diction effectively showcased Walter’s thoughts and inner most feelings. Through the voice of Walter, Hansberry reveals although he has unbecoming traits, they pale in comparison to the undying love in which he has for Ruth.

In closing, the respect and hunger Hansberry has for literature is apparent in ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. However, the brilliance of the opening scene in this play accolades four abundant fragments of literary devices which have heightened and enriched not only the introductory scene but the entire play. Also, Hansberry’s unforced sustain of our attention and concentration in the initial scene left us to forecast the course the play was heading. Furthermore, the matchlessness and mastermind Hansberry possesses has constructed “the play” “the jaw dropping act”, “the living success” we know as ‘A Raisin in the Sun’.