A Raisin In The Sun - Figurative Language SPES

The figurative language in Act One Scene One helps to develop a

sense of struggle and conflict through its personification of objects in the
Younger residence. The primary pieces of evidence to support this are
shown by the two quotes “Now the once loved pattern of the couch
upholstery has to fight to show itself”(Hansberry.1.1.1). As well as: “But the
carpet has fought back by showing its weariness”(Hansberry.1.1.1). These
two quotes both contain figurative language that personifies both the couch
upholstery and the carpet as objects in conflict with something. Humans
usually think of the home as a peaceful place, however through her use of
figurative language Hansberry makes it seem as though there is a struggle
within the Younger residence that is so strong that it has permeated the
objects within the house. The second piece of evidence used to support
this claim is “Weariness has, in fact, won in this room”(Hansberry.1.1.1).
This quote not only continues the presence of a conflict in the Younger
residence with the word “won”, but implies through the usage of this word
that there is a force opposing weariness. This opposing forces may have
lost in one room, however the quote signifies that this opposing force is still
present. In conclusion, these two pieces of evidence, through their use of
figurative language in the form of personification, establish a sense of
struggle and conflict within the setting of the Younger residence. Ultimately,
this sense of conflict will manifest itself in the struggles of identity that the
Younger family faces in the midst of racism.