Mama’s Dream
...imity helps the reader link these two aspects of the play. This also helps us to realize her dream to have a garden and a home. In her first scene Mama goes over to the plant and “feels the dirt. (1.1)” She seems to believe her gardening skills are adequate and by taking care of the plant helps her to keep her dream alive. I think that this is an important symbol for two reasons. First the character of Mama is very important as she acts as a coagulant and keeps the family together. We later find out that she has purchased a house for her and her family. In this aspect she is taking care of her children. Second, it is also her dream to have a garden of her own and this dream is ultimately realized when she buys the house. In act two Mama states, “I ain’t got nothing, I don’t own nothing, ain’t never really wanted anything that wasn’t for you. (2.2)” I think this shows Mama’s true intentions. That she puts her family first and her dream second. This is also an important part of the play because it is where Mama gives Walter $6,500 and tells him to put half in a savings account for Beneatha’s schooling. This to me is like Mama nurturing her plant. She is trying to help her son grow. She gives him the money and says, “I’m telling you to be the head of the family from now on like you supposed to be. (2.2)” At the end of act two Beneatha asks, “Are you going to take that to the new house? That raggedy-looking thing?” Mama replies, “It expresses ME! (2.3)” This shows that Mama still thinks the plant an important sign of her own dream. She is so close to having reached her dream, but still she will not give up that plant. In act three, at the end of the play, Mama is about to leave the apartment and puts down the plant. She takes a look around and walks out the door. Moments later she returns...