Question

In A Raisin in the Sun, what does the absence of the light in the Youngers' apartment signify, and why does Ruth so desperately hope for light in the new house?

Accepted Answer

The absence of light in the cramped and dingy apartment where the Youngers live signify's a dreary future. This becomes especially clear when the darkness of the current apartment is juxtaposed to the hoped for light in the new house. 
Until the family finally unifies and determines to move into the new house, the family's future is truly bleak. Mama, Walter and Beneatha all have troubles as a family unit. Walter and Ruth may not be able to weather another pregnancy and their relationship may not survive an abortion. The interpersonal future of this family is bleak indeed as the relationships unravel under pressure from a lack of opportunities, lack of space, and a lack of pride. 
The darkness of their situation is symbolized by the darkness of the apartment and Ruth's specific hope for the family to remain intact is symbolized by her hope for light.

Answer

The absence of light in the Younger house makes it feel dingy and depressing, which makes the house unwelcome and sad. This is a metaphor for sadness and depression, implying that the House has no light—meaning hope or joy—in it. The Youngers know that there is no future in that house and that it is a symbol of their lackluster lives, without much hope or positivity.
The new house, they hope, will resolve those issues. The new house represents their future and the changes they’re making in their life, and by hoping it has more light, they’re hoping for a more prosperous, bright, and happy future. This would make it a more joyful, welcoming place, so they are desperately hoping for a brighter and more open life in the future.

Answer

The absence of light in the Youngers' cramped South Side apartment symbolically represents their bleak future and hopeless outlook on life. In general, the members of the Younger family are not content with their current lives. They are forced to live in a tiny, run-down apartment, and their dreams seem nearly impossible to attain. Walter Jr. is not happy working as a lowly chauffeur, and Ruth is contemplating aborting her child because she fears that her family will not be able to make ends meet. Beneatha is by no means content with her life, and Lena desires to move into a comfortable new home.
The light of the new home symbolically represents hope for a better future for the Younger family. Ruth shares the same dream as Lena and desperately hopes to move into a newer, bigger home, where she can raise her family. Ruth resents the fact that Travis must sleep on the couch and does not want to raise another child in the cramped South Side apartment. In contrast, the new home will give Ruth the opportunity to raise her child in the comfortable, spacious environment of her dreams.

Answer

It signifies their "hope" of achieving the American Dream. It is the opportunity that they are so desperately grasping for. This goes hand-in-glove with Mama's plant. Mama says her plant doesn't ever get enough light or water. This is her "family" not getting enough opportunity to thrive. They need a "break". They need a "window of oppotunity", and they get it with the insurance money. It's a small window, because Walter has to "man-up" before he can lead his family the right way. Mama always wants her plant/family to have enough light and water, so they can "grow" together. Ruth, will eventually fill Mama's shoes, and she knows that having more "light"/opportunity, will be essential if the family is going to grow in a possitive direction.
 
This play, by the way, is a FANTASTIC piece to compare to Langston Hughes's poem, "Harlem". The Youngers answer the question that Hughes poses in his poem. What happens to a dream deferred? Yes...it turns ugly, so seize the opportunities you are given and don't set your dreams aside. (The message Beneatha is given by her boyfriend.)

A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry

In A Raisin in the Sun, what does the absence of the light in the Youngers' apartment signify, and why does Ruth so desperately hope for light in the new house?

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