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The symbolisms that Hansberry used in her play were small, barely noticed, pieces of the whole play. The plant that Lena waters everyday symbolizes hope: "Well, I always wanted me a garden like I use to see sometimes at the back of the houses down home. This plant is as close as I ever got to having one."" The sunshine that Ruth so dreamily inquires about, "Is there "is there a whole lot of sunlight? Mama (understanding): Yes, child, there's a whole lot of sunshine. This symbolizes a better life, a life where anything can happen. The insurance check has a common meaning to all of the characters; it signifies an answer to all of their prayers. Albeit in today's economy ten thousand dollars does not signify as much as it did fifty years ago. .
The plot of the play seems to be divided between two subjects: an insurance check for ten thousand dollars and racial prejudices that African Americans faced during that time period. It is made very apparent in the beginning that the check is the central focus when Travis states "Mama this is Friday. (Gleefully.) Check coming tomorrow, huh?- The play continues on with the Younger family eagerly awaiting the arrival of the check. When the check finally arrives reality hits home with Lena: .
Mama (She holds the check away from her, still looking at it. Slowly her face sobers into a mask of unhappiness), "Ten thousand dollars. (She hands it to Ruth.) Put it away somewhere Ruth. (She does not look at Ruth; her eyes seem to be seeing something somewhere very far off.) Ten thousand dollars they give you. Ten thousand dollars."" .
The reader, who already knows how Lena feels, can sympathize with her heartache. The check is compensation for her husband's death, yet it does not come close to being enough. Walter, on the other hand, just sees the money as his ticket to prove his manhood to his family and himself. When Lena does not give in to his plans to use the money to start a liquor store he becomes upset, because now his dreams are dashed: .
