“The Drinking Gourd” is a short story by Lorraine Hansberry that explores themes of freedom, oppression, and the power of community. Through a close literary analysis, this article will uncover the symbolism present in the story and examine how it contributes to the overall meaning and message of the work. From the titular “drinking gourd” to the characters’ names and actions, this analysis will reveal the layers of meaning in Hansberry’s powerful tale.
The Drinking Gourd: A Literary Analysis
The Drinking Gourd by Lorraine Hansberry is a powerful and thought-provoking play that explores the themes of freedom, identity, and the struggle for equality. The play is set in the 1950s and follows the story of a young African American woman named Lutiebelle, who is trying to make a better life for herself and her son in Chicago. As she navigates the challenges of poverty, racism, and sexism, Lutiebelle is forced to confront the harsh realities of the world around her and to question her own beliefs and values.
One of the most striking aspects of The Drinking Gourd is its use of symbolism. The title of the play refers to a traditional African American folk song that was used as a code for slaves escaping to freedom on the Underground Railroad. The drinking gourd was a symbol for the North Star, which was used as a guide for those seeking freedom. In the play, the drinking gourd represents the hope and resilience of the African American community in the face of oppression and injustice.
Another important symbol in the play is the character of Bub, Lutiebelle’s son. Bub is a symbol of the future and the potential for change. He represents the hope that the next generation will be able to overcome the obstacles that Lutiebelle and her peers have faced.
Overall, The Drinking Gourd is a powerful and moving play that uses symbolism to explore the complex themes of freedom, identity, and the struggle for equality. Through its vivid characters and powerful imagery, the play offers a compelling and thought-provoking commentary on the African American experience in the 1950s and beyond.
Historical Context
The Drinking Gourd by Lorraine Hansberry was written during a time of great social and political upheaval in the United States. The Civil Rights Movement was in full swing, and African Americans were fighting for their rights and equality. The novel was published in 1956, just two years after the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision, which declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional. The novel is set in the South, where segregation was still very much a part of daily life. The historical context of the novel is crucial to understanding the symbolism and themes that Hansberry explores. The Drinking Gourd is a powerful commentary on the struggle for freedom and equality, and it is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of oppression.
Symbolism of the Drinking Gourd
The Drinking Gourd, a play written by Lorraine Hansberry, is a powerful piece of literature that explores the themes of freedom, identity, and the African American experience. One of the most significant symbols in the play is the drinking gourd, which serves as a metaphor for the Underground Railroad and the journey to freedom. The drinking gourd was a common object used by slaves to collect and transport water, but it also had a hidden meaning. The gourd was used as a secret code for slaves to follow the North Star and escape to freedom. The play uses this symbol to represent the hope and determination of the African American community to overcome oppression and achieve freedom. Through the use of the drinking gourd, Hansberry highlights the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The symbolism of the drinking gourd is a powerful reminder of the struggles and triumphs of the African American community and serves as a call to action for all those who seek to fight for justice and equality.
The Importance of the North Star
The North Star, also known as Polaris, has been a guiding light for travelers for centuries. It is a fixed point in the sky that can always be relied upon to indicate true north. In The Drinking Gourd by Lorraine Hansberry, the North Star is a powerful symbol of hope and freedom for the characters who are escaping slavery. The North Star represents a beacon of light in the darkness, a constant reminder of the direction they must travel to reach their goal. Without the North Star, the characters would be lost and directionless, unable to navigate the treacherous terrain of the Underground Railroad. The importance of the North Star cannot be overstated in this novel, as it serves as a powerful symbol of the characters’ determination and resilience in the face of adversity.
The Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by African American slaves to escape to freedom in the North or Canada. The Drinking Gourd, a song that was used as a code for slaves to follow the North Star to freedom, is a powerful symbol of the Underground Railroad. Lorraine Hansberry’s play, A Raisin in the Sun, also touches on the theme of the Underground Railroad as the Younger family discusses the possibility of moving to a white neighborhood. The symbolism of the Drinking Gourd and the Underground Railroad highlights the bravery and determination of those who fought for freedom and equality.
The Characters and Their Symbolism
The characters in Lorraine Hansberry’s The Drinking Gourd are not just mere individuals, but rather symbols that represent different aspects of the African American experience. The protagonist, Johnny, is a young slave who dreams of freedom and represents the hope and resilience of the black community. His mother, Aunt Easter, is a wise and strong-willed woman who embodies the strength and determination of black women. The white plantation owner, Mr. Waller, represents the oppressive system of slavery and the white supremacy that dominated the South during that time.
The character of Lucy, a young white girl who befriends Johnny, represents the possibility of interracial unity and the potential for change. Her father, however, is a stark contrast to her character, as he embodies the racism and bigotry that was prevalent in the white community.
Each character in The Drinking Gourd serves a purpose in highlighting the different aspects of the African American experience and the struggle for freedom. Through their interactions and relationships, Hansberry creates a complex and nuanced portrayal of the black experience during slavery.
The Theme of Freedom
The theme of freedom is a prevalent motif in Lorraine Hansberry’s The Drinking Gourd. Throughout the play, the characters struggle to attain their freedom, whether it be from slavery or from the societal constraints placed upon them. The drinking gourd, a symbol of the Underground Railroad, represents the hope and possibility of freedom for the characters. The play highlights the importance of freedom and the lengths people will go to achieve it. The characters’ desire for freedom is a universal theme that resonates with audiences today, making The Drinking Gourd a timeless piece of literature.
Racial Injustice and Discrimination
The Drinking Gourd by Lorraine Hansberry is a powerful play that explores the themes of racial injustice and discrimination. Through the story of a young African American girl named Liza, Hansberry highlights the struggles that black people faced during the Civil Rights Movement. The play is set in the 1960s, a time when segregation and discrimination were still prevalent in many parts of the United States.
One of the key symbols in the play is the drinking gourd, which was a code name used by slaves to refer to the Big Dipper constellation. The drinking gourd was used as a guide to help slaves escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad. In the play, Liza’s grandmother tells her the story of the drinking gourd and how it was used by her ancestors to escape slavery. This symbol represents the hope and resilience of the black community in the face of oppression.
Hansberry also explores the theme of racial injustice through the character of Liza’s father, who is a civil rights activist. He is arrested and beaten by the police for protesting against segregation, highlighting the violence and brutality that black people faced during this time. The play also touches on the issue of colorism within the black community, as Liza’s lighter-skinned cousin is treated differently than her darker-skinned siblings.
Overall, The Drinking Gourd is a powerful commentary on the struggles of the black community during the Civil Rights Movement. Through its use of symbolism and character development, the play highlights the resilience and strength of the black community in the face of discrimination and injustice.
The Use of Imagery and Metaphor
In Lorraine Hansberry’s The Drinking Gourd, the use of imagery and metaphor is prevalent throughout the play. The title itself is a metaphor for the North Star, which was used as a guide for slaves escaping to freedom. The drinking gourd, or calabash, was also used as a container for food and water during the journey.
Hansberry uses imagery to create a vivid picture of the characters and their surroundings. For example, when the character of Deacon Simms is introduced, he is described as having “a face like a dried apple, with a nose like a hawk’s beak.” This description not only gives the reader a visual image of the character, but also suggests his personality traits.
Metaphors are also used to convey deeper meanings in the play. When the character of Martha tells her son about the drinking gourd, she says, “It’s like a little boat, honey, that’s going to take us all to freedom.” This metaphor not only represents the physical journey to freedom, but also the emotional journey of overcoming oppression and achieving equality.
Overall, the use of imagery and metaphor in The Drinking Gourd adds depth and complexity to the play, allowing the reader to fully engage with the themes and messages conveyed by Hansberry.
The Role of Religion
Religion plays a significant role in Lorraine Hansberry’s The Drinking Gourd. The story is set during the time of slavery, where African Americans were stripped of their freedom and forced to work on plantations. In such a time of despair, religion provided hope and comfort to the slaves. The Drinking Gourd, which is also known as the Big Dipper, was a symbol used by slaves to navigate their way to freedom. The Drinking Gourd was believed to lead them to the North, where they could be free. This symbol was often used in spirituals, which were songs that slaves sang to express their faith and hope for a better future. The role of religion in The Drinking Gourd highlights the importance of faith and hope in times of adversity. It also shows how religion can be used as a tool for resistance and liberation.
The Significance of the Title
The title of a literary work is often the first thing that readers encounter, and it can set the tone for the entire piece. In the case of Lorraine Hansberry’s The Drinking Gourd, the title is significant in several ways. First and foremost, the drinking gourd is a symbol of the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to freedom in the North. The gourd was a common tool used by these fugitives to carry water on their journey, and it became a symbol of hope and survival. By using this symbol as the title of her play, Hansberry is immediately signaling to readers that the story will be about the struggle for freedom and the resilience of the human spirit. Additionally, the title is significant because it is a reference to a traditional African American folk song, also called “The Drinking Gourd,” which was used as a code to help enslaved people navigate the Underground Railroad. By invoking this song in her title, Hansberry is connecting her work to a rich cultural tradition and emphasizing the importance of African American history and heritage. Overall, the title of The Drinking Gourd is a powerful and evocative choice that sets the stage for a complex and meaningful exploration of race, identity, and freedom.
The Drinking Gourd in Popular Culture
The Drinking Gourd has become a popular symbol in American culture, particularly in the context of the Underground Railroad and the fight for freedom. The song “Follow the Drinking Gourd” has been sung by countless musicians and choirs, and has been featured in films and television shows. The image of the gourd, with its distinctive shape and handle, has been used in artwork and as a logo for various organizations. The Drinking Gourd has become a powerful symbol of hope and perseverance, reminding us of the bravery and determination of those who fought for their freedom.
Hansberry’s Writing Style
Hansberry’s writing style in The Drinking Gourd is characterized by her use of symbolism and imagery to convey deeper meanings. Throughout the play, she employs various symbols such as the drinking gourd, the North Star, and the quilt to represent the journey to freedom and the struggles faced by African Americans during the time of slavery. Her use of vivid descriptions and metaphors also adds to the richness of the text, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the story. Additionally, Hansberry’s dialogue is authentic and reflective of the dialect and speech patterns of the time period, further enhancing the realism of the play. Overall, Hansberry’s writing style in The Drinking Gourd is both powerful and poignant, making it a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.
The Impact of The Drinking Gourd
The Drinking Gourd, a play written by Lorraine Hansberry, has had a significant impact on the African American community. The play, which tells the story of a family’s journey to freedom through the Underground Railroad, has become a symbol of hope and perseverance. The drinking gourd, also known as the Big Dipper, was used by slaves as a guide to the North. Hansberry’s use of this symbol in her play has helped to keep the memory of the Underground Railroad alive and has inspired many to continue fighting for freedom and equality. The Drinking Gourd has also been used as a teaching tool in schools and universities, helping to educate students about the history of slavery and the struggle for freedom. Overall, the impact of The Drinking Gourd has been significant and continues to inspire and educate people today.
The Drinking Gourd in the Context of Hansberry’s Other Works
In the context of Lorraine Hansberry’s other works, The Drinking Gourd stands out as a unique piece that explores the themes of freedom and escape. While her most famous work, A Raisin in the Sun, also deals with these themes, The Drinking Gourd takes a more direct approach by focusing on the Underground Railroad and the journey to freedom.
Hansberry’s other works, such as Les Blancs and The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, deal with issues of race and identity, but do not delve as deeply into the idea of physical escape. The Drinking Gourd, however, emphasizes the importance of escaping slavery and the lengths that people will go to in order to achieve freedom.
Furthermore, The Drinking Gourd also showcases Hansberry’s skill in creating complex and nuanced characters. The protagonist, Tommy, is a young boy who is forced to grow up quickly as he navigates the dangers of the Underground Railroad. His interactions with the other characters, such as the mysterious conductor and the brave Harriet Tubman, reveal his bravery and determination to escape slavery.
Overall, The Drinking Gourd is a powerful work that showcases Hansberry’s ability to tackle difficult themes and create memorable characters. Its focus on the Underground Railroad and the journey to freedom sets it apart from her other works and cements its place as an important piece of literature.
The Drinking Gourd and the Civil Rights Movement
The Drinking Gourd, a folk song that dates back to the 19th century, was used as a secret code to guide enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad. The song’s lyrics refer to the Big Dipper constellation, which points to the North Star, a guiding light for those seeking freedom. The Drinking Gourd became a symbol of hope and resistance for African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement. It was often sung during protests and marches, reminding people of the struggle for freedom and equality. Lorraine Hansberry’s play, The Drinking Gourd, uses this powerful symbol to explore the themes of freedom and resistance in the context of the Civil Rights Movement. Through her characters, Hansberry shows how the legacy of slavery and oppression continues to impact African Americans, and how the struggle for justice and equality is ongoing. The Drinking Gourd is a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
The Drinking Gourd and African American Literature
The Drinking Gourd, a play written by Lorraine Hansberry, is a powerful piece of African American literature that explores the themes of freedom, identity, and resistance. The play is set during the era of slavery in the United States and follows the journey of a group of slaves as they attempt to escape to freedom using the Underground Railroad. The title of the play, The Drinking Gourd, refers to the Big Dipper constellation, which was used by slaves as a guide to navigate their way to freedom. This symbolism is just one example of the many layers of meaning that can be found in Hansberry’s work. Through her use of language, imagery, and character development, Hansberry creates a rich and complex narrative that speaks to the experiences of African Americans throughout history. In this article, we will explore the symbolism of The Drinking Gourd and its significance in African American literature.
The Drinking Gourd and the American Literary Canon
The Drinking Gourd, a play written by Lorraine Hansberry, is a powerful piece of literature that has been overlooked in the American literary canon. The play tells the story of a group of slaves who are planning to escape to freedom using the Underground Railroad. The title of the play refers to the song “Follow the Drinking Gourd,” which was used as a code for slaves to follow the North Star to freedom. The symbolism in the play is rich and complex, and it deserves to be studied and analyzed alongside other works of literature that are considered to be part of the American literary canon. By examining the themes and motifs in The Drinking Gourd, we can gain a deeper understanding of the history of slavery in America and the struggle for freedom that has shaped our nation.