Table of ContentsIntroductionSymbolism and social status in The Cherry OrchardEconomic difficulties in A Raisin in the SunSeparation of social classes in “Maître Harold”ConclusionReferencesIntroductionThe three plays I have chosen to discuss in this article are The Cherry Orchard, “Master Harold” and Raisin in the Sun. Symbolism in a play can be very powerful for the audience to understand what the characters are trying to convey, not just say. To achieve this, playwrights will add settings and elements such as certain types of furniture; old or new, photos; or their absence, windows; open or closed, etc. Besides symbolism, these elements can also show the social status of the characters in the story and give you an idea of ​​what difficulties they may face, if any. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Symbolism and Social Status in the Cherry Orchard The first play, The Cherry Orchard, shows the economic hardships and challenges of change in Act 2, the opening scene. The description of the setting involves many old, broken and worn stones, as well as an old bench; this symbolizes the difficulties the family faces. With the cherry orchard behind them, which says that this chapter of the characters' lives is behind them (literally and figuratively). Then, in the distance, “a row of telegraph poles above the horizon” indicates to the audience that there is a new chapter to open (p. 17). In Act IV, in the final moments of the play, we see the family saying goodbye to their beloved home and their higher social class. “Madame Ranevsky: One last look at the walls and windows…. Our dear mother used to walk in this room” (Page 48). Since the room is empty except for a few boxes in the corner, she can look back on the past one last time before moving forward. Having no curtains on the windows or pictures on the walls, it evokes feelings of empathy for their fall down the social ladder. Economic Hardships in A Raisin in the Sun The second play, A Raisin in the Sun, also shows economic hardship and social class. in Act 1, opening scene. The decor description has many significant elements, "the old couch covered in blankets, Travis' bed is in the living/dining room, the rearranged shared bedrooms, the dining table unsuccessfully covering the tired old rug, and a single window located in the kitchen” (p. 23) One element that stands out the most and is often mentioned in the room is the old rug, “MAMA: I saw… him… night after night… come in; …and look at this carpet….And then look at me….The red that appears in his eyes….The veins moved in his head…I saw him lose weight and age before the age of forty…work and work and work like someone's old horse... commit suicide... and you--you give it all in one day... -(She raises her arms to hit him again) (Pg. 129). is worn, dirty and an eyesore; it also represents hard work and dedication towards a better future; At the end of Act III we see the apartment empty, “MAMA: (walking Ruth vaguely) All right, darling, come down. I'm going straight down. (Ruth hesitates, exits. MAMA finally stands alone in the living room, her plant on the table in front of her as the lights begin to dim...." (Pg. 151) The room is empty except for the seated plant On the table, this plant symbolizes growth and change, it is important that we consider this., 1984.