Final answer:
The "marching roaches" in 'A Raisin in the Sun' symbolize the Younger family's poverty and their fight for a better life, underscoring themes of civil rights and economic struggle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase "marching roaches" in Lorraine Hansberry's play A Raisin in the Sun effectively recalls the theme of poverty and the struggle for a better life. Roaches, which are often associated with neglected and dilapidated living conditions, symbolize the current state of the Younger family's living situation and their socio-economic struggles. By including this phrase, Hansberry emphasizes the daily realities and the degradation faced by the family within their community. Furthermore, the imagery of 'marching' conveys a sense of an ongoing, relentless challenge, mirroring the persistent nature of the obstacles the family must confront.
The author's inclusion of this phrase suits the play's broader message regarding civil rights and the fight for equality, particularly in the context of 1950s America, when the civil rights movement was gaining momentum. The reference adds a layer of realism and urgency to the play's setting, highlighting issues such as racial segregation, economic disparity, and the family's aspiration to rise above their circumstances.