Why does Mrs. Johnson visit the Younger's in the play A Raisin in the Sun? for food? to be nosy?
Why did Lorraine Hansberry include her in the book?
Mrs. Johnson is a neighbor and like sonme neighbors is nosy! She "foreshadows" the racism the Youngers will encounter in a white neighborhood, telling them about the bombing of a black family's home.
In the play A Raisin in the Sun, Mrs. Johnson visits the Younger family for a few different reasons, including being nosy and seeking a source of food. However, it is important to note that Mrs. Johnson's character serves a broader purpose in the play beyond these specific motivations.
To understand why Lorraine Hansberry included Mrs. Johnson in the book, it is helpful to consider the social and political context in which the play was written. A Raisin in the Sun was written during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, a time of significant racial tension and societal change. Throughout the play, Hansberry explores themes of race, poverty, and identity, shining a light on the experiences of black families living in segregated neighborhoods.
Mrs. Johnson, as a character, represents the reality of community dynamics in segregated neighborhoods. Her nosy behavior and intrusive nature serve to highlight the challenges and deep-rooted mistrust that can exist within the African American community itself. By including Mrs. Johnson, Hansberry effectively portrays the tensions and complexities that the Younger family faces not only from external sources but also from within their own community.
Additionally, Mrs. Johnson's visits provide a contrast to the Younger family's aspiration for a better life and their pursuit of the American Dream. While the Youngers dream about moving to a better neighborhood, Mrs. Johnson's constant presence reminds them of the challenges they will face even if they manage to escape their current circumstances.
Therefore, Lorraine Hansberry includes Mrs. Johnson in the book to showcase the social dynamics within the African American community, highlighting the collective struggles faced by black families in a racially segregated society. Her character serves as a reminder that racism and inequality can exist within one's own community, and that the pursuit of a better life is a complex and multifaceted journey.