Mrs. Johnson In Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun

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In Hansberry’s, “Raisin in the Sun,” the taken out “Mrs. Johnson” scene should definitely be included in the play. Mrs. Johnson is an intriguing and striking character whose presence makes the audience question the reason why she decides to visit the Youngers before their move. Her character adds comic relief to the play, allows the readers to question whether Mama makes the right decision to purchase the house in Clybourne Park, and reveals the pride Mama has towards Walter and his entrepreneurial intentions. It seems to me that Hansberry’s, “A Raisin in the Sun,” needs a character like Mrs. Johnson to brighten up the mood of the play, especially after the scene that precedes Mrs. Johnson’s. Right before her appearance, we discover how great of a fool George is, and are shocked to see the way he talks down to …show more content…

Lastly, throughout the play, one of the on-going conflicts is between Mama and Walter. Mama does not accept Walter’s idea of a liquor business and Walter claims that Mama understands neither him nor the importance of money in the real world, nor his desire to do more with his life than open up car doors everyday. However, in Mrs. Johnson’s scene when Mrs. Johnson criticizes Walter’s need to go out to look for a different occupation, Mama defends him. She states that her husband, “always said a man 's hands was made to make things, or to turn the earth with—not to drive nobody 's car for 'em—or — carry they slop jars. And my boy is just like him—he wasn 't meant to wait on nobody.” This is a central moment in the play as we finally see that deep down Mama agrees with Walter and has faith in his intentions. Mrs. Johnson’s scene ought to be a staged one in “A Raisin in the Sun.” The scene adds a sensible amount of humour to the play, makes readers think about the possible consequences the Youngers’ move might have, and proves that although Mama does not believe in a liquor store, she still accepts and agrees with Walter’s desire to do more with