Lorraine Hansberry’s play “A Raisin in the Sun” is a seminal work that explores the struggles of an African-American family in the 1950s as they seek to improve their socio-economic status. Among the various characters in the play, Mrs. Johnson stands out as a figure whose actions and words reveal a deep-seated hypocrisy. This article delves into the ways Mrs. Johnson’s behavior and statements in “A Raisin in the Sun” exemplify hypocrisy, offering a nuanced understanding of her character and the broader themes of the play.
Introduction to Mrs. Johnson
Mrs. Johnson, a neighbor of the Younger family, appears briefly in “A Raisin in the Sun” but leaves a significant impact. Her interactions with the Younger family, particularly with Mama (Lena Younger) and Ruth, provide insight into her character. Despite presenting herself as a well-wisher, Mrs. Johnson’s true nature is revealed through her contradictory actions and statements, which undermine the Younger family’s aspirations and reflect her own insecurities.
Hypocrisy in Mrs. Johnson’s Attitude Toward the Youngers’ Success
One of the primary ways Mrs. Johnson’s hypocrisy is evident is in her attitude toward the Youngers’ decision to move into a predominantly white neighborhood. On the surface, she appears to support the family, but her underlying intentions are far from supportive.
- Feigning Support: Mrs. Johnson pretends to congratulate the Youngers on their new home, saying things like, “I’m just so happy for y’all. It’s wonderful.” However, her words lack sincerity, and her subsequent actions and statements reveal her true feelings.
- Undermining with Fear: Shortly after expressing her faux happiness, Mrs. Johnson warns the Youngers about the dangers of moving into a white neighborhood. She brings up a news story about a black family being bombed out of their home, saying, “You know, they’ve been bombing people’s houses and everything.” This tactic is meant to instill fear and doubt, subtly suggesting that the Youngers should reconsider their move.
Mrs. Johnson’s behavior here is hypocritical because she masks her jealousy and fear of change with a facade of concern and support. Rather than genuinely celebrating the Youngers’ progress, she tries to deter them under the guise of being a caring neighbor.
Hypocrisy in Mrs. Johnson’s View on Black Advancement
Mrs. Johnson’s hypocrisy is also evident in her views on the advancement of African-Americans. She outwardly criticizes systemic racism and the barriers that black people face, but her actions suggest that she is not truly invested in the progress of her community.
- Lip Service to Progress: Mrs. Johnson makes statements about the difficulties faced by black people, acknowledging the systemic issues. She says, “I always think like Booker T. Washington said that time Education has spoiled many a good plow hand.'” This statement is ostensibly about the importance of education and progress.
- Contradictory Behavior: Despite her acknowledgment of these issues, Mrs. Johnson discourages the Youngers from striving for a better life. Her warnings about the dangers of moving into a white neighborhood reflect a desire to maintain the status quo rather than challenging it.
Mrs. Johnson’s hypocrisy lies in her lip service to the idea of progress while simultaneously discouraging the Youngers from pursuing their dreams. Her actions reveal a fear of change and an unwillingness to see others succeed where she has not.
Hypocrisy in Mrs. Johnson’s Personal Insecurities
Mrs. Johnson’s hypocrisy is also a reflection of her personal insecurities and feelings of inadequacy. She projects these insecurities onto the Younger family, attempting to bring them down to her level rather than supporting their aspirations.
- False Modesty: Mrs. Johnson often downplays her own achievements and criticizes herself in a way that seems humble but is actually a means of fishing for reassurance and validation. This false modesty is a form of manipulation, aimed at garnering sympathy and support.
- Projecting Insecurities: By undermining the Youngers’ efforts, Mrs. Johnson is projecting her own fears and insecurities onto them. Her warnings about the dangers they face are less about genuine concern and more about her own fear of being left behind as others succeed.
This projection is hypocritical because it reveals a double standard: Mrs. Johnson claims to want the best for the Youngers while actively working against their progress to soothe her own insecurities.
Mrs. Johnson’s character in “A Raisin in the Sun” is a complex portrayal of hypocrisy. Her outward expressions of support and concern for the Younger family mask her true intentions of discouraging their progress. Through her contradictory actions and statements, Mrs. Johnson reveals her own insecurities and fear of change, ultimately attempting to hold the Youngers back rather than celebrating their aspirations.
By examining Mrs. Johnson’s hypocrisy, Lorraine Hansberry highlights broader themes of jealousy, fear of progress, and the internalized barriers within marginalized communities. Understanding Mrs. Johnson’s character provides a deeper insight into the challenges the Younger family faces and the societal dynamics that influence their journey toward a better life.