Blog 4- A Raisin In The Sun

    In Act II Scene II of A Raisin In The Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry, irony occurs between Johnson and Mama. After using the word, "niggers," which Mama strongly forbids in her household, Johnson apologizes because she knows Mama doesn't allow it. Mama's reply of, " 'No--I don't 'low it,' "(Hansberry,496), is followed by Johnson's response, " 'Me neither, ' "(Hansberry,496), is ironic. Johnson uses the word, apologizes because Mama finds it distasteful and forbidden, and then Johnson agrees. Johnson pretends to not approve of the word either just to heighten her saintlihood. In addition Johnson offers many left-handed compliments. For example, " '.. she act like ain't got time to pass the time of day with nobody ain't been to college. Oh--I ain't criticizing her none. It's just--you know how some of our young people gets when they get a little education,' "(Hansberry,497). Johnson says she isn't criticizing Bennie, then turns around and criticizes her. The irony and left handed compliments serve to indicate Johnson's characteristics of being a snooty, jealous, and snitchy neighbor who likes to involve herself in other's lives and problems. I can understand now why Walter and Bennie want so much to escape the society they live in, people won't let others get smarter and further themselves. If they do, others get jealous and criticize that education has any bit a role in attitude.