Lutie Johnson's The Street: Summary

The street

As times of misfortune subdue our lives, there will come a point when pivotal changes need to be made to overcome this omnipresent curse. Although careful considerations must be made for the best course(s) of action, especially if our actions are tied with the fates of others. In “The Street“, by Ann Petry, the protagonist Lutie Johnson raises her son Bub as a single mother in Harlem, New York, in the 1940’s. In such a time, surrounded by blatant racism, Lutie didn’t live a bright life; rather she lived constantly anxious, struggling financially, while raising Bub in the balance. A time came when Lutie endeavored to overcome her unsteady life, by finding financial stability and leaving the menacing street; it was supposedly for
In each of those occurrences she was presented the opportunity to triumph, but refused seeing as it meant she would have to subject herself to prostitution. In general, Lutie has been seen as a whore by many—the lower and upper classes—such as Mrs. Hedges and the Chandlers (Petry 240)(Petry 45). This ubiquitous idea is infuriating and loathsome, for that reason Lutie overtly stands against this to maintain her pride (Petry 240-241)(Petry 45). In addition, solicitation was the best option she had in her circumstances; amidst racism, gender inequality, and social class. To quote Boots Smith: “Junto’s rich as hell...What you got to be so particular about? There ain’t a dame in town who wouldn’t give everything they got for a chance at him,” Boots Smith is an affluent black man, whom is very relevant in the story, and his words demonstrate how fortunate, rare, and worthwhile such an opportunity is, especially for the lower classes (Petry 426). Ultimately, the trade-off is between Lutie's pride and Bub’s future, and unfortunately Bub is
Lutie’s pride throughout these examples has led her to reject major opportunities. Here Lutie is out of options for a better job so she consideres singing (318-322). She auditions then is practically hired “I can practically guarantee you a job. About 75 dollars a week.”, but unaffordable professional training was a prerequisite (pg 320). The judge, Mr.Crosse, offers to pay for Lutie’s expenses in exchange for sex but Lutie rejects. 75 dollars per week sums up to 4,200 dollars yearly; this modernly converts to 1,269 dollars and 19 cents weekly, 71,074 dollars and 64 cents yearly (Cite: A1). A serendipitous opportunity indeed though because of her pride it was squandered. Another example is when Bub was arrested. Lutie became in desperate need of 200 dollars for his lawyer, so she beseeches Boots Smith. When Lutie meets Boots she is presented an offer, the money in exchange for sex with Junto. Lutie vehemently rejects "Get him out of here quick!” and would only accept the money if it was unconditional, though she admits her contingency plan being unlikely to succeed “Pop was a pretty feeble last resort" (Petry 427). Here Lutie’s pride rejects urgently needed money; what’s more is she’s virtually out of options yet her unwillingness remains unchanged. It’s clear why this whole endeavor is in vain, Lutie's pride serves to be an adversary therefore the