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why did mama give walter the money

by Elaina Hilpert Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

She gives him the remaining $6,500 of the insurance money, telling him to deposit $3,000 for Beneatha's education and to keep the last $3,500. With this money, Mama says, Walter should become—and should act like he has become—the head of the family. Walter suddenly becomes more confident and energized.

Full Answer

Why does Mama give Walter the remainder of the money?

Once Mama acknowledges her son's depression and realizes that she has neglected his dreams, she decides to give Walter the remainder of the money. Walter is ecstatic to receive the money but is quickly taken advantage of by Willy Harris. Mama castigates Walter for his careless actions but also sympathizes with his desperate situation.

What did Walter's mother give him to give to Beneatha?

When he learns of this plan, Walter is angered that his mother has crushed his dreams. Later, Mama learns that Walter has been missing work, so she has a serious talk with her son and gives him an envelop with $6500 in it, telling him to reserve $3000 for Beneatha and put it all in the bank.

Why does Lena give the money to Walter?

Lena believes that giving the money to Walter will heal his hurts from having been subjected to dominant female leadership. When Lena gives her son Walter the money, he even responds by asking if she really trusts him. Walter is touched by his mother's trust in him.

What does Walter want to do with the money he has?

Walter wants to use the money to open a liquor store, as he thinks a successful business will pave the way for family prosperity and self-respect. Both Mama and Beneatha dislike this idea.

Why did Mama change her mind and give Walter the insurance money?

She believed the realization of her dream could eventually open the door for other family member's dreams. When she realizes she was doing to Walter what the rest of the world was doing, not giving him a chance to be a man, she corrected her actions by giving Walter part of the money to open a personal bank account.

What reasons does Mama give Walter for purchasing the house?

What reasons does Mama state for buying the house? Everyone is worried about the money. Walter is upset about not being able to use it elsewhere. Ruth and Beneatha are excited.

Why does Mama give Walter 6500 dollars?

During Act Two, Scene Two, Mama entrusted $6500 to her son, Walter. She instructed him to place three thousand dollars in a savings account. That money was meant for Beneatha's college education.

Why did Mama buy the house in A Raisin in the Sun?

The matriarch of the family, Mama, wants to buy a house to fulfill a dream she shared with her husband. Mama's son, Walter Lee, would rather use the money to invest in a liquor store with his friends. He believes that the investment will solve the family's financial problems forever.

What is Mama's reaction to Walter losing the money?

In the face of the loss of the money, Mama's idealism about family falters. Read more about how Walter loses the insurance money. Mama's sudden sad realization that her husband's life boils down to a stack of paper bills compels her to turn on Walter as if he had killed his father himself.

What does Mama do with the money in a raisin in the sun?

He feels that his job is no better than a slave's job. Mama feels guilty for his unhappiness and tells him that she has never done anything to hurt her children. She gives him the remaining $6,500 of the insurance money, telling him to deposit $3,000 for Beneatha's education and to keep the last $3,500.

How does Walter lose the insurance money?

How does Walter lose the insurance money? Walter loses the insurance money to Willy, a crook that he mistakes for a friend. Mama entrusts Walter with all the money that remains after the down payment on the new house.

What does Mama do with the money?

Mama announces that she has used the money to buy the family a home. Ruth and Travis, Ruth and Walter's son, are excited, but Walter is upset. He is even more upset when he discovers that the home she has purchased is in Clybourne Park, an all-white neighborhood.

Why does Mama give Walter $6,000?

She therefore gives Walter $6,000 of the money to control, both his and Beneatha's share, in order to show her trust in him and build his sense of self-worth. He loses the money, just as Mama fears, but also learns and grows enough from the experience to later stand up for buying the house.

What does Walter argue with Mama?

Walter argues with Mama. He is convinced that the ABC store will be a success. He believes his mother is against him without good reason. For this reason, he spends much of his time drinking and coming home in an argumentative mood. Mama begins to see that Walter is suffering beyond words.

What does Walter believe about the insurance money?

Their conflict involves not only what they will do with the insurance money, but also their different belief systems. Walter pessimistically believes that the only way to achieve one's dreams is to prove one's material wellbeing. In Act I, Mama says, "Once upon a time freedom used to be life—now it’s money.

What do Walter and Mama disagree about?

Walter and Mama disagree about what to do with the insurance money that the Younger family will inherit. Walter wants to open a liquor store, while Mama is totally opposed to the idea. Mama wants to use the money buy her family a larger house in a different neighborhood. Their conflict involves not only what they will do with the insurance money, ...

What do Mama and Walter disagree over?

Mama and Walter disagree over how to spend the insurance money. Mama wants to use most of the money to move out of their cramped apartment, pay for a new house in the suburbs, and then divide the rest between Walter and Beneatha. She hopes they will use their shares to invest in their futures: Walter wants to run a liquor store, ...

Why does Mama want to divide the rest between Walter and Beneatha?

She wants to divide the rest between Walter and Beneatha, so that both of her children can pursue their dreams. Walter wants to use the money to open a liquor store, as he thinks a successful business will pave the way for family prosperity and self-respect. Both Mama and Beneatha dislike this idea.

What is the conflict between Walter and Mama?

Walter and Mama have a major conflict. Walter desires to take the insurance money and open an ABC store. Mama is totally against selling alcohol. She is against Walter's dream. She and Walter argue. Mama believes that Walter's dream is superficial. She is very religious.

What is the relationship between Mama and Walter?

Describe the relationship between Mama and Walter in the play. A Raisin in the Sun. . In A Raisin in the Sun, Mama and Walter engage in a power struggle which revolves around the insurance money. Walter feels that Mama does not support his dream and resents her for purchasing a new home. Mama sympathizes with his situation and gives him ...

What happens to Walter after he loses the money?

After Walter loses the money, Mama encourages her son, and he supports her dream by refusing to sell the home. Fortunately, their love for each other supersedes their financial situation. Download PDF. Print.

What does Mama's refusal to invest in her son's business upset Walter?

Mama's initial refusal to invest in her son's business upsets Walter, who becomes extremely depressed and begins drinking heavily when he discovers that she put a down payment on a home. Walter feels like no one in his family supports his dreams and fears that he will continue to experience an unfulfilled, difficult life.

Does Mama invest in Walter's liquor business?

Although Mama loves her children and values their opinions, she does not feel comfortable investing in Walter's liquor business. Walter's business venture does not align with her Christian beliefs, and she understands that her son has no business experience. Mama's initial refusal to invest in her son's business upsets Walter, ...

Why doesn't Lena give Walter money?

Though Beneatha is more trustworthy than Walter, Lena doesn't give her the money because Beneatha already has a great deal of confidence in herself.

Why does Lena give Walter Lee the money?

Lena gives the money to Walter Lee to support his dream and save his life. Lena sympathizes with Walter's desperation and does not want to destroy their family, which motivates her to give him the money. Walter Lee cannot be trusted with the money because he is inexperienced and careless. Lena did not give the money to Beneatha because she has faith that her daughter will succeed in life without the financial support. Beneatha is not as desperate as Walter.

Why didn't Lena give Walter Lee money to Beneatha?

Lena did not give the money to Beneatha because she has faith that her daughter will succeed in life without the financial support. Beneatha is not as desperate as Walter. Download PDF. Print.

What does Walter Lee want Lena to do?

Walter Lee desperately wants Lena to invest in his liquor business and descends into a deep depression when she refuses to use the money to support his dream. When Lena makes the decision to put a down payment on a house in Clybourne Park, Walter Lee goes on a drinking spree and loses touch with reality.

What does Beneatha say when the money is gone?

When the money is gone, Beneatha laments that her future and her world had just been ripped out of her hands. Lena instructed Walter to save a portion of the money for Beneatha's schooling when she gives it to him, but he does not. Lena does not give Beneatha the money directly.

What does Lena believe about Walter?

Walter needs to be in charge for once. Lena believes that giving the money to Walter will heal his hurts from having been subjected to dominant female leadership.

What is Lena trying to respect in the book?

Lena was trying to respect Walter as the man of the house. Often, Walter is dominated by feminists in the novel. He has yet to take charge and run the family as head of the household. Lena has been in the leadership role as head of the house.

What does Walter dream about?

While Walter dreams of providing for his family, his dreams nonetheless revolve around markers of material wealth, such as cars and homes.

What bar did Walter go to?

He says that he went to a bar called the Green Hat, where he listened to the “best little combo in the world.”. Ruth exits and Mama continues to listen to Walter’s dejected and drunken ramblings. Walter’s irresponsible behavior displays the extremely detrimental effect that the deferral of his dream has had on him.

What does George tell Beneatha?

Having heard enough, Beneatha tells George good night. George exits and passes Mama as she enters the apartment. George’s admission that his interest in Beneatha is only skin-deep—that he likes her looks but doesn't care about her thoughts—flies in the face of Beneatha’s personal pride and sense of self.

What is the significance of Mama's sense of dignity and personal pride?

Mama’s sense of dignity and personal pride contribute to her prohibition of this racial slur in her household. Additionally, the story of the bombing draws attention to the very real dangers that accompany the family’s move and the violent extent of Northern racism. Active Themes.

Who patted pregnant Ruth's stomach?

Mama and Ruth politely greet Mrs. Johnson, who brazenly pats the pregnant Ruth’s stomach and states that she is “just soooooo happy for y’all” in reference to the Youngers’ coming move. Mama, “doubting the total sincerity” of Mrs. Johnson’ s comments, nonetheless maintains her politeness, offering Mrs. Johnson a slice of pie.

Why does Beneatha want to become a doctor?

Beneatha wants to become a doctor to be able to help people. Active Themes. Mama asks Beneatha about her date, and Beneatha responds by telling her mother that, “ George is a fool.”. Mama replies matter-of-factly by saying that Beneatha shouldn’t waste her time “with no fools.”.

What does Walter believe about the insurance money Mama gives him?

Walter believes that the insurance money Mama gives him can provide him with financial success and educational resources for his son, a priority he values more highly than his sister’s goal of becoming a doctor. Previous section Act II, scene i Next section Act II, scene iii.

What does Mama say about Walter?

Walter suddenly becomes more confident and energized. He talks to Travis about his plans, saying that he is going to “make a transaction” that will make them rich.

Why does Walter care more about Travis's education than Beneatha's?

Walter seems to care more for Travis’s education than for Beneatha’s, partly because Travis is his child and partly because Beneatha is a woman. Within the marginalized group of Black people exists the even more marginalized group of Black women who have to fight with prejudice across both racial and gender lines.

Why is Mama calling George a fool?

While Mama calls George a “fool” only in response to Beneatha’s remark, her branding of Booker T. Washington with such an insult has profound historical and cultural implications. Washington, historically a hero to many in the Black community, preached assimilation into mainstream America as the primary goal of Black Americans.

What does Beneatha believe in?

Beneatha believes in education as a means to understanding and self-fulfillment, while George sees education as a means to get a good job. The difference in their views about education displays a deeper divergence between the two, one of idealism versus pragmatism. Beneatha believes that society must be changed through self-knowledge and, thus, ...

What does Mama tell Beneatha about his job?

He feels that his job is no better than a slave’s job. Mama feels guilty for his unhappiness and tells him that she has never done anything to hurt her children. She gives him the remaining $6,500 of the insurance money, telling him to deposit $3,000 for Beneatha’s education and to keep the last $3,500.

What does Mama say to George?

Mama asks if she had a good time with George, and Beneatha tells her that George is a “fool.”. Mama replies, “I guess you better not waste your time with no fools.”. Beneatha appreciates her mother’s support. Mrs. Johnson —the Youngers’ neighbor—visits. Mama and Ruth offer her food and drink, and she gladly accepts.

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