In other words, he believes that money makes him a man. He also insistes on being the head of the family and wants everyone to accept him in that role. The following conversation between Walter and his mother illustrates his need for his business venture to make him feel like a man: Mama: "I don't "low no yellin in this house, Walter Lee, and you know it- And there ain't going to be no investing in no liquor stores. I don't aim to speak on that again." Walter: "Oh- so you don't aim to speak on that again? So you have decided Well, you tell that to my boy tonight when you put him to sleep on the living room couch Yeah- and tell my wife, Mama tomorrow when she has to go out of here to look after somebody else's kids. And tell it to me, Mama every time we need a new pair of curtains and I have to watch you go out and work in somebody's kitchen. Yeah you tell me then." (1.2 p. 1009) Since Walter had to postpone his dream, he felt depressed as "like a heavy load". (Hughes 10).
Walter felt depressed, despondent, and useless as the man of the family. When Walter's boss called telling Ruth that he has not been to work in three days, He explains that he been wandering all day and drinking all night. Mama felt guilty for his unhappiness. She tells him that she has never done any thing to hurt her children and she gave him $6,500 the remaining of the insurance money, the rest she put as a down payment to a house in Clybourne Park. She told him to put deposit $3,000 in the bank for Beneatha's education and to keep $3,500 to do as he wished. Holding the money in his hands, Walter thanked his mother and appreciated the trust she had in him. Mama said that with this money he should act and become the head of household. He talks to Travis about his plans, saying that he is going to "make a transaction" (2.2 p.1023) Yet Walter's dreams is not entirely materialistic. He envisions a better relationship with his wife, Ruth, in which they kiss and hold hands- far from the relationship they have now.
