How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Act.Scene.Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue.
Quote #7
MAMA
Yes, a fine man – just couldn’t never catch up with his dreams, that’s all. (1.1.208)
Big Walter was never able to attain his dream. He still had hopes, though, that his children would have a chance to see theirs come true. This makes it even sadder when, both Beneatha's dreams of medical school and Walter's dreams of being a business owner are jeopardized (and possibly destroyed) by Walter's foolish business dealings with the Willy Harris.
Quote #8
WALTER (Suddenly bounding across the floor to embrace her)
‘Cause sometimes it is hard to let the future begin! (2.3.153)
Walter believes his dreams of a better future have come true when he expects Willy to be at the door with good news. Unfortunately, it's just Bobo with some awful news instead. It's really sad to know that Walter's dreams will soon be crushed.
Quote #9
WALTER
Gone, what you mean Willy is gone? Gone where? You mean he went by himself. You mean he went off to Springfield by himself – to take care of getting the license – (Turns and looks anxious at RUTH) You mean maybe he didn’t want too many people in on the business down there? (Looks to RUTH again, as before) You know Willy got his own ways. (Looks back at BOBO) Maybe you was late yesterday and he went on down there without you. Maybe – maybe – he’s been callin’ you at home tryin’ to tell you what happened or something. Maybe – maybe – he just got sick. He’s somewhere – he’s got to be somewhere. We just got to find him – me and you got to find him. (Grabs BOBO senselessly by the collar and starts to shake him) We got to! (2.3.180)
Walter desperately holds onto the possibility of his dreams coming true, denying the fact that he has been swindled. He knows that he has not only ruined his own dreams by trusting Willy Harris, but he's also put a damper on Beneatha's plans of going to medical school.