Quote 16
MAMA
I am afraid you don’t understand. My son said we was going to move and there ain’t nothing left for me to say. (3.1.137)
Lena proudly stands by her son's decision. This statement implies that she truly is relinquishing leadership of the family to him and that she feels like Walter finally has earned it.
Quote 17
MAMA (Still staring at [the check])
Now don’t act silly…We ain’t never been no people to act silly ‘bout no money –
RUTH (Swiftly)
We ain’t never had none before – OPEN IT! (1.2.165-6)
The arrival of Walter's life insurance check is a momentous event. The Younger family is beside itself with the possible doors that money opens.
Quote 18
MAMA (She holds the check away from her, still looking at it. Slowly her face sobers into a mask of unhappiness)
Ten thousand dollars. (She hands it to RUTH) Put it away somewhere, Ruth. (She does not look at RUTH; her eyes seem to be seeing something somewhere very far off) Ten thousand dollars they give you. Ten thousand dollars. (1.2.169)
After Lena receives the much-anticipated money, she realizes there is no price someone can put on a lost loved one. It seems she would remain in total poverty if she could have her husband back.