Compare And Contrast Beneatha And Walter

The American dream for the Younger is all different. They wanted to accomplish something with the money that was given to them. Walter, the oldest child, believed that investing in a liquor store would give them wealth and prosperity. While Beneatha, the youngest child, wanted to use the money to continue her studies. Lastly, Lena, the mother of them both, was convinced that buying a home was the best choice for her whole family. The American dream meant something different to each and every one of them. But what they all have in common is that it will be difficult to achieve any of them because of the racism that they will face. Walter is the oldest and the only boy that mama (Lena) has. Walter is a money drivin’ guy he likes to be rich and
He believes that opening this liquor store will give him the freedom and money that he needs and wants. Walter believes that “money is life” (pg. 41). Beneatha is the youngest and the only girl that mama has. Beneatha is the most academic weapon in her family. She wants to become a doctor and break gender norms. She wants to use the money for her medical school. This will be particularly hard because of the racism and gender discrimination she will face. Although Beneatha knows this, she is determined to become a doctor even if her own brother doesn't believe in her. In one instance, Walter wanted her to give up on her dream so that he could get the money for his liquor store. Beneatha: “What do you want from me, Brother- That I quit school or just drop dead!” (pg.14). Lena Younger aka Mama. She is the mother of these two children and is the one receiving the great insurance money. Her husband had a plan, or in other words, a dream. They had said that they wanted a home, their OWN home. With this in mind Mama also wants to buy a house so that she has something to leave to her family in the future Mama: “She went out and bought you a house!”