A Raisin in the Sun

How does Mama react to Walter's explanation of where he's been?

Act 2 , scene 2

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Mama sees Walter's actions as desperate in their own way, she believes that he is going through some kind of crisis. As a result, she makes the decision to help him financially, to back his dreams.

MAMA: Listen to me, now. I say I been wrong, son. That I been doing to you what the rest of the world been doing to you. (She turns off the radio) Walter (She stops and he looks up slowly at her and she meets his eyes pleadingly) What you ain't never understood is that I ain't got nothing, don't own nothing, ain't never really wanted nothing that wasn't for you. There ain't nothing as precious to me . . . There ain't nothing worth holding on to, money, dreams, nothing else if it means if it means it's going to destroy my boy. (She takes an envelope out of her handbag and puts it in front of him and he watches her without speaking or moving) I paid the man thirty-five hundred dollars down on the house. That leaves sixty-five hundred dollars. Monday morning.

Source(s)

A Raisin in the Sun