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 #10
GEORGE (Exasperated; rising)
I know [you love to talk] and I don’t mind it sometimes…I want you to cut it out, see – The moody stuff, I mean. I don’t like it. You’re a nice-looking girl…all over. That’s all you need, honey, forget the atmosphere. Guys aren’t going to go for the atmosphere – they’re going to go for what they see. Be glad for that. Drop the Garbo routine. It doesn’t go with you. As for myself, I want a nice – (Groping) – simple (Thoughtfully) – sophisticated girl… not a poet – O.K.? (2.2.5)
This excerpt represents what Beneatha finds shallow in George. George's ideal for a woman is purely superficial. He doesn't really want a woman with her own personality; he just wants a girl to compliment his supreme manliness.
Quote #11
MAMA
It ain’t much, but it’s all I got in the world and I’m putting it in your hands. I’m telling you to be the head of this family from now on like you supposed to be. (2.2.113)
Mama tells Walter that it's time he lead the family. It seems that Lena is definitely old fashioned in her view of gender roles (no wonder she doesn't understand Beneatha). Lena feels guilty that he hasn't let Walter take his place as the "man."
Quote #12
WALTER
Somebody tell me – tell me, who decides which women is suppose to wear pearls in this world. I tell you I am a man – and I think my wife should wear some pearls in this world! (3.1.99)
Walter believes a man should provide luxurious and beautiful things for his wife. Because Walter doesn't have the money to buy expensive things for his family, he feels like less of a man.