Socio-economically, the Youngers are at the bottom of the ladder. This not-so-great position affects Walter Younger the most. While his wife and mother are reasonably accepting of their situation, and Beneatha is more concerned with socio-political issues, Walter has an obsession with money and views it as a transformative power. Due to his poverty, money has a particularly strong hold on Walter’s psyche.
Questions About Poverty
- Imagine the $10,000 check never came. How would the lives of the Younger family progress? (Or not?)
- Why is principle more important than money to the Younger family?
- To what extent does the Younger family’s socio-economic situation influence the choices they make?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Their family’s financial situation is the only reason Ruth Younger is willing to terminate her pregnancy.