Is Mama right? Or is she living in a different world/era and her children are right? Explain why.

Younger
is a genuine, selfless woman who wants what is best for her family. Lena Younger is also
extremely humble and could never imagine possessing ten thousand dollars. She dreams of using
the insurance money to move her family out of their cramped South Side apartment and into a
spacious, comfortable home. Despite her good intentions, Lena's children share different views
and dream of using the money to fund their own goals.wishes to become a doctor, whileJr. wants
to use the money to invest in a liquor business. When Lena initially tells Walter that she will
not give him the money to invest in his business, he launches into a tirade about his
unfulfilled dreams and meaningless life. Lena ends up telling Walter,

So now its life. Money is life. Once upon a time freedom used to be
lifenow its money. I guess the world really do change.

Lena has difficulty sympathizing with her son because she has gained perspective over
the years. Her children cannot begin to comprehend the difficulties Lena has endured throughout
her life. Walter Jr. responds by attempting to explain his dreams of attaining financial success
and his belief in the American Dream. However, Lena responds by saying,

In my time we was worried about not being lynched and getting to the
North if we could and how to stay alive and still have a pinch of dignity too€¦Now here come you
and Beneathatalking bout things we aint never even thought about hardly, me and your daddy. You
aint satisfied or proud of nothing we done. I mean that you had a home; that we kept you out of
trouble till you was grown; that you dont have to ride to work on the back of nobodys
streetcarYou my childrenbut how different we done become.

Lena's comment indicates that she is right about her perception of life and money. Lena
is able to see the bigger picture and does not let her financial situation and social status
define her like Walter Jr. and Beneatha. Her experiences growing up and dealing with racism
enhance her perspective on life. Despite her views and beliefs, Lena cares more about her
children's well-being than she does about her own dreams and ends up giving Walter Jr. a
significant portion of the money. While she may have traditional, outdated views, she
understands the true meaning of life and is much wiser than her children
think.