Big Walter Masculinity

The memory of Big Walter, specifically the idealized man that he has come to represent, and the concern of obtaining and maintaining masculinity in general, has a significantly positive impact on Walter Lee. The impact is positive because Walter hits some bumps in the road and some of the bumps were potholes but he got out of them. Walter made a lot of mistakes while trying to be the man of the house. The mistakes he made changed the way his family sees him. He wanted to become a man but he became a failure until he proved himself. Walter proved himself by telling Linder that no matter what he tells them they are moving in that house. Big Walter worked all his life according to Mama and he worked to support his family. Big Walter left a mark on his family that was positive and not Walter has to do better. Mama gets the money that Big Walter left and Walter wants to have some for a liquor store. Walter believes that
Mama says that big Walter “worked himself to death” just so he can support his family. Walter has troubles supporting his family because he is trying to be the best man in his eyes which is hurting the family. Walter wants to be a rich successful man and can give whatever his family wants. Walter sets his mind on his liquor store and he will do whatever it takes for it. Walter wants to have this liquor really bad that the money Mama gave him and spent it all on his store and didn’t even get the store. When Walter gets his money taken by Willy he feels depressed and upset. Walter realizes his mistake and then his family gets on his back about it. “.... Working and working and working like somebody’s old horse...killing himself...and you give it all away in a day” (Hansberry 1597). Walter wasted all the money his dad killed himself working days and years trying to support. That is something Walter couldn’t do and that is why people don’t see him as a