Walter Lee is on a journey to manhood. He undergoes several changes as he attempts to meet that goal. Marriage and fatherhood are not enough for happiness. Walter dreams of a new life, a better life, and believes money will be the answer to all of his problems. When Walter learns that his mother will receive ten thousand dollars from an insurance settlement and following his father's death, he dreams of opening a liquor store with his friends and making a better life for himself and his family. However, his family disagrees with Walter about opening a liquor store on grounds that it is unethical. He becomes consumed with his dream and angry that his family does not support him. He changes from loving husband and father to a bitter, frustrated man full of dreams and disillusions. He begins drinking heavily and leaving his job to dream more. Walter ask for support from his wife but all he ever hears is "eat them eggs and go to work" (444). He is a chauffeur to a rich white man and dreams of owning all and doing all the things he sees "Mr. Arnold" do. The lack of support at home makes him a moody and easily frustrated man. On top of that, he is not truly the head of his household and will not truly change until he becomes so. When his mother finally decides to trust him and allow him to be the head of the household she intrust him with a large sum of money. He is suddenly very happy and proud. His marriage improves. He even went to the movies with his wife for the first time in years. Walter and Ruth's marriage improves, you can see the drastic change in the way Ruth says "and we held hands" (504). Later, when the family learns that Walter invested the money in his get-rich-quick-scheme, the world comes crashing down again. Willy Harris, Walters's business partner, runs off with all the money. Walter then finally understands when he says "Life just like it is" (526...