"--but he needs something-- something I can't give him anymore. He needs his chance, Lena"

Parenthical clause - represents Walter's changing attitude away from the family in the pursuit of wealth. Ruth fulfills the role of the traditional woman, a convention seen post WW2 as she prioritises the "needs" of Walter perceived by the repetition to convey how he is chasing his dream as an individual to provide for his family (another common theme in post WW2 ideology.

Walters desire for financial independence is entangled with capitalist ideology yet flawed by societal barriers .Made evident by semi model verb ‘need’ highlighting a frustration with financial situation and therefore the dehumanising aspect of capitalism dictating relationships.This is furthered in the setting on a raisin in the sun

•psychological

Walter needs positive self regard in order to achieve his dream and for it becime attainable. As much as he needs to attain this dream his wife and family support would play a huge part in helping him achieve this. The declarative “ he needs something more “ the pronoun ‘ he ‘ and verb ‘ needs ‘ reinforces his need for this abstract dream which family will play a huge ploy in as just one person in this marginalised community can not go far but support of others will help break this barrier.

Ruth as a housewife advocating for her husband, the breadwinner

Shift of vocatives ‘mama’ intitially’ to Lena

Blocked opportunities

Repetition of ‘something’ to convey how far Walter is from achieving the ‘American Dream’

Euphemism ‘it’

‘I can’t give him anymore’ - displays gender roles in 1959, asking mama for advice as a wise mother figure who has maybe faced similar challenges to Ruth in her own marriage

Ruth provides emotional support and is frustrated at her incapacity to help beyond that so he ultimately turn to lena