How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Act.Scene.Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue.
Quote #4
WALTER (Rising and coming to her and standing over her)
You tired, ain’t you? Tired of everything Me, the boy, the way we live – this beat-up hole – everything. Ain’t you? (She doesn’t look up, doesn’t answer) So tired – moaning and groaning all the time, but you wouldn’t do nothing to help, would you? You couldn’t be on my side that long for nothing, could you? (1.1.73)
Walter acknowledges his wife's unhappiness, but accuses her of not supporting his plan on changing the state of their lives. To him, it seems like Ruth goes around dissatisfied all the time, but she won't help him do anything about it.
Quote #5
WALTER
Nobody in this house is ever going to understand me. (1.1.131)
Walter is frustrated by how singled out he feels in the family, largely due to the obligations he feels as the man of the house. It seems like the main source of Walter's dissatisfaction comes from disappointment in himself.
Quote #6
MAMA
Well, I always wanted me a garden like I used to see sometimes at the back of the houses down home. This plant is close as I ever got to having one. (She looks out of the window as she replaces the plant) Lord, ain’t nothing as dreary as the view from this window on a dreary day, is there? (1.1.296)
Lena has never had the garden of her dreams, so she settles on a little potted plant. However, on some level she seems to have more hope than the rest of them.