In act two, scene two, Walter Jr. remains depressed and intoxicated after learning that his dreams will never come to fruition.

After Lena bought the home in Clybourne Park, Walter realized that his dreams would never come true and believes that his mother and wife have completely dismissed his personal goals. He wallows in self-pity and spends the majority of his time drinking at the Green Hat. At this point in the play, Walter feels as if he has nothing to live for and is severely depressed.

Upon seeing Walter's condition, Lena recognizes that she has contributed to Walter's demise by neglecting his dreams. She blames herself for Walter's condition and decides to give him the remainder of the insurance money. She instructs Walter to save three thousand dollars for Beneatha's education and keep the rest for his business ventures.

Walter is overcome with happiness and astonished by his mother's benevolence. Shortly after giving Walter the money, Travis walks into the room and asks if his father is drunk. Walter responds by saying,

No, Daddy ain't drunk. Daddy ain't going to never be drunk again. (Hansberry, 37)

By analyzing Travis's question, the audience is aware that he has been exposed to his father while he is under the influence of alcohol. Travis seeing Walter drunk is nothing new or out of the norm, which reveals that Walter has been in a depressed, intoxicated state before. The audience also understands that Walter's drinking is directly associated with his inability to attain his dreams. Essentially, Walter drinks to ease the pain of his unfulfilled dreams. After receiving the money, Walter will be motivated to attain his dream and no longer drink.