Essay Questions

What does the potted plant that Lena takes with her at the end of the film represent?

Walter Lee has just told Mr. Lindner that they will be moving into their new home. A home paid for with the life insurance money from Walter Lee's father, Lena's husband. The movers begin to take furniture and boxes as the family leaves for their new home. Lena stays behind to say goodbye to her husband and before leaving grabs a potted plant which represents the seed of the dream that she and her husband have given their entire lives to nourish and ensure it has an opportunity to grow. That seed is freedom. Freedom from having to live the same life for another generation. Freedom from the belief that their isn't more than this. Her plant represents this freedom coming to fruition for her and her children.

What is the significance of the opening shot being Walter Lee in a close up as he sleeps?

Walter Lee is a dreamer. He wants to be a success, and to him that means making money hand over fist. By doing so this means that he will be the kind of man that is respected by his family and his community. Thus showing him sleeping is revealing that he lives most in a state of dreaming and being in a close up shows that his concern is focused on what he desires with no one else included. When he awakens to the reality of his life, which his wife Ruth must shout at him in order to get him out of bed. This shot creates the significance of Walter Lee's journey to being able to stand with his entire family and tell Mr. Lindner that they are moving in to their new home. He goes from a selfish dreamer to a man who stands for his family.

Why does Lena demand that Travis stay in the room while Walter Lee speaks to Mr. Lindner?

Ruth has just told Travis to go play outside, and Lena will not allow it. She wants Travis to stay and listen to Walter Lee explain to him as to why he is going to take the money from the association and trample the family's dreams. If Walter Lee is the head of the family, Lena is demanding that no matter the choices he makes he must live with them and his son must know the truth of his decision that he may see and understand. Thus when Walter Lee rejects the money it has the antithesis effect for Travis who sees his father stand for what is right. A lesson he will carry with him all the days of his life.