247), and now all these hours have been for not. She was not mad at the loss of money that could make her rich; she was horrified at the wasted hard work of a family member. Also, she is angered at the loss of money that would go to pay the college education of Benetha, another family member. Walter, on the other hand, only sees the loss of wealth as the issue. .

             In addition to conflicting motivations, different value systems cause Walter and Mama to have extremely different actions. In the story, Walter and Mama make important decisions with money that reflect their value systems. Mama values family, so she acts according to what will make her family the happiest. One decision Mama makes regards to what she wants to do with the ten thousand dollar insurance money. When seeing her family "falling to pieces," (pg. 227) Mama uses the money to buy a new house. Following her values, Mama decides that buying a new house would help her family "push on (to happier lives)." Mama has many other options for the money, but she does what she finds most important; helping her family to be happier. .

             Walter, on the other hand, values wealth, power, and fame, therefore does what he thinks will make him rich and powerful in the future. When Mama gives Walter control of sixty percent of the insurance money, he immediately invests the money in a liquor store, which he predicts is the business deal "that"s going to change (his) life." (pg. 232) Walter does not invest just some of the money in the liqour store, he invested the whole amount, including his sisters college money. This furthermore demonstrates how little Walter values family and how great he values wealth. Walter disregards the dream of his own sister for the chance to become wealthy and powerful. .

             In a second desperate act for wealth, Walter calls up the white man in charge of their new neighborhood with the intention of accepting the money that was offered in return for their departure from this community with a "common background," (pg.