Quote 25
MAMA
No…something has changed. (She looks at him) You something new, boy. In my time we was worried about not being lynched and getting to the North if we could and how to stay alive and still have a pinch of dignity too…Now here come you and Beneatha – talking ‘bout things we ain’t never even thought about hardly, me and your daddy. You ain’t satisfied or proud of nothing we done. I mean that you had a home; that we kept you out of trouble till you was grown; that you don’t have to ride to work on the back of nobody’s streetcar – You my children – but how different we done become. (1.2.231)
Lena feels disconnected with her children because they are so much more easily dissatisfied than she is. From her perspective, they have a lot to be thankful for.
Quote 26
MAMA
(Looking at him as she would WALTER) I bet you don’t half look after yourself, being away from your mama either. I spec you better come ‘round here from time to time to get yourself some decent home-cooked meals… (1.2.125)
Lena offers her home to Asagai, showing that the Younger household is hospitable to others, even in their poverty.
Quote 27
MAMA
It’s dangerous, son.
WALTER
What’s dangerous?
MAMA
When a man goes outside his home to look for peace. (1.2.215-7)
Mama worries that if her son starts going outside of their home to find peace then one day he might not come back. She feels that a man's house should be his safe haven, and that there's a serious problem in that home if he can't find rest there.