Quote 34
WALTER
Somebody tell me – tell me, who decides which women is suppose to wear pearls in this world. I tell you I am a man – and I think my wife should wear some pearls in this world! (3.1.99)
Walter believes a man should provide luxurious and beautiful things for his wife. Because Walter doesn't have the money to buy expensive things for his family, he feels like less of a man.
Quote 35
WALTER
You wouldn’t understand yet, son, but your daddy’s gonna make a transaction…a business transaction that’s going to change our lives…That’s how come one day when you ‘bout seventeen years old I’ll come home and I’ll be pretty tired, you know what I mean, after a day of conferences and secretaries getting things wrong the way they do…’cause an executive’s life is hell, man – (The more he talks the farther away he gets) (2.2.130)
Walter believes that the liquor store investment is a good idea. He's convinced that his use for the money will have a positive effect on the family, although his ambitions only disillusion him from doubting Willy.
Quote 36
WALTER
Don’t cry, mama. Understand. That white man is going to walk in that door able to write checks for more money than we ever had. It’s important to him and I’m going to help him…I’m going to put on the show, Mama. (3.1.96)
Walter explains to Lena that he is going to play according to a racist person's rules in order to earn the family money. This choice is a real blow to his mother.