In the beginning of act two, it seems like everyones money "problems" have been taken care of. Ruth is going to be able to live in a new home, Beneatha is getting money to become a doctor, and the rest is put in the hands of Walter.

In scence one, we see Beneatha in Nigerian clothes, doing tribal dances in an effort to reject assimilationism, or the need to join "white" culture. Although she is celebrating her own culture, not feeling the need to change herself to gain a better social status, this is contradicted when she changes into a cocktail dress at Georges request.

By the end of the act, Walter gets a visit from a friend who informs him that Willie has run off with there money for the business. Walter is devestated, as well as Mama. Walter thought he was going to make a good life for the family, and ended up losing the money they finally got.