What do we understand clearly when Travis asks his father if hes drunk?

In act
two, scene two,Jr. remains depressed and intoxicated after learning that his dreams will never
come to fruition.

Afterbought the home in Clybourne Park, Walter realized
that his dreams would never come true and believes that his mother and wife have completely
dismissed his personal goals. He wallows in self-pity and spends the majority of his time
drinking at the Green Hat. At this point in the play, Walter feels as if he has nothing to live
for and is severely depressed.

Upon seeing Walter's condition, Lena
recognizes that she has contributed to Walter's demise by neglecting his dreams. She blames
herself for Walter's condition and decides to give him the remainder of the insurance money. She
instructs Walter to save three thousand dollars for 's education and keep the rest for his
business ventures.

Walter is overcome with happiness and astonished by his
mother's benevolence. Shortly after giving Walter the money,walks into the room and asks if his
father is drunk. Walter responds by saying,

No, Daddy
ain't drunk. Daddy ain't going to never be drunk again. (Hansberry, 37)

By analyzing Travis's question, the audience is aware that he has
been exposed to his father while he is under the influence of alcohol. Travis seeing Walter
drunk is nothing new or out of the norm, which reveals that Walter has been in a depressed,
intoxicated state before. The audience also understands that Walter's drinking is directly
associated with his inability to attain his dreams. Essentially, Walter drinks to ease the pain
of his unfulfilled dreams. After receiving the money, Walter will be motivated to attain his
dream and no longer drink.