Final answer:
Owning a liquor store is crucial to Walter because it represents autonomy, the attainment of the American Dream, and self-empowerment in the face of societal constraints. It goes beyond financial gain, encompassing respect, legacy, and control over one's destiny.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks why owning a liquor store is important to the character Walter, beyond the financial benefits it could provide for his family. Owning a business such as a liquor store goes beyond merely a source of income; it represents autonomy, the accomplishment of the American Dream, and the subversion of social expectations. For Walter, this is an opportunity to gain respect, establish his legacy, and take control of his destiny in a society that often limits the aspirations of people like him.
Many entrepreneurs are driven by the promise of financial stability, but they are also often motivated by a deep-seated desire to create something of their own. This is particularly poignant for individuals from historically marginalized communities, where systemic barriers have made business ownership an elusive goal. For Walter, the liquor store symbolizes a breaking away from these constraints and a step toward self-empowerment and community standing. In the historical context, figures like Al Capone leveraged the demand for alcohol during Prohibition to amass wealth and influence, while inherently criticizing the government's restrictions. Walter's aspiration to own a liquor store may also relate to the legacy of such figures, who, despite operating on the wrong side of the law, epitomized the ability to seize the American Dream against the odds.