Walter sold his car for $50 because he was a man who lived in constant fear. This fear stemmed from various sources in his life, including his encounters with dangerous individuals like Gus Fring and Tuco Salamanca. These experiences had left him scared for his own safety and the safety of his family.
Additionally, Walter was also terrified of undergoing chemotherapy. He knew that it was a necessary step in his cancer treatment, but the thought of the harsh side effects and the toll it would take on his body filled him with dread. This fear of chemotherapy was further exacerbated by his general fear of anything that could potentially harm him, including high cholesterol.
In his state of fear and anxiety, Walter began to reassess his life and his possessions. He saw his car, a symbol of his previous life, as a burden rather than a source of freedom. It reminded him of a time when he was healthier and less afraid, but now it only served to remind him of the things he feared the most.
So, Walter made the decision to sell his car to a mechanic for fifty bucks. This amount, a dollar for each year of his previous life, symbolized his desire to let go of the past and embrace a new chapter. It was a way for him to shed the weight of his fears and start anew.
Now, one may argue that selling the car for such a low price was irrational or even crazy. But in the context of Walter’s mindset, it made perfect sense. He was willing to let go of material possessions if it meant finding some semblance of peace and security in his life.
Walter’s son, Walter Jr., may have questioned his father’s decision, thinking it was irrational. However, it’s important to understand that fear can drive people to make seemingly irrational choices. Walter was desperate to regain control over his life and alleviate his anxieties, and selling his car was a small step towards achieving that.
Walter sold his car for $50 because he was a man consumed by fear. He wanted to let go of the past and find some sense of security and peace in his life. The decision may have seemed crazy to others, but it was a reflection of Walter’s desperate desire to overcome his fears and regain control.