Choose a passage from Act I that you believe is a key to developing or revealing ether Willy, Linda, Biff, or Happy as a character.
Type the passage and provide the page citation.
Then analyze the heck out of the quote and what it reveals about the character.
Be sure to not repeat the same passage as anyone else!
Sign your name to get credit.
WILLY: Like a young god. Hercules - something like that. And the sun, the sun all around him. Remember how he waved to me? Right up from the field, with the representatives of three colleges standing by? And the buyers I brought, and the cheers when he came out - Loman, Loman, Loman! God Almighty, he'll be great yet. A star like that, magnificent, can never really fade away!
ReplyDeleteThe light on Willy is fading. The gas heater begins to glow through the kitchen wall, near the stairs, a blue flame beneath red coils (68).
This quote is significant because it shows how Willy lives in the past, his expectations for Biff, what he values, and how these values compare with his current situation.
Willy's description of Biff as "a young god" shows that he idolizes his son and seems to be living vicariously through him. He loves how, in return, Biff idolizes him and waved up to him from the field. At that time Willy felt especially "well liked" not only because his son loved him but also because the spectators, college representatives, and his customers could see that. Willy's longing to be "well liked" shows that he is insecure and shallow.
It is interesting that when Willy recalls Biff's moment of triumph he remembers "the buyers I brought". This shows that part of his mind is always on his job, even at his son's football game.
It is obvious that Willy can not let go of this memory when he says, "A star like that, magnificent, can never really fade away!" because he should realize that people, especially teenagers, can change. His unrealistic goals for Biff show that he does not know his son the way he should. In fact, he does not know either son very well, because if he did, he would notice that Happy craves attention and has talent as well. But instead he fixates almost obsessively on Biff.
The fact that Willy uses the word "fade" and then in the next sentence Miller uses it in the stage direction is probably not a coincidence. Miller uses the repetition to emphasize the second use of the word. When Miller writes, "The light on Willy is fading," he is trying to convey that anyone can fade, even if they work hard for the "American Dream". This may also emphasize that Willy's mental capabilities are fading because he is so focused on being "well liked" and molding Biff into who he wishes he could be.
When Miller describes the "blue flame beneath red coils" this is symbolic of Willy and Biff. Biff is the blue flame, cool and steady, while Willy is the red coils, angry and clenched like a fist. The blue flame is under the red coils because Biff is being pushed down by his father's heavy expectations.
~Emily Van Laarhoven
Ben, to Willy: And good luck with your-what do you do?
ReplyDeleteWilly: Selling.
Ben: Yes. Well…He raises his hand in farewell to all.
Willy: No, Ben, I don’t want you to think…He takes Ben’s arm to show him. It’s Brooklyn, I know, but we hunt too.
Ben: Really, now.
Willy: Oh, sure, there’s snakes and rabbits and-that’s why I moved out here. Why, Biff can fell any one of these trees in no time! Boys! Go right over to where they’re building the apartment house and get some sand. We’re gonna rebuild the entire front stoop right now! Watch this, Ben! (50)
At this point of the play, Willy is in the middle of his conversation with his brother, Ben, and he is trying to keep him from leaving with any thoughts of disappointment.
When Willy said that he works as a salesman, Ben seemed to be somewhat letdown by finding out what his job was. But Willy immediately tries to impress him by getting his boys to “rebuild the entire front stoop” right at that moment. It is obvious that he really cares what Ben thinks of him, almost as if he wanted his approval or something.
Willy claims that the reason he moved out to Brooklyn was for hunting, but this seems to just be an excuse to try to lessen Ben’s disappointment.
Interestingly, the way Willy acts around Ben is similar to what Happy was trying to do for his father as well. He wanted his father’s attention, and kept trying to be noticed by him. However, Willy was too busy focusing on Biff. Even when talking to Ben, he says that Biff could quickly cut down any tree. He has great pride in Biff and wants to show others how great he is, but as a result, he doesn’t seem to pay any attention to Happy.
The connection between Happy and Willy’s behavior shows one characteristic that they both have in common: the need to gain the respect of someone they idolize. Willy looks up to Ben as his role model, and that appears to be the case with Happy as well.
This quote supports the idea that Willy feels the need to be “well-liked” by others, especially his brother. He wants his brother’s respect, and this motive is evident throughout the entire conversation. He makes many attempts to try to impress him in some way, although for the most part it has little effect.
3.14=Jon Tsai
LINDA: No. You can’t just come to see me, because I love him. With a threat, but only a threat, of tears: He’s the dearest man in the world to me and I won’t have anyone making him feel unwanted and low and blue. You’ve got to make up your mind now, darling, there’s no leeway any more. Either he’s your father and you pay him that respect, or else you’re not to come here. I know he’s not easy to get along with-nobody knows that better than me-but... (55)
ReplyDeleteThis passage in Act 1 is when Linda and Biff are rambling back and fourth about their thoughts of Willy. Linda is complaining about how Biff never writes back to Willy and Linda and rarely keeps in contact with his family matters. It is in this passage that Linda confronts Biff that he has to make a decision to either be part of the family and settle his disputes with his father, or to not be part of it at all. Linda tells Biff that he can’t just come to see her anymore, he has to give Willy respect too. She states in this passage that, “He’s the dearest man in the world to me and i won’t have anyone making him feel unwanted and low and blue.” When she says this, it is completely directed towards Biff. She is telling him that Willy means the most to her out of any man on the planet and she can’t see anyone treating him badly, especially her own son. She wants their family disputes to be settled and everything go back to the way it was before, but she knows a lot must happen in order for that to happen. She also says that “[she] realizes that he’s not easy to get along with-nobody knows that better than me-.” Linda understands how hard it is to compromise with Willy, but in order for Biff to visit Linda again, he must settle things with his father, Willy. In conclusion, this passage is Linda’s way of bringing the family back together.
~Nolan Lescalleet
Linda: He's been trying to kill himself.
ReplyDeleteBiff: What are you talking about?
Linda: Remember I wrote you that he smashed up the car again? In February?
Biff: Well?
Linda: The insurance inspector came. He said that they have evidence. That all these accidents in the last year-weren't-weren't-accidents. (58)
In this passage in Act 1, Biff and his mother Linda were fighting over Biff's realization that his father, Willy, isn't the big shot business man that he portrayed himself to be. And the pay that he is making is even less than the little money he was making years before making him depressed. This along with the estrangement and disappointment of one of his two sons have been taking a toll of Willy's overall emotional state. Linda drops a bomb on Biff by revealing that in the past year Willy has repeatedly tried to take his life via car accidents. These supposed accidents were first thought to be accidental, but the allegations were proved incorrect when a woman on the street saw Willy deliberately smashes his car into a bridge and "only the shallow water saved him." Biff finds these accusations hard to believe until after much convincing by his mother. Biff then steps up and decides he must come back home to help his family in ther time of need.
~Kristen Gagne
WILLY: Did you see the ceiling I put up in the living room?
ReplyDeleteCHARLEY: Yeah, that’s a piece of work. To put up ceiling is a mystery to me. How do you do it?
WILLY: What’s the difference?
CHARLEY: Well, talk about it.
WILLY: You gonna put up a ceiling?
CHARLEY: How Could I put up a ceiling?
WILLY: Then what the hell are you bothering me for?
CHARLEY: You're insulted again.
WILLY: A man who cannot handle tools is not a man. You're disgusting (44).
In this passage on page 44 of Death of a Salesman, Willy and Charley are talking back and forth. At this point, Willy is very up set about Biffs life, in which he believes isn’t going anywhere, and becomes very defensive. Charley, who is Willy’s next-door neighbor, is very wealthy. From Willies defensive and the edge tone, you can tell that he is jealous of the life Charley has. When Charley was trying to make conversation with Willy by saying, “Yeah, that’s a piece of work. To put up a ceiling is a mystery to me. How do you do it?” Charley, knowing that Willy gets jealous of his successful business tries to compliment Willy on he ceiling but instead of taking the compliment, Willy becomes defensive once again, saying, “What the hell are you bothering me for?” From this, you can tell how Willies jealousy turns into anger, and he cant value the little things that he is good, like building a ceiling, and cant tell how Charley is trying to make him feel better.
~Corrine Ahrabi-Nejad~
WILLY: Oh, I'll knock 'em dead next week. I'll go to Hartford. I'm very well-liked in Hartford. You know, the trouble is, Linda, people don't seem to take to me.
ReplyDeleteThey move onto the forestage.
LINDA: Oh, don't be foolish.
WILLY: I know it when I walk in. They seem to laugh at me.
LINDA: Why? Why would they laugh at you? Don't talk that way Willy.
Willy moves to the edge of the stage. LInda goes into the kitchen and starts to darn stockings.
WILLY: I don't know the reason for it, but they just pass me by. I'm not noticed.
LINDA: But you're doing wonderful dear. You're making 70-100 dollars a week.
WILLY: But I gotta be in it 10, 12 hours a day. Other men-- I don't know--they do it easier. I don't know why--I can't stop myself--I talk too much. A man oughta come in with a few words. One thing about Charley. He's a man of few words, and they respect him. (pg 36-7)
From this quote on pages 36 and 37, a lot of truth about Willy is revealed. This passage shows that he would risk anything to keep his pride and others proud of him. He has a false image of himself that he shows to his sons and neighbors and even has convinced himself that he is the person he wants so badly to become. The only person who can see Willy truthfully is his wife, Linda, but she idolizes him so much and has him on this pedestal so that she is even blind to her true husband.
The person Willy wishes he were is taking over his life and is causing Willy to be stuck in the past, confused, and scared to admit that there is anything wrong. He contradicts almost everything he says and seems to not know what is true anymore. Before this passage, he contradicts himself when saying that Biff was lazy, then saying he was certainly not lazy. He also praises the Chevrolet, but then contradicts it with saying they should stop the manufacture of it. In the passage, Willy says "I'm very well-liked in Hartford. You know Linda, people don't seem to take to me". Even Willy is so caught up in his dreams he can't seem to differentiate between dreams and reality.
Throughout the play, Willy stresses the importance of being well-liked and how that is the key to success, but it turns out Willy was only well- liked in his dreams. He does realize that he talks too much and that people laugh at him but isn't quite able to connect that with the fact that he isn't well-liked. Linda has spent so long with Willy that it seems she has been living in his dreams too, but she is the only person Willy confesses reality to.
Willy is also caught up in the "American Dream" and feels that he has worked so hard in life but didn't achieve anything great so he uses his dreams to convince himself of that. Also, Willy tells Biff and Happy how great he is and how hard he works, and he uses their belief in him for motivation and convincing.
Willy also pretends that he makes more money than he does, and Linda seems to be the one to know that their family is poor. The simple act of her going into the house to darn stockings shows how she works without complaining and pretends to be sure of their family while remaining the foundation of the family and household.
Willy, at the end of the passage, starts to admit his problems, and they seem to come full force at him and hit him hard. All of a sudden there is an outpouring of faults but the husband and wife switch roles and Linda starts denying reality. This passage is critical because it shows how the Loman's cannot face reality and always live either in denial, in the past, or in their dreams.
❀ Kaitlyn Labich ❀
Charley: Pretty sharp tonight.
ReplyDeleteBen: Is mother living with you?
Willy: No, she died a long time ago.
Charley: Who?
Ben: That's too bad. Fine specimen of a lady, Mother.
Willy, to Charley: Heh?
Ben: I'd hoped to see the old girl.
Charley: Who died?
Ben: Heard anything from Father, have you?
Willy, unnerved: What do you mean who died?
Charley, taking a pot: What're you talkin' about?
Ben, looking at his watch: William, it's half-past eight!
Willy, as though to dispel his confusion he angrily stops Charley's hand: That's my build!
Charley: I put the ace-
Willy: If you don't know how to play the game I'm not gonna throw my money away on you!
Charley, rising: It was my ace, for God's sake!
Willy: I'm through, I'm through.
Ben: When did mother die?
Willy: Long ago. Since the beginning you never knew how to play cards. (46)
This passage from act one emphasizes the fact that Willy is losing his grip on reality. Not only is he having a flashback about his brtoher, Ben, but at the same time, he is carrying on a conversation with Charley. This passage is especially significant because here it shows how his flashbacks and reality intertwine. When Ben asks him a question in his flashback, "Is Mother living with you?" Willy answers out loud, "No, she died a long time ago," After Charley repeatedly questions what Willy is talking about, Willy becomes angry and confused and yells at him. This shows that he is also very easily aggitated and befuddled. This passage exempliefies Willy's lose of control for his temper, his easy confusion, and his loose grip on reality.
-Kevin Manning
WILLY, longingly: Cant you stay a few days? You're just what i need, Ben, because I-I have a fine position here, but I-well, Dad left when i was such a baby and I never had a chance to talk to him and I still feel-kind of temporary about myself.
ReplyDeleteI this passage in Act 1, Willy is revealed as a less confident and more sensitive person than he had shown previously throughout the Act. Not only does it show a new side of him, but it intensifies his illusions of living in the past.
We learn that Willy lost his father when he was very young and his brother almost became like a fatherly figure to him. With Ben, being the extremely rich and successful man he was, we see where Willy's morals and character come from. This illusion of Ben shows how desperate Willy is for someone he can relate to, someone to look up to. Willy's character becomes much more rounded in this passage. He says he feels "temporary" about himself because of never being able to talk to his father. This causes us to think he is less sure of himself than he seems.
The passage also shows how his illusions of the past are getting worse. He getting real life confused with the past. As he has a conversation with Charley, he talks to Ben at the same time. It foreshadows that his mind will only get worse throughout the play and even, as the title exclaims, the "Death of a Salesman."
-Hannah Lindgren
oh that was on page 51. sorry
ReplyDelete-Hannah
LINDA: "...You see what I'm sitting here and waiting for? And you tell me he has no character? The man who never worked a day but fo your benefit? When does he get the medal for that? Is this his reward to turn around at the age of sixty-three and find his sons, who he loved better than his life, one a philandering bum---" (57)
ReplyDeleteLinda speaks this in her heated conversation with Biff about Willy. This really brings out defensive, caring, and loving side of Linda's character. Biff is ambivalent of reconciling things with Willy, and pinches a nerve of Linda's. She rants about how Willy has solely been living off Commision from Charley, 50 dollars. She knows that Willy has been doing this for quite some time, but Willy himself cannot own up to it. Linda defends her husband in this quote about his emotional state, and explains it to Biff. "The man who never worked a day but for your benefit?" shows that Linda loves Willy. In times of bad compensation, and living from the least possible amount of money, she remains loyal to him. Referring back to page 12 when Linda "more than loves" Willy she "admires" him, it is plain to see that absolutely nothing will end her her love for Willy. In this passage she also shows she is a caring woman, whether it is for her husband or for her children. In this instance it is the combination. She cares for Willy by feeling empathetic for what he is going through, and the depressed state that he is in, because his career is possibly about to "die." She cares for her children by wanting to mend the father/son relationship. She is brave for doing this because she knows that a lot has transpired between the children and Willy, especially with him and Biff because Biff "is still lost." Linda comes off as a classic "mom" one who is their for emotional support, and is not confrontational. But this could be a character change for her, and bring out a more "powerful" Linda. When she believes in something she will stand up to her belief and let no one change it. Overall, this characterizes Linda into a more rounded character, and shows the reader a more emotional side of her. She truly cares for her family, and will do anything to keep it together.
THAT ONE WAS ME! SORRY!
ReplyDelete-JJ COURTNEY
Linda: I’m- I’m ashamed to. How can I mention it to him? Every day I go down and take away that little rubber pipe. But, when he comes home, I put it back where it was. How can I insult him that way? I don’t know what to do. I live from day to day, boys. I tell you, I know every thought in his mind. It sounds so old-fashioned and silly, but I tell you he put his whole life into you and you’ve turned your backs on him. She is bent over in the chair, weeping, her face in her hands. Biff, I swear to God! Biff, his life is in your hands! (59-60)
ReplyDeleteThis quote from Linda reveals an array of emotions that the reader is not aware she has at the start of the play. She is introduced as a caring, gentle woman whose main mission in life is to make the lives of her sons and husband the best they can be. She appears to always be optimistic and in high spirits, though this quote shows the conflicting feelings she is having on the inside, mainly in concerns to her aging husband, Willy. As she is pouring out her emotions to her sons, we find out that Willy put a rubber pipe on the fuse box that was used for gas, suggesting to her that Willy was trying to end his life with the shame of never achieving success. Linda says she is “ashamed” by how downhill Willy has gone, living his life entirely for his sons one day, and being a failure of a salesman the next. This shame has brought Linda to desperation, causing her to plead for her sons’ help in saving Willy and his mind. Also, the action of Linda bending over the table and quietly weeping shows just how distressed she has become, not sure how to handle her husband who she fears might be going crazy. This silent action speaks volumes about Linda’s personality, showing that this seemingly strong, organized woman actually has many built up feelings inside since she can’t pour them out to Willy, the source of the problem. Overall, this passage from pages 59 and 60 show an entirely new side to the character of Linda, proving that she too is feeling the pressure of Willy’s declining mental state.
~Andrea Bacon
All a good job, but Exceptional posts thus far from:
ReplyDeleteEmily V.
Jon T.
Kaitlyn L.
Hannah H.
JJ C.
Andrea B.
=LC
BIFF: No, I'm mixed up very bad. Maybe I oughta get married. Maybe I oughta get stuck into something. Maybe that's my trouble. I'm like a boy. I'm not married, I'm not into business, I just-I'm like a boy. Are you content, Hap? You're a success, aren't you? Are you content?
ReplyDeleteHAPPY: Hell, no!
Biff: Why? You're making money, aren't you?
In this passage, Biff is relating how sad his life is to Happy, hoping for advice. Biff reveals his relationship with the idea of the American dream, which seems to have been influenced greatly by his father. He believes that the key to happiness is to be successful and have money. This probably came from Willy's high expectations and now disappointment is Biff's life. Even after so many years, it seems Biff's only problem is that he has failed to impress his parents. At this point in his life, he is beginning to doubt his concept of true success by asking Happy, the person whom he wants to be like. Biff is not entirely sure what to do with his life next.
.:Akshay Thejaswi:.
"Willy, encouraged: I will, I definitely will. Is there any cheese?
ReplyDeleteLinda: I'll make you a sandwich.
Willy: No, go to sleep, I'll take some milk. I'll be up right away. The boys in?
Linda: They're sleeping. Happy took Biff on a date tonight.
Willy, interested: That so?
Linda: It was so nice to see them shaving together, one behind the other, in the bathroom. And going out together. You notice? The whole house smells of shaving lotion.
Willy: Figure it out. Work a lifetime to pay off a house. You finally own it, and there's nobody to live in it.
Linda: Well, dear, life is a casting off. It's always that way.
Willy: No, no, some people - some people accomplish something. Did Biff say anything after I went this morning?
Linda: You shouldn't have criticized him, Willy, especially after he just got off the train. You mustn't lose your temper with him.
Willy: When the hell did I lose my temper? I simply asked him if he was making any money. Is that a criticism?
Linda: But, dear, how could he make any money?
Willy, worried and angered: There's such an undercurrent in him. He became a moody man. Did he apologize when I left this morning?
Linda: He was crestfallen, Willy. You know how he admires you. I think if he finds himself, then you'll both be happier and not fight any more." (15)
I think that this passage speaks volumes about the character of Linda Loman (Willy’s wife and mother of Biff and Happy).
It shows how Linda seems to be the peacemaker in the family. When Willy gets home from a long trip, she makes sure to mention to him that both her sons were getting along that evening and went out together, suggesting that the family dynamic has previously been less than perfect. Nothing would make her happier than a serene family environment with everyone getting along. It also illustrates that she is a kind person (“I’ll make you a sandwich”) that really cares for Willy.
Linda is also very calm with Willy. She does not commiserate with him, she just tries to agree with what he says and doesn’t try to add to the negativity that he feels. Example: Linda: “Well dear, life is a casting off. It’s always that way.”
Linda also seems to be much less harsh on Biff than her husband. She sees how hurt it makes Biff when his father criticizes him, and she doesn’t like it when it happens. She wants Willy to be a better father to Biff, telling him “You mustn’t lose your temper with him.” She realizes how hard it is for Biff to “find himself” and is trying to get Willy to be easier on him. Linda doesn’t like it when they fight and thinks that they will get along better when Biff finds his own way in the world.
This passage ultimately portrays Linda as a kind, caring woman with a peaceful demeanor that just wants the members of her family to be happy and get along.
Susanna Sigler
WILLY: Oh, sure, there's snakes and rabbits and-that's why I move out here. Why, Biff can fell any one of these tress in no time! Boys! Go right over to where they're building the apartment house and get some sand. We're gonna rebuild the entire front stoop right now! Watch this, Ben!
ReplyDeleteBIFF: Yes, sir! On the double, Hap!
HAPPY, as he and Biff run off: I lost weight, Pop, you notice?
This passage stood out to me because here, Willy resembles Happy. It almost seems like he's hungry for his brother's attention, just like Happy is for his father's. Willy is trying his absolute hardest to impress Ben and it's very obvious. I find Willy to be insecure and hypocritical. Insecure because he feeds off of his brother's successes, those which he himself hasn't even come close to having. And directly after Willy is trying to get attention, Happy is trying to get attention as well with "I lost weight, you notice?" As much as Willy thinks that Biff is the number 1 son, Happy is the one who resembles his father. I suppose Biff had it easy, being perfect at absolutely everything. However Willy and Happy both struggle to live up to that standard and it shows a lot about the both of them.
☆Maddie McCuine
BIFF: He's not like this all the time, is he?
ReplyDeleteLINDA: It's when you come home he's always the worst.
BIFF: When i come home?
LINDA: When you write you're coming, he's all smile, and talks about the future, and-he's just wonderful. And then the closer you seem to come, the more shaky he gets, and then, by the time you get here, he's arguing, and he seems angry at you. I think it's just that maybe he can't bring himself to-to open up to you. Why are you so hatedful to each other? why is that?
(54)
In this passage, Linda is explaining to Biff why Willy has this kind of love/hate relationship that they share. Willy has so much faith in Biff, that one day he will be succesful, but as he ponders about it he believs that Biff is just lazy. What he doesn't realize is that Biff just doesn't know what to do, and his father wont help, Willy just argues. Because of this, he asks Happy his role model because he can't relate to his father.
-Trey Taglieri
WILLY: ‘Cause I get so lonely- especially when business is bad and there’s nobody to talk to. I get the feeling that I’ll never sell anything again, that I won’t make a living for you, or a business, a business for the boys. He talks through The Woman’s subsiding laughter; The Woman primps at the “mirror.” There’s so much I want to make for- (38)
ReplyDeleteThis quote from the play, Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, reveals how Willy is having an internal struggle with his job and his life. In Act One, Willy is talking with his wife, Linda, about how he isn’t the same salesman he used to be. Through the play, the reader can see that Willy has some negative energy towards his job because he is older, doesn’t have the same drive he had in his early years of being a salesman, and how he isn’t making a lot of money to support the family. The quote that really stands out in this passage is, “I get the feeling that I’ll never sell anything again, that I won’t make a living for you, or a business, a business for the boys.” (38) This quote reveals that Willy’s character is a very concerned parent that really distressed about supporting the family, yet his advancing age is affecting his performance of being a great salesman. Willy wants to be an important figure that his sons, Biff and Happy, can look up to and see that their father is an influential figure in their life and when they work they can strive to be like him. In conclusion, this passage is significant because it shows that Willy’s character is a caring man who strives to be the best to support his family even during his downfalls.
~Kate Sears
Susanna joins the exceptional list!
ReplyDeleteGood job everyone else, too.
=LC
ah! Mine didn't post!!! :( grrrr internet explorer
ReplyDeletePriscilla
HAPPY: And the beauty of it is, Biff, it wouldn't be like a business. We'd be out playin' ball again...
ReplyDeleteBIFF,enthused: Yeah,that's it...
WILLY: Million-dollar...
HAPPY: And you wouldn't get fed up with it,Biff. It'd be the family again. There'd be the old honor , and comradeship, and if you wanted to go off for a swim or somethin'-well, you'd do it! Without some smart cooky gettin' up ahead of you! -(64)
In this passage, it's revealed how Happy wishes to be equal to his brother and redo his childhood where his dad appreciates both him and Biff. Biff was always considered the son who would be successful but in reality he was unable to find himself. Because of this, Biff and his father are in a constant battle against what Biff should do and what he wants to do. In hope of satisfying his father, Happy proposes a plan that would benefit the whole family. This act shows he's resorting back to his childish ways where he wants his father's approval. By trying to settle the feud Happy can get Willy to approve of him and realize that Biff isn't the only son with potential. Willy accepts Happy's plan because of it's ability to make money. This shows that Willy's definition of success is the amount of money someone makes. The only time Willy is happy is when his sons do something that lives up to his standards. If Willy can't live up to the American Dream he wants to make sure his sons can by being a hard ass, and selfish father. By constantly making Biff and Happy feel like bums, he hopes they eventually try to satisfy their father. Biff is the character who doesn't want to surrender himself to the business life. In hopes of pleasing his mother he takes up Happy on his offer because he will be able to do athletics and what makes him happy while running a business. Also, in Set I Biff has seen that his father is not only taking out biff's unsuccessful on him but also on his mother. Sons are very protective of their mother and when they realize the pain their mother is feeling they will do anything to stop it. In this case, Biff is willing to compromise his lifestyle to please his father and make his mom's life alot easier.
Stephanie Pierce
LINDA: Oliver always thought the highest of him-
ReplyDeleteWILLY: Will you let me talk?
BIFF: Don't yell at her, Pop, will ya?
WILLY, angrily: I was talking, wasnt I?
BIFF: I don't like you yelling at her all the time, and I'm tellin' you that's all.
LINDA: Willy-
WILLY, turning on her: Don't take his side all the time, goddammit!
BIFF, furiously: Stop yelling at her!
(65)
This is one scene in the book where Willy displays his rudeness and disrespect for Linda. Every time Linda tries to add to the conversation Willy is crude to her and tells her to stay out of it. It shows how submissive Linda is towards Willy. She doesn't fight back to him. By him telling her to stop talking it shows his authority over her. He believes what she has to say about the situation is not important and that shows how little respect he has for her. He shows he doesn't care about her opinion. It comes to the point that Biff tells his father to stop yelling at her because Biff sees the unnecessary rudeness being displayed by him. When Willy says "Don't take his side all the time goddammit!" this shows how naive Willy really is. When reading before this scene you clearly see that Linda is on Willy's "side" completely and all she wants is for him to be happy. She expresses her worry for him to Biff and Happy beforehand and begs them for their help to make him happy again. She puts all of her energy towards keeping Willy from being unhappy and in return she is treated with contempt. This shows her self-sacrificing and forgiving personality along with her undying love for Willy.
Haley Hughes
HAPPY, grabbing Biff, shouts: Wait a minute! I got an idea. I got a feasible idea. Come here, Biff, let's talk this over now, let's talk some sense here. When I was down in Florida last time, I thought of a great idea to sell sporting good. It just came back to me. You and I, Biff- we have a line, the Loman Line. We train a couple of weeks, and put on a couple of exhibitions, see? (63)
ReplyDeleteThis quote is from when Willy and Biff are arguing about the job Biff is going to look into. Biff is excited and confident about the job, even though he has not gone for an interview yet, but Willy is accusing him of "counting your chickens again." This begins a new wave of the ongoing argument between the father and son, and just as it begins to escalate, Happy interrupts with this line. He tells them to wait and stop arguing, that he has a real idea instead of another argument to add to the current problem. He suggests that instead of interviewing for a job at Bill Oliver's sporting goods store, Biff and Happy should start their own line of sporting goods.
This shows that Happy is the peacemaker of the family. Biff and Willy do not make any effort to stop the arguing, and whenever Linda tries to intervene Willy tells her to be quiet, leaving Happy as the only one who really can play peacemaker.
He knows when he suggests this idea of the sporting goods line that it is a good compromise between Biff and Willy. Willy will like it because the new idea hold new promise and hope for the future, something he seems to thrive on and cannot function without. He will also like the idea of Biff having a constant job and not just wandering around trying to "find himself." Biff will like it because he is realizing as a result of all the turmoil in his family that he really does need to find his niche in life soon, though he is not too happy about it. He does want to continue to travel around and try to "find himself." This sporting goods line would give him that job stability while being involved with something he already knows he loves: sports. Both Willy and Biff also look forward to this idea because it would create a time for them similar to their glory days back when the boys were in high school, Biff was the football hero, and they were all one big happy family. This was a time when Biff and Willy got along and there were no issues with job stability or family feuds. No doubt the entire family would be thrilled to return to a similar way of life.
Happy is aware of all of this when he makes this suggestion. By doing so he shows how much he cares about his family and truly wants to keep the peace. He does not want them to continue to live the way they have been, with everyone bickering and Willy even trying to kill himself, but wants them to return to their peaceful glory days when they all seemed to be happy and carefree.
~Katie Chute
Biff reaches behind the heater and draws out a length of rubber tubing. He is horrified and turns his head toward Willy's room, still dimly lit, from which the strains of Linda's desperate but monotonous humming rise.
ReplyDelete...
Biff wraps the tubing around his hand and quickly goes up the stairs.
(69)
In this passage from The Death of a Salesman, Biff discovers the tube which his father has allegedly been using to try to commit suicide. As he finds it, he becomes truly horrified of it, and its implications. It is at this moment that he fully realizes what his happening to his father, and that it is his fault. His actions have been putting his father into a downward spiral since he left the house after high school. He also decides to take action to try to reverse, or at least slow down the process in his father which he has set in motion, by removing this tube. This also shows that he would rather address the issue indirectly rather than directly, since taking the tube lets his father know that he knows about it, without actually having to talk about it. This shows how Biff, at least when dealing with his father, does not want a direct confrontation, which could be because he might have had one previously and caused him to be thrown out of his house by Willy. Also, obviously, this passage shows that although he doesn't show it much, he still does care about his father, and would probably like their relationship to go back to how it used to be.
-James Massucco
P.S. Sorry this was late, I forgot to write it down in my agenda on Friday.
Oh my gosh! Wow, this didn't post the second time! The first time, I originally had said "grr internet explorer" or something like that... weird because the second time i posted, i refreshed the page and it was still there! Ok, Ms. Coppens. Here it is - 3rd time! Good thing I had saved it in microsoft word...
ReplyDeleteWILLY: Don’t be so modest. You always started too low. Walk in with a big laugh. Don’t look worried. Start off with a couple of you good stories to lighten things up. It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it-because personality always wins the day.
LINDA: Oliver always thought the highest of him-
WILLY: Will you let me talk?
BIFF: Don’t yell at her, Pop, will ya?
WILLY, angrily: I was talking wasn’t I?
BIFF: I don’t like you yelling at her all the time, and I’m tellin’ you, that’s all.
WILLY: What’re you, takin’ over this house?
LINDA: Willy-
WILLY, turning on her: Don’t take his side all the time, goddammit!
BIFF, furiously: Stop yelling at her!
WILLY, suddenly pulling on his cheek, beaten down, guilt ridden: Give my best to Bill Oliver-he may remember me. *He exits through the living room door (65).
In this passage, Willy is excited to give Biff advice before he sees Bill Oliver, bringing up again that “personality always wins the day.” Willy, who always had high expectations for Biff, becomes hopeful with the idea that Biff can enter business again and achieve his own American Dream of “rags to riches” the way his brother, Ben, did. Of course, we know that it is not only personality that makes a person successful, since Charley and Bernard became successful despite Willy’s claims that they were “liked but not well-liked.” This shows that Willy’s judgment can often be “off”. When Linda contributes to the conversation, Willy disregards her input and admonishes her for interrupting. Biff defends his mother (which shows he respects her) since her pacific nature and love for Willy allows her to take Willy’s criticisms constantly. She also has a profound understanding for why Willy acts the way he does, which reveals her notable perception and insightfulness.
Biff tells Willy not to yell at Linda, but Willy, now threatened by Biff telling him what to do, becomes defensive and angry. He shows his authority over Biff and rejoinders, “I was talking wasn’t I?” Biff tries to explain that he was only letting Willy know his feelings about how he treats Linda, but still, Willy’s inner feelings of insecurity cause his outer shell of bravado to ask, “What’re you, takin’ over this house?” This reveals that Willy desires to be the man of the household and to be viewed as a more powerful and respected man than he really is. He still lives in the past, and in the past, he was idolized by his children, so anything but that idolization can deflate his false confidence.
Even when Linda tries to interject once more in order to calm him, he yells at her to stop taking Biff’s side, and consequentially Biff yells at him to stop yelling at Linda. This argument shows how conflicting Biff and Willy’s relationship has become; it differs greatly from Biff and Happy’s teenage years. I believe it is due to Willy’s disappointment in Biff’s potential for success. Suddenly, when Biff furiously replies for Willy to stop yelling at Linda for the last time, Willy is defeated, and his last comment before he exits is to give his best to Bill Oliver. Willy, being “beaten down and guilt ridden” is another example of how Willy is not as confident or self-assured as he tries to tell himself and others he is.
In conclusion, this passage reveals that Willy is the most content when either him or his sons are working towards success, that he does not give Linda the respect she deserves for caring for him as unconditionally as she does, therefore making him look unappreciative, and he really possesses sensitivity and vulnerability, that is slowly being exposed as his outer false outer shell chips away, in conjunction with his grip on reality.
~Priscilla
- did it work?
I do trust all of the concepts you've presented in your post. They are very convincing and can certainly work. Nonetheless, the posts are too brief for novices. May you please extend them a little from subsequent time? Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteTake a look at my web site :: safe diets
Hey there I am so excited I found your web site, I really found you by accident, while I was searching on
ReplyDeleteBing for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say
thanks a lot for a incredible post and a all round enjoyable
blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read it all at the
moment but I have bookmarked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be
back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the great work.
Check out my web site :: Louis Vuitton Handbags
I all the time emailed this website post page to all my associates, as if like to read it
ReplyDeletenext my links will too.
Have a look at my webpage :: nike air max 90
Good day! Do you use Twitter? I'd like to follow you if that would be okay. I'm undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward
ReplyDeleteto new posts.
Feel free to visit my homepage ... Air Jordan Femme
I comment when I especially enjoy a post on a website or if I have something to contribute to the discussion.
ReplyDeleteIt's triggered by the passion communicated in the article I read. And after this post "Death of a Salesman: Act I". I was actually moved enough to drop a thought ;-) I do have a few questions for you if it's allright.
Could it be just me or do a few of these comments appear like left by brain dead
individuals? :-P And, if you are posting on other sites, I'd like to keep up with you. Could you list all of all your social sites like your Facebook page, twitter feed, or linkedin profile?
Also visit my web-site: Cheap Jerseys
Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up.
ReplyDeleteThe words in your post seem to be running off the screen in Ie.
I'm not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with web browser compatibility but I figured I'd post to
let you know. The style and design look great though!
Hope you get the issue solved soon. Cheers
Review my web page Cheap NFL Jerseys
I think the admin of this web page is truly working hard in favor of his web site, because here every stuff is quality based information.
ReplyDeleteHere is my web blog - Http://Www.Converseshopfr.Com/
What's up Dear, are you really visiting this website daily, if so after that you will absolutely take good experience.
ReplyDeletemy web-site: Nike Air Max Pas Cher
I delight in, result in I discovered exactly what I used to be having a look
ReplyDeletefor. You have ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man.
Have a nice day. Bye
Also visit my web page Air Max
It's going to be end of mine day, but before ending I am reading this great piece of writing to improve my knowledge.
ReplyDeleteMy web page - Nike Air Max Pas Cher
Now I am going away to do my breakfast, later than having my
ReplyDeletebreakfast coming yet again to read additional news.
Check out my web site: best registry cleaners
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your blog
ReplyDeleteand in accession capital to assert that I get in fact enjoyed account your blog posts.
Any way I'll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.
Also visit my blog post :: Abercrombie Fitch Belgique
Hello would you mind sharing which blog platform you're working with? I'm looking
ReplyDeleteto start my own blog in the near future but I'm having a difficult time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I'm looking
for something unique. P.S Sorry for getting off-topic but I had to ask!
Here is my web page :: Abercrombie Bruxelles
I got this site from my friend who told me regarding
ReplyDeletethis web site and now this time I am visiting this website and reading very informative content at this time.
Feel free to surf to my homepage Converse All Star
This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.
ReplyDeleteI have joined your feed and look forward to seeking
more of your excellent post. Also, I've shared your site in my social networks!
my blog post - Michael Kors Outlet
Excellent poѕt. I аm facing a few оf thеse issueѕ аs well.
ReplyDelete.
Visіt my blog: hcg diet reviews
I used to be able to find good info from your blog posts.
ReplyDeleteHave a look at my web-site: Clicking Here
I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This article posted at this site is really pleasant.
ReplyDeleteLook at my blog ... anti cellulite treatment
Nice post. I was checking constantly this weblog and I am impressed!
ReplyDeleteExtremely useful information specially the last part :) I care for such info much.
I was seeking this certain info for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.
Here is my page Nike Pas Cher
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but
ReplyDeleteI find this matter to be really something that I think I would never
understand. It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me.
I am looking forward for your next post, I'll try to get the hang of it!
Check out my homepage: Cheap Louis Vuitton Handbags