title:DeathofaSalesman:Notes:IncludingIntroduction,Scene-by-sceneSummariesandCommentaries,CriticalNotes,CharacterSketches,QuestionsandThemeTopicsRev.Printing.

author: Roberts,JamesLamar.publisher: JohnWiley&Sons,Inc.(US)

isbn10|asin:printisbn13: 9780822003823

ebookisbn13: 9780764572296language: Englishsubject Miller,Arthur,--1915---Deathofasalesman.

publicationdate: 1964lcc: PS3525.I5156D2R645,D2ddc:

subject: Miller,Arthur,--1915---Deathofasalesman.

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DeathofaSalesmanNotes

byJamesL.Roberts,Ph.D.DepartmentofEnglishUniversityofNebraska

includingLifeandBackgroundGeneralPlotSummaryCharacterAnalyses

StructureAnIntroductoryNote

SummaryandCommentaryRequiemMotifs

Miller'sStyleQuestionsforReview

INCORPORATEDLINCOLN,NEBRASKA68501

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EditorGaryCarey,M.A.UniversityofColorado

ConsultingEditorJamesL.Roberts,Ph.D.DepartmentofEnglishUniversityofNebraska

ISBN0-8220-0382-1Copyright1964byCliffsNotes,Inc.AllRightsReservedPrintedinU.S.A.

1999Printing

TheCliffsNoteslogo,thenames''Cliffs"and"CliffsNotes,"andtheblackandyellowdiagonal-stripecoverdesignareallregisteredtrademarksbelongingtoCliffsNotes,Inc.,andmaynotbeusedinwholeorinpartwithoutwrittenpermission.

CliffsNotes,Inc Lincoln,Nebraska

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Contents

LifeandBackground 5

GeneralPlotSummary 6

Characters 8

Structure 9

AnIntroductoryNote 10

SummariesandCommentaries

ActI 11

ActII 29

CriticalEssays

Requiem 44

Motifs 45

CharacterAnalyses 61

Miller'sStyle 69

ReviewQuestions 70

ThemeTopics 71

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LifeandBackgroundArthurMillerwasborninNewYorkontheseventeenthofOctober,1915,andstudiedattheUniversityofMichigan.Beforebecomingaplaywright,heworkedatvarioustypesofjobs,includingworkasafarmhandandvariousjobsaroundtheNewYorkharbor.ThroughthesejobshelearnedaboutthelifeofthesimplemanofAmerica.AnditisthesimplemanwhoisthesubjectofmostofMiller'sworks.AViewfromtheBridgehandledsomeaspectofwaterfrontwork.ThemovieTheMisfits,whichincidentallystarredhiswife,thelateMarilynMonroe,drawsfromhisexperiencesasafarmhand.Today,Mr.MillerlivesinNewYorkanddoesfreelancewritinginbetweenhisplays.

Mr.Miller'sconcernforthecommonmancanbeseeninallofhisplays.HisfirstsuccesswasAllmySonsaplaywhichinvestigatessomebasicassumptionsaboutourcapitalisticsociety.DeathofaSalesmancanbereadasadramaofthecommonmanbeingdefeatedbyasocietywhichdrainsthecommonmanofhisenergyandthendropshim.Infact,Mr.Miller'sintenseconcernforthefateofthecommonmancausedhimtoalignhimselfwiththetheoreticalpossibilitiesofCommunism.HewassubsequentlyinvestigatedbytheHouseUn-AmericanActivitiesCommitteein1947andwasclearedcompletelybythiscommittee.Thepoint,however,isthatMr.Miller,asidefrombeingadramatist,isalsoanadvocatefortheunderprivilegedman.

Mr.MilleristodayconsideredoneofAmerica'sleadingdramatists.DeathofaSalesmanisprobablyhismostpopularplay.ItwonthePulitizerPrizeasthebestplayof1949,andthemovieversionalsowonthefirstprizeattheVenicefilmfestival.

TheseriousreadershouldalsoreadMiller'sessayentitled''TragedyandtheCommonMan,"inwhichheoffershistheoryofthecommonmanasafitsubjectfortragedy.

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GeneralPlotSummaryWillyLomanhasbeenatravelingsalesmanfortheWagnerCompanyforthirty-fouryears.AndhelikestothinkofhimselfasbeingvitaltotheNewEnglandterritory.Oncelongago,WillymetasalesmannamedDaveSingletonwhowouldgointoatownandpickupaphoneandwouldbeabletoplacemanyorderswithouteverleavinghishotelroom.Whenthismandied,peoplefromalloverthecountrycametohisfuneral.

Butastheplayopens,WillyhasjustcomebackhomeafterhavingleftforNewEnglandthatmorning.Hetellshiswife,Linda,thathejustcan'tseemtokeephismindondrivinganymore.Heasksabouthisson,Biff,whohasjustcomehomeforavisitafterbeingawayforalongtime.WillythinksaboutBiffwhenBiffwasaseniorinhighschoolsomefourteenyearsago.Biffwasplayinginagreatfootballgameandpeoplewerecomingfromalloverthecountrytoofferhimscholarships.Butthensomethinghappenedafterthatyear,becauseBiffhasneverfoundhimself.LaterwefindoutthatBiffhadflunkedmathandhadgoneuptoBostontofindhisfatherandexplainthefailuretohim.WhenhereachedWilly'shotelroominBoston,Bifffoundhisfatherhavinganaffairwithastrangewoman.Afterthisepisode,BiffseemedtoholdagrudgeagainsthisfatherandcouldneveragainbringhimselftotrustWilly.

Nowaftersomefourteenyears,Biffreturnshome.HeandhisbrotherHappytrytothinkofsomejobthatBiffcouldgetandsettledowninNewYork.TheythinkaboutamanthatBiffusedtoworkfornamedBillOliver.BiffthinksthathewillaskMr.Oliverforaloanoftenthousanddollarstobeginabusinessofhisown.TheytellWillyabouttheirplans,andWillythinksthattogetherthetwoboyscouldabsolutelyconquertheworld.Willyexplainsthattheimportantthinginlifeistobewell-likedandtohavepersonalattractiveness.HetellsBiffthatMr.Oliveralwaysthoughthighlyofhim,andheremindsBiffofhowmuchpersonalattractivenessBiffhas.

Thenextday,Willyistomeettheboysfordinnerinarestaurant.Heissopleasedtohavehisboyswithhimthathedecidesto

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askyoungHowardWagner,thepresentownerofthefirmforwhichWillyworks,forajobinNewYorkCity.ButHowardtellshimthereisnoroomforhiminNewYork,andthenexplainstoWillythathecannotrepresentthefirminNewEnglandanymorebecausehehasbeendoingharmforthefirm.Thus,suddenlyWilly'sdayhasreversed.Heisnowwithoutajobandhastogotoanoldfriend,Charley,toborrowenoughmoneytopayhisinsurancepremium.WethenfindoutthatWillyhasbeenborrowingfiftydollarsaweekfromCharleyforquitesometime,andthenpretendingthatthisamountishissalary.EventhoughCharleyoffersWillyagoodjobinNewYork,Willyrefusesbecausehesayshecan'tworkforCharley.Willyleavestomeettheboysinarestaurant.

BiffandHappymeetintherestaurantandBiffexplainsthathehasbeenlivinganillusion.HetellsHappythathehasstolenhimselfoutofeveryjobthathehaseverhad,andhewantstomakeeveryone(especiallyWilly)understandthatheisnolongerbringinghomeanyprizes.ButwhenWillyarrives,hetellstheboysthathehasbeenfiredandherefusestolistentoBiff'sstory.WillysimplypretendsthatBiffhasanotherappointmentthefollowingday.Willygetsfuriousandisabouttomakeascene.SuddenlywhenWillygoestothebathroom,Biff,outoffrustration,leavestherestaurant.Happy,whohaspickeduptwogirls,followshimandleavesWillyalone.

Laterthatnight,BiffcomeshomeandfindsWillyoutinthebackyardplantingseedsandtalkingtohisbrotherBen.ButthisisonlyinWilly'sillusionsbecausehehasnotseenhisbrotherformanyyears,andBenhasactuallybeendeadforsomeninemonths.BiffexplainstoWillythatitwouldbebestiftheybreakwitheachotherandneverseeoneanotheragain.Hetriesonceagaintoexplainthatheisnolongeraleaderofmenandthatheisacommonpersonwhohasnooutstandingqualities.ButWillyrefusestobelievehimandtellsBiffonceagainhowgreatBiffcouldbe.BiffbecomesfrustratedbecauseWillyrefusestoseethetruth.HefinallybreaksdownandsobstoWillytoforgethim.Then,WillythinksthatBiffisstillachildwhostillneedshim.Hethenresolvesonsuicidebecausewithtwentythousanddollars,Biffcouldbesuchamagnificentperson.Thus,Willycommitssuicide.Butathisfuneral,

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weseethatWillydiedaforgottenmanbecausenoonecametohisfuneral.

CharactersWillyLomanAtravelingsalesmanwhohasworkedfortheWagnerfirmforthirty-fouryears.Heisnowsixty-oneyearsoldandhasbeentakenoffsalaryandputbackonstraightcommission.

LindaLomanHiswifewholovesWillyinspiteofallhisdifficulties.

BiffLomanTheoldestsonwhowasonceastarfootballplayerinhighschoolwithseveralscholarships,butwhoforthelastfourteenyearshasbeen''unabletofindhimself."Hehasjustreturnedfromsomewhereinthewest.

HappyLomanTheyoungersonwhoworksinadepartmentstoreandhashisownapartmentinanothersectionoftown.

CharleyAlifelongacquaintanceoftheLomanswhohasloanedWillymoneyeverymonthsinceWillywasputonstraightcommission.

BernardHissonwhohasbecomeaverysuccessfullawyerandwhowasachildhoodfriendofBiff's.

BenWilly'sbrotherwholefthomeveryearlyandbecametremendouslywealthy.HeappearsonlyinWilly'sdaydreamsorillusions.

HowardWagnerThesonoftheformerowneroftheWagnerCompany.HenowrunsthecompanyandisresponsibleforputtingWillyonstraightcommission.

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MissFrancesThewomaninBostonwithwhomWillyhasanaffair.

LettaandMissForsytheTwogirlsthatHappypicksupinarestaurant.

StructureDeathofaSalesmanpresentsmanyspecialproblemsbecauseofitsstructure.ThestoryistoldpartlythroughthemindandmemoryofWillyLoman.Thusthetimesoftheplayfluctuatebetweenapointin1942andanothertimein1928.Therearefourteentofifteenyearsbetweenthesetwotimes.Theaudiencemustbemadeawarethatthetimesaredifferent.Andatthesametimetherecanbenomonotonouslapseoftime.Tobeeffective,theshiftfromonetimetoanothermustbeflowingandconvincing.

Toaccomplishthis,thesettingmustbesuggestive.Thehouseisonlyapartofahousewiththeaudiencebeingabletoseethroughthewalls.Whentheactionoftheplayisinthepresent,thecharactersobserveallthedoorsandwalls.Butwhenthetimeshiftstothepast,thecharactersignorethewallsandwalkrightthroughthem.Anothertechniqueistheuseofmusic.Whenthetimeshiftstothepast,therewillbeeitherthejoyousmusicconnectedwiththehappinessofthepastorelsetheblaringmusicconnectedwithWilly'saffairinthehotelroom.Furthermore,thecarriageoftheactorsshouldchange.WhenweseeWillyinthepresenttime,hewalkswithstoopedshouldersandthewearinessofanoldman.Butintheflashbacks,hestepslivelyandforcefully.BiffandHappyshouldalsochangetheirclothesandappearinthescenesofthepastdressedasyoungsters.

Theplayisthereforestructuredinsuchawayastoshowthepleasuresofthepast,thedreamsorhopesofthepastandhowtheseaspectsofthepastcontributetotheagoniesofthepresent.Inotherwords,weseeinthescenesofthepasthowWillyhassobuilthislifethathehasnowfinallytrappedhimselfinaninescapablesituation.

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Thusthestructureemphasizesthedifferencebetweenillusionandreality.OnecentralproblemoftheplayisWilly'sinabilitytodistinguishbetweenillusionandreality.ThusthestructurewhichinvolvesarapidtransitiontothepastshowsWilly'sbeingcaughtinhisillusionsandalsoshowshowhebringstheseillusionsoverintohispresentlife,especiallyashecallsuponhisbrotherBentohelphim.

TheplayopensatamomentwhenWillyfeelstrappedbyalltheeventsofthepast.ThusitisappropriatethatthereadershouldseethesescenesofthepastandhowtheyhaveaffectedWilly'spresentlife.Consequently,thetimeofthepresentplayisonlytwentyfourhours,butinthescenesencompassedbytheillusionswecoveramuchlargerpartofWilly'slife.

AnIntroductoryNoteToachievethemostfromreadinganydrama,thereadershouldtrytovisualizetheactionuponthestage.Andtobecomefullyimmersedinthisplay,thereadershouldalsonotecarefullycertainaspectsoftheintroductorydirections.First,oneshouldtrytohearthemoodmusicofthefluteplayingduringthisfirstsection.Thisfluteasasymbolbecomesimportantduringtheplay.WefindoutlaterthatWilly'sfatherhadmadehisownflutesandhadsoldthemthroughoutthemiddlewest.Andtraditionally,thefluteisaninstrumentusedtosuggestafaraway,dreamyother-worldexistence.Andcertainly,alargeportionofthisdaywillbedevotedtodreamsandillusions.

Thedescriptionofthestageisalsoimportant.Manyofthesignificanteffectsoftheplayareachievedthroughtheuseofthestagesetting.Forexample,whenWillygraduallyfadesintooneofhisillusions,thisisaccomplishedonstagebyagradualdiminishingofthelightsontheotherpartsofthestageandwithastrongerlightcominginonWilly.Whentheplayisintherealpresent,thecharactersgoinandoutthedoorsoftheframehouse,butwhentheactionisinthepast,theactorswalkthroughwallsandpaynoattentiontothestagesetting.

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WhenWillyenters,heiscarryinghistravelingsuitcases,whicharedescribedashisburden.Itishislifewhichisinthesuitcase,andheisexhaustedfromthisburden.Thusattheendoftheplay,wefindoutthatwhenHowardfireshim,henolongerhasthisidentifyingmarkingofhislife,andhecommitssuicide.Lindaisalsodescribedsymbolically.Millerwritesthatsheshareshislongings,buthasn't''thetemperamenttoutterandfollowtotheirends.''Laterintheplay,wefindthatwhenWillyhasthechancetodosomethingdaringandadventurous,itisLindawhoremindshimofhisgoodjobinNewYork.Itisshewhoinsomewaysholdshimback.

SummaryandCommentaryActIScene1

(Noteonscenicdivision:inearlierdrama,particularlyElizabethandrama,anewscenebeganwhenacharactereitherenteredorleftthestage.Usually,theseentrancesorexistswereconjunctivewithachangeintheconversationorashiftinthethematicintent.Butmodernplaysdonotusethistechnique.Therefore,forthesakeofsimplifieddiscussion,Ihaveresortedtothetechniqueofarbitrarilydividingthetwolongactsintoscenesbasedoneithertheentrancesandexitsoronsuddenthematicchanges.)

Summary

WillyLoman,atravelingsalesmanfortheWagnercompanyforthirty-fouryears,hassuddenlycomebackhomebecausehecouldnotkeephismindondriving.Linda,hiswife,thinksthatheneedsalongresteventhoughhehasjustgottenbackfromavacationinFlorida.HetellsLindathatheopenedthewindshieldofthecarandwasdrivingquietlyalongwhensuddenlyhefoundhimselfdreaming.ShewantshimtoworkinNewYorkbutWillyfeelsthatheisvitaltotheNewEnglandterritory.Willyasksabouthisboyswhoarehomeforthefirsttimeinyears.Hecan'tunderstandwhyBiff,histhirty-four-year-oldson,can'tfindhimselfajobandkeepit,becauseBiffdoespossesssomuchpersonalattractiveness.

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Willycomplainsabouthowcloseitishereinthecity.Hefeelsallboxedin.LindasuggeststhattheytakearideinthecountryonSundayandopenthewindshield,butWillytellsherthatthewindshieldsdon'topenonthenewcars.ThenheremembersthathewasthinkingabouttheoldChevythathehadbackin1928.

Commentary

1.Oftenthemoderndramatistexpectsalotfromhisreaderorviewer.Intheearlypartofhisplay,hewilloftenincludeimages,ideas,orsuggestionsthathavenoapparentmeaningatthattime.Butlater,theseimageswillberememberedandwillbecomeveryimportant.Itisatechniqueofbuildingorstoringupimagessothattherevelationatalaterpointismorepowerful.Thusinthisfirstscene,wefindthatWillyLomanhascomebackfromatripeventhoughheleftonthesamemorning.LaterwewillknowthathecannotstandtobeseparatedfromBiff,hissonwhohasjustreturnedhome.WhenBiffishome,Willycannotfunctionasheordinarilydoes.Furthermore,wefindoutlater,thatWillyandBiffhadtheirconfrontationinaBostonhotelandWillyfeelsguiltyabouttravelingbacktothatsameregion.Butthisfactdoesnotbecomeclearuntilmuchlaterinthedrama.

2.Inashort,butseeminglyinsignificantstatement,Willysaysthatheopenedthewindshieldofhiscarandletthewarmairintothecar.TheninthesamescenewhenLindasuggestsaridewiththewindshieldopen.Willyremembersthathewasthinkingofthe1928Chevy.ThissuggestsalreadythatWillylivesmostofhislifeinanillusion,particularlynowthatBiffishome.Furthermore,histhoughtsalwaysreturntotheperiodaround1928.ThiswasthetimewhenBiffwasahighschoolseniorandwasthecaptainandstarofthefootballteam.ThiswasthelasthappytimeinWilly'slifeandthushisthoughtsalwaysreturntothisparticularscene.

3.Severalmotifsarebeguninthisparticularsection.(Foracompletediscussionofthevariousmotifs,seethesectiononMOTIFS.Throughouttheplay,itwillsufficemerelyto

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notethesemotifsdevelopingwithoutgivingthesignificancetoeachoneindividually.)1)Willyassertsthatheis''vitalinNewEngland."ThisissaidpartlybecauseheknowsthathecannotgetapositioninNewYorksohecoversupbyassertingthatheisvitaltoNewEngland.2)Thesecondmotifisthatconcerningdebtsandthingsbeingallusedupbythetimetheyarepaidfor.ThisideawillrisetoacomicheightandthenwillbetransformedtotragicpathosasWillymakesthelastpaymentonhishouseandthencommitssuicidesothatasthehouseispaidfor,heisallusedup.3)ThethirdmotifthatissuggestedhereistheideaofBiff's"personalattractiveness."Thiswilldevelopintothesinglemostimportantimagethroughouttheplay.ItistheguidingprincipleofWilly'slifeandbeing.Ifamaniswell-liked,ifhehaspersonalattractiveness,Willythinksthattheentireworldwillopenupforhim.ItisbythisideathatWillybothlivesanddies.Astheplayprogresseswewillexaminethisideainfurtherdetail.4)Themotifofbeing"boxed-in''orof"nothingwillgrowhere."AslifebeginstocloseinonWilly,thisideaissymbolicallyportrayedinWilly'sinabilitytogetanythingtogrowinhisbackyard.AndeventhebuildingsseemtocloseinonWilly.Andthemorethingscloseinonhim,themoredesperatebecomehiseffortstogetsomethingtogrow.

4.Thereisoneshortcontradictioninthisfirstscenewhichcouldseemconfusing,butinactualityitisakeytoWilly'scharacter.Withinthespanofsevenshortspeeches,WillysaysofBiff:"Thetroubleishe'slazy.""Biffisalazybum!"and"There'sonethingaboutBiffhe'snotlazy."ThisapparentcontradictionisapartofWilly'scharacter.WhenheismadatBiffheaccusesBiffofbeinglazyorspiteful.Butifsomeoneelse,inthiscaseLinda,tendstocriticizeBiff,Willyimmediatelycomestohisdefense.ButthistechniquecharacterizesWilly.Inafleetingmoment(second)ofrealityheoffersacritiqueofBiff,butthisrealitycanlastonlyforasecond.Thenhereturnstohisdreamsof"personalattractiveness"andinthesedreams,therecanbenothingwrongwithBiff.

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ActIScene2

Summary

Againthedescriptionofthetwoboysisimportant.AsthelightsonWillyfadeandcomeupontheboysintheirbedroom,BiffandHappyaredescribedaslosteventhoughHappyismoreconfusedbecausehehasneverlookedtowarddefeat.

Asthetwosonstalk,theycanoverhearWillytalkingtohimself.BiffwonderswhyWillymockshimallthetime;Biffalsofeelsthathecan'tgetnearWilly.HappysaysthatmostofthetimeWillyistalkingaboutBiff.Biffexplainswhathehasdoneinthelastfourteenyearsandthathecanneverkeepajobbecausewhenspringcomeshefeelsthathemustmoveontoanotherplace.Happyexplainsthathehasmostofthethingsheeverwantedhisownapartment,hiscar,andplentyofwomenbutheisstilllonely.Biffthinksthatmenbuiltastheyareshouldbeoutsideworkingintheopenairandthattheyshouldfindsomenicesteadygirltomarry.BiffwondersifamanbythenameofBillOliverremembershimbecauseheoncestoleacartonofbasketballsfromOliver.HappyassuresBiffthatOliveralwaysthoughthighlyofhimbecausehewassowell-liked.TheyhearWillytalkingratherloudlytohimselfandBiffresentsitbecausehismothercanhearitall.

Commentary

1.Twomoremotifsareintroduced.ThefirstinvolvesBiff'sattemptsto''getnear"hisfather.HefeelsthathecanneverreallycommunicatewithhisfatherandthisfeelingmountsuntilattheendheandWillyhavethefightscenewhenBifftriestoforcerealityuponWilly.ThesecondmotifinvolvesBiff'sstealing.Hereitisonlycasuallymentionedthathestolesomebasketballs,butinlaterscenes,wewillseethatthistheftisconnectedwithWilly'sviewoflifeorwiththewaythatWillytrainedtheboys.

2.AsWillyfeelsthatheisboxed-inbylivinginthecity,BiffalsofeelsthattheLomanboysshouldbeoutinthegreatoutdoorsworkingwiththeirhands.ThusweseemanyofthesameideasinfluencingbothWillyandBiff'sviewoflife.

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3.NotethatHappylivesinalonelyworldofillusions.Hethinksthatassoonasthemerchandisemanagerdiesthathewillbecomethenewmanager.Andeventhoughhehasallthathewants,heisstilllonely.Thisisbecausehehasneverbotheredtoexaminehimselfinordertoseewhathereallywants.

4.InthisscenewhereHappytellsBiffthatheissowell-likedbyOliver,itisimportanttonotethatWilly'sphilosophyof''personalattractiveness"hasaffectedhissons.Theyarealsofunctioningonthefalsepremiseofbeingwell-liked.ThusWilly'sphilosophyhasdirectlycontributedtothepresenttragicsituation.

5.WhenHappysaysthathisfather'stalkingoutloudisgettingembarrassing,wemustunderstandthatHappyisthinkingofhimself.Hisselfishnessrisestoaclimaxintherestaurantscenewhenhedenieshisfather.ButthereadershouldnotbetooanxioustocriticizeHappyyet.LaterwewillseethatHappyissomewhatjustifiedinhisselfishness.

ActIScene3

Summary

Thelastsceneshowedtheboyshearingtheirfathertalkingtohimselfdownbelow.Now,thesceneshiftstoWilly.Heisthinkingofthetimein1928whenhehadcomebackfromatripandtheboyswerepolishingthecar.WillyisexplainingtoyoungBiff(whoisnotthere)thathemustbecarefulwiththegirls.ThenyoungBiffandHappycomeonstagedressedasyoungboys.Willyhasbroughtthemapunchingbag,andtheboysareveryexcitedaboutit.ThenWillynoticesthatBiffhasanewfootballandwonderswherehegotit.Bifftellshimthatheborroweditfromthelockerroomtopracticewith.HappysaysthatBiffwillgetintrouble,butWillythinksthatthecoachwillprobably"congratulateyouonyourinitiative."Willymentionsthathewillhavehisownbusinesssomedayandwon'thavetoleaveanymoreandthenpromisestotaketheboyswithhimonatripupthroughtheNewEnglandstates.

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Commentary

1.ThisisWilly'sillusionofthehappytimesbackin1928.HeconstantlyreturnstothisyearbecauseitwashislastperfectlyhappyyearbeforehisbreakwithBiff.Noticethatthestagedirectionssimplycallforthelightstobedimmedonthehouseandtograduallybecomebrighterontheotherpartsofthestage.

2.Aminormotifisintroducedinthissection.Happyisconstantlytellinghisfatherduringthescenes-of-the-pastthatHappyislosingweight.Thisstatementischangedtoanotheroneinthepresent.Itlaterbecomes''I'mgonnagetmarried."Bothofthesestatementsfunctionasasortofsubstituteforthelackofattentionheisgiven.ItmustbenotednowthatHappyistheunnoticedsonwhoistremendouslyovershadowedbyhisolderbrother.ThesestatementsshowHappy'sneedorcravingforattentionwhichisbeingdeniedhiminfavorofBiff.(Forfurthercommentsonthisidea,seethemotifsectionandthecommentaryaftertherestaurantsceneACTIIScene9.)

3.EventhoughBiffhasstolenafootballfromthelockerroom,Willylaughswithhimatthetheft.WemustbegintowonderatthetypeofvaluesthatWillyisinstillinginhisson.HeexcusesthethefttoBiffbysayingthatthecoachlikeshim.ThusWilly'sphilosophyof"personalattractiveness"apparentlyencompassestheftthatis,ifthetheftisperformedbysomeonewhoisaswell-likedasisBiff.ButthepatternofthesetheftsbecomesdestructivetoBiff.Itleadstothetheftofthebasketballs,tothetheftofsuitsandultimatelytojail.AndlaterwhenBiffseeshisfatherinthehotelroomwithastrangewoman,wewillseethatthevaluesBifflearnedfromWillydoesnotallowhimtounderstandthissituation.

4.Evenbackin1920,weseethatWillydreamedofowninghisownbusiness.HethinksitwillbebetterthanUncleCharley'sbecauseUncleCharleyis"liked,buthe'snotwellliked."ButWilly'sviewheredevelopsmorefullylater,andwefindoutthatactuallyWillyisincompetitionwithUncleCharley.

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5.Notethatinthisscene,WillypromisestotaketheboysonaNewEnglandtripsothattheywillseehowwell-likedandhowwell-knownheisallthroughtheNewEnglandstates.ItshouldbenotedthatWillyneverdoesgetaroundtotakingthem,becauseheactuallyknowsthatheisnotwell-liked.

ActIScene4

Summary

Bernardcomesindressedasayoungboy.HeremindsBiffthattheyaresupposedtostudytoday,becausethemathteacherhasthreatenedtoflunkBiff.Willythinksthatitisunnecessaryforaboywiththreeathleticscholarshipstostudy.BiffthenexplainsthatBernardislikedbutnotwell-liked.WillythentellsBiffandHappythatyoucangetgoodmarksinschoolbutinlaterlifethatdoesn'tmatter.Whatreallymattersisbeingwell-likedandpersonallyattractive.Happysaysthatheislosingweight.

Commentary

1.AsUncleCharleywilldeveloptobetheantithesisofWilly,soBernardwilldevelopintoBiff'sopposite.Intheseearlyscenes,weseeBiffasthegreatfootballplayer.Butinalaterscene,itisobviouslypointedoutthatBernardnowplaystennisonprivatecourtsoffriends.AndwhereasBernardstudiesandachievessuccesseventhoughheisnotpersonallyattractive,Biffturnsouttobeacompletefailureinspiteofhispersonalattractiveness.

2.AquestionthatsometimesarisesduringthecourseoftheplayishowvalidortruthfularethesepastscenessincetheyalltakeplaceinWilly'smind.WehaveseenthatWillydistortsrealitysobadlythatitisdoubtfulastowhatcanbeacceptedasfact.ThenwasBiffactuallyagreatfootballplayer?Didheactuallyhavegreatpotential?WecanacceptbothoftheseasactualfactsbecauselaterinCharley'soffice,BernarddiscussedBiff'sabilitiesandhisscholarships.WhenWillydoestelllies,weareusuallymadeawareofitwithinafewshortspeeches.

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3.WhenBiffpointsoutthatBernardislikedbutnotwell-liked,weseethatBiffisacceptingtotallyWilly'sphilosophyoflife.LaterhewillalsoacceptWilly'sideaofstealing.ThepointisthatBiffisacceptingtotallyWilly'ssetofvaluesandisnotdevelopingvaluesofhisown.Therefore,eventhoughBiffdidpossessgreatpotential,thesepotentialitiescouldnotdevelopunlessBiffdevelopedsomepositivevaluesofhisowninsteadofacceptingtotallyWilly'sfalsevalues.LaterwhenBifftriestoachieveadegreeofrecognitionandreality,heaccusesWillyofblowinghimsofullofhotairthathecouldn'tstandtotakeordersfromanyone;therefore,hestolehimselfoutofeveryjobheeverhad.

4.WelearninthisscenemoreaboutWilly'stheoryofpersonalattractivenessandbeingwell-liked''Becausethemanwhomakesanappearanceinthebusinessworld,themanwhocreatespersonalinterest,isthemanwhogetsahead."Unfortunately,thistheoryleadsWillyintothefallacyoftryingtosellhimselfinsteadofhiswares.ItreachesapointwhereWilly'sself-respectdependsonhisabilitytosellhimself.Andlateritispartlyhisfearofbeingnot-likedthatcauseshimtohavetheaffairwiththewomaninBoston.GiventhereforeWilly'sidea"Belikedandyouwillneverwant,"itisWilly'slossofrecognitionthatcauseshistragedy.Whenheisnolongerabletosellhimself,theworldismeaninglesstohim.

ActIScene5

Summary

Lindacomesintothescenecarryingabasketofwashing.Willytellstheboystotakeitfromher.Biffyellstosomeofhisfriendsinthebasementtosweepitoutandthenhecarriesoutthewashforhismother.ThenWillybeginstotellLindahowgreathewasontheroadandhowmuchhesold.LindabeginstofigureupthecommissionbutthenWillyhastocorrectthefigure.LindathentellsWillyhowmuchtheyowe,andWillyrealizesthattheyowemorethanhemade.Hewonderswhyitisthatpeoplejustdon'tseemtotaketohim.Lindatakesoutsomesilkstockingsandbeginstomendthem

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andassuresWillythatheiswell-liked.ButWillythinksthatCharleyisamanoffewwordsandpeoplerespecthim.Willyworriesabouthispersonalappearance,butLindaassureshimthatheisahandsomeman.SuddenlyawomanappearstoWillyandsheislaughingwhilesheisdressing.WillytellsLindafranticallythathegetssolonesomeontheroad.ButthewomanintrudesonWilly'sthoughtsasshesaysthatshepickedWillyoutbecauseWillyissuchajoker.AssheleavesshethanksWillyforthestockings.

Commentary

1.Noticethatwhentheboysarepolishingthecar,Willyreferstoitas''thegreatestcareverbuilt."ButwhenLindaremindshimlaterinthesamescenethatheowesforthecarburetor,hesays:"thatgoddamchevrolet,theyoughttoprohibitthemanufactureofthatcar."ThisisjustoneofmanyexamplesofhowWilly'smoodsshiftfromtheheightofecstasytothedepthsofdespair.

2.Andnoticethat,inbothillusionandreality,Willy'sliesdominatedhimeventhen.Inamomentofbragging,hesaidhemade1200grossinBostonandProvidence.ButwhenLindabeginstofigureupthecommission,hehastoconfessthathedidonlytwohundredgrossontheentiretrip.ThuseveninWilly'sillusions,hecan'tfacetherealitythatheisnotagoodsalesman.

3.EvenattimeswhenWillytriestofacerealityandsuggeststoLindathat"peopledon'tseemtotaketome"orthey"seemtolaughatme"or''Italktoomuch,"LindaistheretohelpreinforcetheillusionbytellingWillyhowwonderfulheis.Inotherwords,shecontributestothebuildingoftheillusionbyalsofailingtorecognizeWilly'slimitationsorbycoveringupforthem.

4.Anotherminormotifisbeguninthisscene.NotethatLindaalwaysappearsinscenesofthepastdarningstockings.InthesamesceneweseethatWillygivessilkstockingstothewomaninthehotelroom.InthenextscenewewillseethatWillyfeelsacertainamountofguiltaboutthis.

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5.WhileLindaistellingWillythatheisahandsomemanandthatfewmenareidolizedbytheirsonsthewayheis,thereappearsawomanonthestagedressing.Herethedramatistissubtlyusingtwotimeconceptsandjuxtaposingthem.ThescenewithLindaandtheboysactuallytakesplaceinthefallof1927justbeforethebigfootballgame.Buttheepisodewiththewomandidnotbeginuntilthefollowingspring.Butinhisreturnstothesetimes,Willygetsthechronologyofthepastallconfusedandoneeventintrudesuponanother.Thisisthenanillusionwithinanillusion.Andwiththewomanappearingonthestage,wehaveourfirstknowledgeofsomethinginWilly'sdarkpast.Wefindoutthatratherthanbeingpopular,Willygetsverylonesomeonhistripsawayfromhome.

ActIScene6

Summary

Assoonasthewomanintheabovescenetakesherstockingsandleaves,WillyreturnstotheillusionofthehappytimesandtellsLindathathewillmakeitalluptoher.HethennoticesthatLindaismendinghersilkstocking.Hetellsherthatherefusestoallowhertomendstockings.Sheputsthemup.BernardcomesinlookingforBifftostudy;Bernardsayshecan'tgiveBifftheanswers.WillygetsmadatBiffandthreatenstowhiphim.Butthensuddenlyhechangesandsaysthathedoesn'twantBifftobeawormlikeBernard,becauseBiffhasgotspiritandpersonality.Andasthelightsbegintoreturntothepresent,WillyassertsthathenevertoldBiffanythingbutdecentthings.

Commentary

1.EventhoughthetimereturnstoapointearlierthanwhenWillyfirstmetthewoman,inhisillusionhefeelstheguiltwhichextendsitselfbacktothisearliertime.Therefore,hepromisestomakeitalluptoLindaeventhoughatthistimehehasnotyetbeenunfaithful.Healsofeelsguiltyabouthermendingstockingseventhoughhehasnotyetgiventhewomananystockings.AndhefeelsantagonismtowardBiffbecauseBiffisnotstudyingmath.Thisantagonismisaresult

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ofBiff'shavinglaterfailedmathandhavingcometoBostonwherehefoundhisfatherwiththewoman.Therefore,confusingthetimesofthetwoillusions,WillyreturnstothetimebeforeBiffflunksmathandwantstopunishhimasawayofalleviatinghisownguiltforhavingbeendiscoveredwiththewomaninthehotel.Andthroughitall,Willyistormentedbythelaughterofthewomanwhichhehearsinthebackground.

2.Notice,however,thatwhenBernard,andmoreparticularlyLinda,begintocriticizeBiff,WillydoesanabruptturnandbeginstodefendBiff.WillywillallownooneelsetocriticizeBiff.

3.Attheendofthescenewhenthelightsaresignalingareturntothepresent,wehearWillydeclaringthathenevertoldBiff''anythingbutdecentthings.''Thisisparadoxical,becauseWillyreallybelievesthatheonlytoldBiffdecentthings.Heisincapableofseeingthroughthefalsityofhisownideasandthedestructivenatureofhisideas.

ActIScene7

Summary

Willyhasbeentalkingtohimself.HappycomesdownstairstocheckonWilly.ButWillyonlywonderswhyhedidnotgotoAlaskawithhisbrotherBenthattime.Thatwasamanwhoknewwhathewanted.Happysaysheisgoingtoretirehisdad,butWillythinksthatHappyisbeingridiculouseventhoughWillyadmitsthathecan'tdriveacar.CharleycomesinfromnextdoorandsendsHappyaway,andheandWillyplaycards.CharleyoffersWillyajob,butWillyrefuses.CharlesalsosuggeststhatWillyforgetaboutBiff,butWillyfeelsthathethenwon'thaveanythingtoremember.AsheandCharleyaretalking,BrotherBenappearstoWillyinanillusion.Benisinahurry.Willytalkstobothofthem,andCharleycan'tunderstand.WillyinsultsCharleyaboutthecardgameandCharleyleaves.

Commentary

1.TheBenmotifishereintroduced.BenwilldevelopasanidealwhichWillycouldneverobtain.Benwillalsobeseenas

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theantithesisofCharley,thepracticalsuccess.Benisthepersonwhowalkedintothejungleandcameoutrich.Thejungleheremeansfigurativelythejungleoflife.

2.WhenHappytellshisdadthatheisgoingtoretirehim,thisis,ofcourse,whatWillywants.Buthecannotbringhimselftoaskforhelpfromhisboysbecausehewillhavetothenrealizethattheyareincapableofhelpinghim.ItisherethatWillymentionsthatthewoodsareburning.ThisdevelopsintoWilly'smethodofsayingthatlifeisclosinginonhimandthathehasnoplacetoturnforhelp.

3.NotethatinalmosteverysceneinwhichCharleyappears,Willyinsultshiminsomesortofway.ThisisWilly'sdefensemechanismagainstCharleybecauseCharleystandsforeverythingthatisoppositetoWilly'sviewoflife.Charleyisnotwell-built,hehasnopersonalattractiveness,andheisnotadventurousandmostimportant,heisnotwell-liked.ButstillCharleyissuccessful.ThisiswhyWillycannotacceptajobfromCharley.Itwouldbeacompleterecognitionthathisideasinlifewerewrong.(Foradditionaldiscussiononthisaspect,seeCommentaryafterActII,Scene6.)

4.CharleytellsWillytoforgetaboutBiff.ButWillycan'tforgetabouthimbecausethenhewouldhavenothingtoremember.WillyhasmadeBiff'ssuccessthesolepurposeoflivingandlateritwillbethesolepurposeindying.WithoutthememoriesofBiffandthehopesforabetterfuture,Willy'sentireexistenceismeaningless.

5.NoticethatwhenBenarrives,heimmediatelylooksathiswatchandsaysthathehasonlyafewminutes.Ineveryscene,Benisinahurrytocatchatrainortocatchaboat.ThisemphasisontimeemphasizesWilly'sdilemma.TimeisactuallyrunningoutonWilly:hehasonlyashorttimeinwhichtoaccomplishsomethingbeforeitistoolate.

6.BenisWilly'sidealsuccessandfitsintoWilly'sideals.CharleyisthepracticalsuccesswhodoesnotconformtoWilly's

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viewsoflife.Therefore,whenBenappearsinanillusion,WillyisquiteanxioustogetridofCharleysothathecanindulgeinhisfavoritedaydream.

ActIScene8

Summary

AssoonasCharleyleaves,WillyturnshisattentiontoBenwhohasbeensomewhatpresentduringtheprecedingscene.Willy'sfirstquestiontoBenconcernsthewayinwhichBenmadeasuccess.ThenWillyasksabouttheirparents.WhenBiffandHappyappear,WillyasksBentorelatehowhemadeasuccess.Bensaysthathewentintothejunglewhenhewasseventeenandcameoutrichattwenty-one.Benthentellsabouttheirfather.Hewasamanwhomadehisownflutesandthenwentaboutthecountrysellingthem.BenwantstoshowhowtoughheisandasksBifftotrytohithiminthestomach.HesuddenlytripsBiffandtellsBifftoneverfightfairwithastranger''You'llnevergetoutofthejunglethatway."WillythensendstheboystotheneighboringconstructionprojecttosteallumbersoastoshowBenwhatfearless,ruggedcharactershissonsare.CharleycomesinandtellsWillythatthejailsarefulloffearlesscharacters:Bensaysthestockexchange,also.BenhastogoeventhoughWillypleadswithhimtostay.AsBenleavesheassuresWillythatBiffandHappyare"manlychaps."

Commentary

1.WiththeappearanceofBen,thereisanalmostfranticdriveonWilly'sparttofindoutthesecretofBen'ssuccessandtoprovetoBenthatBiffandHappyaremagnificentboys.Ben'ssecretissummedupinhisstatementthathewalkedintothejungleandcameoutrichattwenty-one.Thejungleheretakesonthesymbolicconnotationofbeingthejungleoflife,orthejungleofconfusion,orthejungleofdarkness.CertainlyanyqualitythatisassignedtothejungleisaqualitythatWillycannotovercome.Hehasfailedinthejungleoflifebecausehehasremainedinthejungleofconfusionbecauseofhisillusionsanddreamsandfindshimselfthereforetrappedinajungleofdarkness.

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2.ButnotethatBen'sphilosophyisaratherbrutalone.HetripstheyoungBiffandtellshimthatyoucanneverfightfairwithastrangerorelseyouwillnevergetoutofthejungle.

3.Inthisscenethemeaningoftheflutemotifbecomesclearer.WillyLomanisthesalesman;assuchhesellsonlythewaresthatotherpeoplemakeandthatsomeoneelseowns.Buthisfathercombinedallthreewithruggedindividualism.Hisfathermadehisownflutes,soldthemhimselfbytravelingthroughoutthecountryinawagon,andtookhisentirefamilywithhimwhereverhewent.ThisisjusttheoppositeofWillywhomustleavehisfamilyandtrytosellsomethingthatdoesnotbelongtohim.

4.WhenweseeWillysendhisboystostealsomelumber,wemustrealizethatthisexperiencecontributeslatertoBiff'sstealinghimselfoutofeveryjobthatheheld.ThisagainshowsWilly'sdistortionofvalues.

5.InBen'sandCharley'sreactiontothestealing,weseethattheyareindeedoppositeintheirviews.Charleyseesthepracticalaspectandsaysthatthejailsarefullofsuchfearlesscharacters.ButBenthinksofthedaringqualityandseesinthisactthesamequalitiesthatitwouldtaketomasterthestockexchange.

ActIScene9

Summary

LindacomesdownstairstocheckonWillywhoisstilltalkingtoBen.Willygoesoffforawalkeventhoughhewearshishouseslippers.BiffcomesinandaskshismotherwhatisthematterwithWilly.ShetellshimthatWillyisallrightuntilBiffwritesthatheiscominghome;then,asthetimeforBiff'sarrivalapproaches,Willybecomesmoreandmoreagitated.LindathentellsBiffthathecan'tcomehomeanymorejusttoseeher.HehastolearntorespectWillyorelseheistostayawaybecauseWillyisahumanbeingandisdeservingofattention.ShetellsBiffthatafterthirty-fouryears,thecompanyhasputWillybackonstraightcommission.Biffthinksthecompanyisungrateful,butLindatellshimthecompanyisnoworse

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thanBiffandHappy.WillyevengoestoCharleyandborrowsfiftydollarsaweek,tellingLindathatitishissalary.Biffrefusestotakealltheblameandaccuseshisfatherofbeingafake.Lindawonderswhy,butBiffdoesn'tsayanymore.LindatellsBiffthatWillyistryingtocommitsuicide.Lastmonthhehadacarwreck,andtheinsurancecompanyinvestigatedwhetherornotitwasintentional.Andthenlastmonth,shefoundarubberhoseattachedtothegaspipe.ShetellsBiffthatWilly'slifeisinhishands.Bifftriestosaythattheyallshouldbeinajobwheretheycanworkoutsideandwhistlewhentheywanttoandnotbeinapositionwherepeoplecanlaughatthem.

Commentary

1.NoticeonceagainthatWillycomplainsaboutbeingtoocrowdedorboxed-in.

2.NotethatwhenBiffisaway,Willyseemstofunctionsomewhatbetter.ButwhenBiffwritesthatheiscominghome,allofWilly'sdreamsbegintocloseinonhim.AndasthetimeofBiff'sarrivalapproaches,Willyisextremelydisturbedemotionally.ThereasonisthatallofWilly'sdreamsrevolvearoundhissonBiff.

3.InthissceneweseethatLindaistheeternalwifefigure.Eventhoughsheloveshersons,sherefusestoallowthemtobedisrespectfultoWilly.SheseesWillyasahumanbeingwhoisdeservingofrespectandattention.HerspeechesrepresentMiller'ssocialconscience.Whenshesays:''Attention,attentionmustbefinallypaidtosuchaperson,"itisalmostasthoughshestepsoutofherstagecharacterandbecomesthedramatistinpersonwhoispreachinghismessagetotheaudience.Inotherwords,allmen,howeverloworhigh,arestillhumanbeingsandarenottobediscardedintheiroldagesimplybecausetheirdaysofusefulnessareended.WhenBiffisupsetbecausethecompanyhasputWillyonstraightcommission,shepointsoutthatthecompanyisnoworsethanBiffandHappy.

4.BiffaccusesWillyofbeingafake.Asaresultofthehotelscenelaterintheplay,Biffhasneverbeenabletooverlook

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Willy'sfaults.Thus,atthispoint,BiffisstillfunctioningunderthefalsevaluesthatWillyinstilledinhimasayouth.Later,whenBiffbeginstoseehimselfrealistically,hisopinionofWillywillchange.Thereadershouldbereadytorespondtothistransitionlater.

Inthisscene,theideaofasuicideisfirstintroduced.SincetheplayendswithWilly'ssuicide,thisscenepreparesthereaderforit.Withouttheseearlierdiscussionsofsuicide,thereaderwouldnotbepreparedtoacceptrealisticallyaplaywhichsuddenlyendsinsuicide.Inotherwords,MillerispreparingthereadertobelieveandacceptWilly'ssuicideasaresultofcauseandeffect.AndLinda'sadmonitiontoBiff''IsweartoGod!Biff,hislifeisinyourhands!"becomesmorepoignantasweseeaparadoxicalreversalattheendoftheplay.Thatis,ifBiffhadnotlatertriedtomakehisfatherseerealityandtoseethathe[Biff]isnogood,Willymightnothavecommittedsuicide.ButactuallyBiff'sbreakdownwherehecriesonhisfather'sshoulderisthefinalmotivatingcauseforWilly'ssuicide.

ActIScene10

Summary

AsthelastsceneendedwithBiffmaintainingthattheyallshouldhaveworkedintheopen,Willyreentersandsaysanyoneshouldbebetterthanacarpenter.BiffandWillybegintoargueuntilHappytellsWillythatBiffisgoingtoseeBillOliver.WillygetsexcitedovertheideaandHappyevensuggeststhattheyformtwoLomanbrothersteamsandcompeteagainsteachotherforpublicity.Willyfeelsthattheycouldlicktheworldtogether.HetellsBifftowearadarksuittoseeOliverandtotalkaslittleaspossibleandnottotellanyjokes.BiffsaysthathewillaskfortenthousandandWillytellshimnottostartoutsolittle.Askforfifteenhesaysbecauseifyoustartoutbigyouendupbig,andbeginwithacoupleofjokesbecause"personality"alwayswinstheday.Lindatriestosaysomething,butWillyyellsather.Biffresentsthis,andheandWillyargueagain.Willyleaves,andBiffthinksthatwithtenthousandbuckshecouldreallydogreatthings.

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Commentary

1.Atthebeginningofthisscene,notethatWillythinkscarpentryistoogoodfortheLomans.Butinactuality,thethingsWillydoes,ofwhichheismostproud,involvecarpentryofsometype.

2.Notethatallthroughthisscene,thereisanundercurrentofconflict.FirstWillytellsBiffnottocurseinthishouse.ThenBiffhitsbackbywantingtoknowwhenWillygotsoclean?ThisisanotherreferencetoBiff'sdiscoveryintheBostonhotelroom.Thenalittlelater,asBiffandWillyarediscussingBiff'splanstoseeOliver,Lindathrowsinaninfrequentremark.Eachtimeshesayssomething,Willyyellsathertostopinterrupting.FinallyBiffcantakenomore,andhedemandsthatWillynot''yellather."OnthisnoteWillyleaves.ThisconflictoverLindagoesbacktotheBostonhotelroom.FirstBifffeelsthathismotherwasbetrayedbythisscene,andhehasresentediteversince.HeholdsthisinformationoverWilly'sheadandreferstoitwhenhesays"whendidyougetsoclean."ButwhydoesWillyresentLinda'scomments?Subconsciously,WillyfeelsthatBiff'srejectionofhimisdirectlycorrelatedwithLinda.Andwhenheiswithhisboys,hefeelsthatanythingLindasayswillleadtohisalienationfromhisboys.Therefore,hesubconsciouslytakesouthisownsenseofguiltbyyellingathiswife.

3.WhenBifffirstbeginstotellabouthisdreams,WillybecomesinterestedandbeginstogiveBiffsomerealisticadvice.Hetellshimtowearabusinesssuitandtotalkaslittleaspossible.Healsoadviseshimnottojoke.Inotherwords,WillyisbeingrealisticandistellingBiffnottobelikeWillyLoman,buttoconducthimselfasCharleywould.Butthen,inonlytwomorespeeches,Willy'sdreamsandideasbegintoovertakehim;hecontradictshimselfbysayingtostartoffwithacoupleofjokesbecausepersonalityisthemostimportantthing.Inotherwords,asWillygetsfurtherinvolvedinhisdreams,hetellsBifftobeanother"WillyLoman."

4.NoticethatintheenvironsofWillyLoman,evenBiffbecomesenthusiasticoverhispossibilities.Heforgets

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temporarilyallofthebrutalrealisticrejectionsofthelastfourteenyearsandtemporarilybelievesthatOliverwilllendhimthisfantasticsum.

ActIScene11

Summary

LindahasfollowedWillyuptothebedroom.LindaremindsWillyoftheplumbing.Hefeelsthatsuddenlyeverythingisfallingtopieces.BiffandHappycomeintosaygoodnight.WillygivesBiffmoreadviceaboutwhattodointheinterviewwithOliver,andremindsBiffthathehasgreatnessinhim.WhileWillyisreminiscingaboutBiff'smagnificence,Biffgoesdowntothekitchenandremovestherubbertubing.

Commentary

1.WillyhasjusthadanargumentwithBiff.Therefore,whenLindasaystheplumbingneedsrepair,Willyfeelsthateverythingisfallingtopieces.

2.NotethatwhenBiffdropsbytosaygoodnight,Willyiscompletelyimmersedinhisdreams.HefillsBiffsofullofhisowngreatnessthatevenBiffbelievestemporarilythatheisactuallygreat.ButasBiffleaves,WillyreturnstothegreatfootballgameandcanonlythinkofBiff'sgreatnessduringthattime.

3.NotethatHappystillfeelsovershadowedbyBiffandtriestogethisparents'attentionbysaying''I'mgonnagetmarried."Thisstatementinthepresentreplacesthephraseintheillusion:"I'mlosingweight."Bothfunctionasamethodofattractingattention.

4.ButnotethatthefirstactendsonthethoughtofsuicidebyBiff'stakingtherubberhosefromthehotwatertank.ThisisanotherreminderofsuicidewhichhelpstopreparethereaderforWilly'sfinalact.

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ActIIScene1

Summary

WillysleepslatethenextmorningandarisestofindthatBiffhasalreadylefttoseeBillOliver.Willyfeelssogoodthathethinksofbuyingsomeseedstoseeiftheywillgrowinthebackyard.Infact,heisalsodeterminedtotellHowardthatheneedsaNewYorkjob.AsWillyisabouttoleave,Lindaremindshimofthebillstheyowe;thecarandtherefrigeratorbothhaverepairbills.Butthisisthelastpaymentonthemortgageandthenthehousebelongstothem.AsWillyisabouttoleave,LindatellshimthatheissupposedtomeetBiffandHappyfordinner.Henoticesthatsheismendingstockings,andheaskshertostop.AsWillyleaves,LindatalkstoBiffonthetelephoneandtellshimhowhappyWillywasthismorning.

Commentary

1.Notethat,aswithclassicaltragedy,thisdramabecomesveryhopefulinthemiddle.Thereisanairofhopeandjoyahappinessthatmakesthetragedyinthelastpartoftheactseemmorehorrible.Inotherwords,ittakessoverylittletomakeWillyhappy.

2.Noticetheseedmotifrecurringinthisscene.ThereisinWillyastrongneedtocreatesomething,toleavesomethingmaterialsomethingthat,asBensays,onecanseeandtouch.

3.Thedebtmotifisemphasizedhereratherstrongly.Thecarandtherefrigeratorhavebothneededrepairs.Willyparticularlyresentstherefrigeratorbecauseheboughtanoff-brand;Charley,ontheotherhand,boughtawell-advertisedbrandandhasneverhadtohaveanyrepairsonhis.WhenWillycursesCharley,itishisrecognitionthatCharleyisoppositetohiminallways.Butthedebtmotifisemphasizeddirectlyinthestatement:''Theytimethosethings.Theytimethemsowhenyoufinallypaidforthem,they'reusedup.''Thisis,inessence,Willy'slifealso.ThedebtsareusedsymbolicallytosuggestthatallaspectsoflifeareclosinginonWilly.Thismotifisbroughttoanendherewiththediscussionof

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themortgageonthehouse.Thisisthelastpayment,andthenthehousewillbelongtothem.ButwefindoutinthelastscenethatbynowWillyisalsousedup.Hewillbedeadwhenitisallfinallypaidfor.

4.AgainWilly'sobjectiontoLinda'smendingherstockingsrevolvesaroundtheguilthefeelsforgivingthewomaninBostonsomesilkstockings.

ActIIScene2

Summary

WhileLindawastalkingonthephone,thelightsgraduallyfadeonherandcomeuponanofficescene.Howardislisteningtoataperecordingofhisfamilyspeaking.HetellsWillyabouttheadvantagesofhavingataperecorder.AssoonasWillyhastheopportunity,heremindsHowardthathehadpromisedhimajobinNewYork.HowardtellsWillythathecouldn'tfindaplace.Willypleads,sayingthathewouldneedonlyafewdollarsaweektogetby.HeremindsHowardthatformanyyearshehasbeenwiththefirmandthatHoward'sfatherhadmadepromisestohim.WillytellsHowardthestoryaboutDaveSinglemanwhowasawell-lovedsalesman;whenDaveSinglemandiedateighty-four,peoplefromalloverthecountrycametohisfuneral.Willysaysthatheaveragedahundredandseventydollarsaweekin1928,butHowardtellshimthatWillyneveraveragedsomuch.Willygetsangryandloud,andHowardleaves;hetellsWillyto''pullyourselftogether."WhileHowardisgone,Willyaccidentallyturnsonthetaperecorder.WhenHowardcomesbackin,WillyvolunteerstogobacktoBoston.HowardthentellsWillythathecan'trepresentthefirmanymoreandsuggeststoWillythathegetsomehelpfromhissons.HowardleavesandtellsWillytobringhissamplecasesbysoon.

Commentary

1.Willy'sidealdreamisexpressedthroughthecharacterofDaveSingleman.ThisiswhatWillywouldhavelikedtohavebeensopopularthathecouldgointoanytownandpickupaphoneandplacemanyorders,andwhenhediedtohavebuyersandsalesmenfromalloverthecountrycomingtohis

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funeral.ButthenWilly,attheendofthenarration,mentionsthatpeoplejustdon'tseemtoknowhimanymore;thus,Willycanneverachievethestatushedreamsof.

2.AsHowardmaintainsthat''businessisbusiness,''Willytriesdesperatelytoinvokehisviewsofpersonalityandpromisesofthepast.Howard'sviewiscompletelyoppositetoWilly's,andthepathosoftheAmericansalesmanisbroughtouthereinWilly'scomment:"Youcan'teattheorangeandthrowthepeelawayamanisnotapieceoffruit."ButthisisexactlywhatishappeningtoWilly.GiventhefactthatWillywasneveratopsalesman,itisindeedpatheticthathiscompanycanopenlyfirehimathisage.

3.ThepathosofthesituationisthatWillyistrappedinhisownliesandillusions.Hetriestomaintainthathemademuchmoreincommissionsthanheeverdid;andhehastoldsomanypeopleaboutwhatfineboyshehasthatnowHowardsuggeststhathegotohisboysforhelp.Willycan'tsaythathisboysarenotgood,butthenhealsoknowsthathecan'tgotothemforhelp.Therefore,Willyiscompletelytrappedbyhisownpast.

ActIIScene3

Summary

AssoonasWillyisleftalone,Benappearstohim.WillyasksBenagainfortheanswers,butBenisinahurry.BenoffersWillyajobinAlaska,butLindaremindsWillywhatagoodpositionhehasandthatoldmanWagnerpromisedhimapartnership.WillytellsBenthatheisbuildingsomethinghere,butBenaskshimto"Layyourhandonit."Willytellshimitiscontactsandpersonality,andBenabruptlyleavesasWillyshoutshewillconquertheworldhere.

Commentary

1.JustasWillyhasbeenfiredandisatthegreatestdepthofdepression,Benappears.ToBenthen,Willyisabletoasserthisoldviewsofbeingwell-liked.

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2.ThissceneistremendouslyironicandpatheticwhenviewedagainsttheprecedingscenewhereWillywasfired.Inthisflashback,weseeBenofferingWillyagreatopportunityinAlaska,butLindaremindsWillyhowwellheisdoingwiththeWagnerfirmandthatoldmanWagnerhaspromisedhimamembershipinthefirm.Thus,eveninthepast,Willywasunabletotakeadvantageofagoldenopportunitybecausehegottrappedinhisownlies.Thatis,WillyhadapparentlytoldLindamanyliesabouthowimportantheisinthefirm.ThuswhenWillyreceivesanoffer,hecan'tgobecausesheremindshimofhislies.

3.Willy'sneedtogrowsomethinginthebackyardiscorrelatedtoBen'squestion:''Whatareyoubuilding?Layyourhandonit."ButWillyhasnothingthathecanactuallytouch,andsohetriestogrowthingsinthebackyard.

4.WhenWillytriestomakeBenseethatitiscontactsandpersonalitythatcount,that"amancanendwithdiamondsonthebasisofbeingliked,"Bensimplyleaves.Butasheleaves,WillyshoutsthatheisgoingtoconquerthecontinentbyremaininginNewYork.Again,inviewofWilly'sbeingfired,thisboastringsexceptionallyemptyandpathetic.

ActIIScene4

Summary

AsBenleaves,theyoungBernardrushesin.EveryoneisinarushtogotoEbbetsFieldwhereBiffplayshisgreatfootballgame.Astheyareleaving,Charleyappearsandwantstoknowwhereeveryoneisgoing.HewantstoshootsomeCasino,butWillyisaghastthatCharleydoesn'tknowthatthisisthedayforBiff'sgreatgame.CharleytriestokidWilly,butWillygetsmad.Bythetimeheleaves,WillyisfuriouswithCharley.

Commentary

1.ThisshortsceneshowsWilly'semotionalimmaturity.Hehasplacedtoomuchvalueonthisoneparticulargameandisactingratherchildishaboutit.AndWilly'slackof

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perceptivenessismagnifiedbycomparisonwithCharley'scalmnessandrationalapproachtolife.

2.NotethatCharleyasksWilly:''Willy,whenareyougoingtogrowup."Allthroughtheplay,CharleyseesthatWillyisemotionallyimmature,andthisisreflectedinotherscenesbyWilly'srefusaltoworkforCharley.

ActIIScene5

Summary

WhileWillyhasbeenthinkingaboutthesepastevents,hehasbeenwalkingtoCharley'soffice.NowhehasarrivedandCharley'ssecretarycomesoutandtellsBernardthatWillyisoutsidetalkingtohimself.BernardgoesouttoseeWilly.ImmediatelyWillynoticesthatBernardiscarryinghisowntennisrackets,andthatBernardistoplayonsomeprivatecourts.WillyisimpressedandtellshimthatBiffisintownworkingonaverybigdeal.ButthenWillyasksBernardforthesecret.Hedoesn'tunderstandwhyBiffisstillnothing.BernardtriestogetWillytoexplainwhathappenedafterthatsummerwhenBiffflunkedmath.HeremembersthatBiffwenttoBostonandwhenBiffcameback,thetwoboysfoughteachotherforalongtimeandtheyhadnoreasontofight.WillysuddenlybecomesveryangrywithBernardandtellshimnottotalklikethat.

Commentary

1.Thereadershouldseethissceneagainsttheprecedingscene.Inthelastscene,WillywasbecomingangrywithCharley,andattheheightofWilly'sanger,hearrivesatCharley'sofficetoborrowmoney.

2.WhereasBiffwasthepopularathleteasayoungster,itisnowironicthatitisBernardwhoisseenasthesportsman.

3.EventhoughWillyseeksBernard'sadviceaboutwhathappenedwithBiff,assoonasBernardmentionsBiff'striptoBoston,WillybecomesdefensiveandyellsangrilyatBernard.HeaccusesBernardoftryingtolaytheblameonhim.ThisisWilly'sdefensemechanismforhisguiltovertheBostonaffair.

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ActIIScene6

Summary

Charleycomesin,sendsBernardofftothetrainandtellsWillythatBernardisgoingtoargueacasebeforetheSupremeCourt.AfterBernardleaves,WillyasksCharleyforalittlemoremoneythistimebecausehehastopayhisinsurance.CharleyoffersWillyajob,butWillykeepsinsistingthathehasajob.ThenWillyconfessesthathewasjustfired,eventhoughhenamedHoward.CharleytellsWillythatthingssuchasbeingwell-likedarenotimportant,andheoffersWillyajobagain,butWillysayshecan'tworkforCharley.CharleythengivesWillythemoneyandasWillyisabouttoleavehetellsCharleythatamanendsupworthmoredeadthanalive.WillythenconfessesthatCharleyisactuallyhisonlyfriend.

Commentary

1.ThecontrastbetweenBernardandBiffisstrengthenedaswecasuallyfindoutthatBernardisgoingtoargueacasebeforetheSupremeCourt.ThisissomethingWillywouldhavebraggedabout,butBernarddoesn'tevenmentionitbecause,asCharleysays,hedoesn'thavetobecauseheis''gonnadoit."

2.Notetheprogressioninthisscene.ItopenswithCharleyofferingWillyajobbutWillyrefusesbecause,ashesays,hehasajob.Theninaslightargument,CharleyasksWillyagain:"Whenthehellareyougoingtogrowup."SuddenlyWillywantstofight.WhenCharleyaskshimhowmuchheneeds,Willyconfessesthathehasbeenfired.ButWillystillrefusestoworkforCharley.ThereadershouldrememberthatCharleyhasaskedWillyinthelastflashbackwhenheisgoingtogrowup.ThisremarkofcoursemakesWillyfightingmadbecauseCharleysaidthesamethingwhentheywereleavingforthefootballgame.

3.Thenwhycan'tWillyworkforCharley?Charleyisnotwell-liked,heisnotpersonallyattractive,andhetakesnoexcessiveinterestinhisson.Inotherwords,CharleyisjusttheoppositeofeverythingthatWillystandsfor.Towork

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forCharleywouldbeacompleterecognitionforWillythathislifeisafailure.

4.NotethatCharleyattackstheveryessenceofWilly'sphilosophywhenhementionsthatnobodylikesJ.P.MorganinaTurkishbath.Butwithmoney,amancanbeverywell-liked.ItisbecauseofthesewidelydifferentviewsthatWillycan'tworkforCharley.

5.Notethatsuicideisagainsuggestedhere.Thistime,Willyhimselfsaysthatamanisworthmoredeadthanalive.Heis,ofcourse,thinkingofhisinsurancepolicy.

6.WillyhasalwaysthoughtofCharleyasbeinghisenemy.Butsuddenly,herealizesthatCharleyistheonlypersonthathecouldborrowmoneyfromandthatCharleyistheonlyfriendhehas.Hethensays,''Isn'tthatremarkable."Itreallyisn'tremarkableexceptinthetermsthatWillyalwaysthoughtotherwise;nowforthefirsttime,Willyseesthetruth.PerhapsitisremarkableforWillytoseethetruth.

ActIIScene7

Summary

HappyarrivesattherestaurantwhereheistomeetBiffandWillyfordinner.Heordersthemealandthenbeginsflirtingwithagirlwhojustwalkedin.Biffarrives,andHappytellsthegirltoseeifshecangetafriendtojointhem.Whenthegirlleaves,BifftriestoexplaintoHappythatheneedshelpbecausehewantstoexplainthingsdirectlytoWilly.

BiffexplainshowhehadtowaitalldaytoseeOliver,andthenOliverdidn'trememberhim.FinallyBiffrealizeswhataridiculousliehiswholelifehasbeen,andhewantstoexplaintoWillyhowhestoleOliver'sfountainpenthatdayandhowhehadearlierstolenacartonofbasketballs;butHappysuggeststhatBifftellWillysomethingniceratherthanthetruth.

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Commentary

1.NotehowhappyandirresponsibleHappyis.Biffisattemptingtocometosomeunderstandingwithhislife,butHappyismoreinterestedinlivingonlyforthemoment.

2.ThissceneisarevelationforBiff.Whenhesays,''Whataridiculousliemywholelifehasbeen,"therealizationsuggeststhatBiffwaskeptwaitingtheentiredayinordertoseeOliverandthenOliverdidn'tevenrememberhim.ThefactthatBifffeltslighted,thefactthathehadalwaysstolenwhenhefeltneglected,andthepanicofseeinghimselfforwhatheactuallyis,causedBifftostealthefountainpen.ThereadershouldrememberthatearlierWillyhadinducedBifftostealsoastoshowBenwhatafearlesscharacterhewas.

3.NotethatitisHappywhoopposestellingthetruth.HewantsBifftotellWillyanicestoryandtheneverythingwillbeallright.

ActIIScene8

Summary

WillyjoinsBiffandHappyintherestaurant.WillyisanxioustohearaboutBiff'sinterview,butBifftriestomakeWillyunderstandthathewasonlyashippingclerk.HewantsWillytostickstrictlywiththefacts.ButWillyisnotinterestedinfacts;instead,hetellstheboyshewantstohearsomethinggoodbecausehewasfiredduringtheday.Biffcan'tbelievethatthecompanywouldfireWilly.WillykeepshelpingBifftellabouttheintervieweventhoughBiffwantstotelladifferentstory.WillyprojectshowOliverrememberedBiffafteralltheseyearsandhowOliverthrewhisarmaroundBiff.SuddenlyBiffcriesoutthathecan'ttalktoWilly.

Commentary

1.BiffattemptsthroughoutthisentirescenetomakeWillylookattherealisticfactsandtocomeoutofhisworldofdreams.First,BifftriestomakeWillyadmitthatBiffhadneverworkedasasalesmanwithOliver.ThisisBiff'sattempttocommunicatewithhisfather,butheisaboutto

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despairattheendofthescenebecausehecan'tgetnearWillyandcan'ttalktohim.Thatis,WillylivessomuchinaworldofillusionsthatBiff,whoistryingtoseeliferealistically,cannolongercommunicatewithWilly.(ConsultthesectiononMotifforfurtherdiscussion.)

2.Notethefurtherdevelopmentinthemotifofthewoodsburning.Willyhasjustbeenfiredandthingsarereallybeginningtocloseinuponhim.ThisisthebigworldofthejunglethatWillywasneverabletoconquer,andnowthisworldisrepresentedintheimageofthe''woodsareburning."(ConsultalsotheMOTIFSectionforfurtherdiscussionofthismotif.)

ActIIScene9

Summary

WhileBiffistryingtotalktohisfather,theyoungBernardappearsinWilly'smindandcallsforBifftocomeandstudymath.ThisremindsWillythatBiffhadflunkedmath.SuddenlyheaccusesBiffofflunkingmath,andBiffcan'tunderstandwhatWillyistalkingabout.BiffisdeterminedtotellWillywhatactuallyhappened,butWillycloseshismindtoBiff'stalkingandcanonlyhearLindaandBernarddiscussingBiff'sfailureinmath.Suddenly,WillyrealizesthatBiffistellinghowhestoleBillOliver'sfountainpen.BiffpromisestofindsomethingelseandsaystoWilly:"TalktomeDad."ButWillyhearsanoperator'svoicepaginghim,andhebecomesfrantic.BiffremindsWillyandHappythathestoleacartonofbasketballsfromOliveralongtimeago.WhenBifftellsWillythathehasnoappointmentwithOliverandthathecan'tgoback,WillythinksthatBiffisspitinghim.ButBifftriestoshowWillythathe[Biff]isnogood.ThegirlsHappypickedupreturn.Aboutthistime,Willyhearsawoman'svoiceaskinghimtoopenthedoor.ThisfrightensWilly,andheleavestogotothebathroom.Happyisreadytoleavewiththegirls,butBiffthinksthatHappyshouldstayandhelpWillybecauseitisimpossibleforBifftotalktoWilly.WhenBiffleaves,HappytakesthegirlsandfollowsBiff.

Commentary

1.Inthebeginningofthisscene,theideaofonefailure(Biff'sfailuretoseeOliver)leadsWillytorememberanotherfailure

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(Biff'sfailureinmath).Actually,hadBiffnotfailedmath,hewouldhavenevercometoBostonanddiscoveredWillyintheroom.Thus,WillyblamesthehoteldiscoveryonthefactthatBifffailedmath.''Ifyouhadn'tflunked,you'd'vebeensetbynow!"ThismightbepartiallytruebecauseBiffwouldhavegoneofftotheUniversity,butitisinevitablethatwithhisvalues,Biffwouldeventuallyhavebecomealostperson.

2.ThisscenebeginstoshowtheendresultofthesetofvaluesBifflearnedfromWilly.Whereasearlier,WillyhadsentBiffouttosteallumber,now,histheftisofamostseriousnatureandisaidingBifftocometosomerealisticunderstandingabouthimself.(ConsultthemotifonstealinginthesectiononMOTIFS.)

3.NoticethroughouttheselastsectionsBiff'sinabilitytocommunicatewithWilly;hisfailuretoreachWillyincreaseshisdesiretoforcerealityuponWillyandultimatelyleadstoadirectconfrontationbetweenthetwointhenextscene.

4.AsBifftellshisstory,notehowWilly'sdreamscomeandcompletelydrownoutBiff'srealistictalk.Willysimplydoesnotwishtofacerealityandcloseshismindtoit.HefeelsthatBiffisspitinghimbecauseBiffrefusestodoasWillywantshimto.

5.ThereadershouldrememberthattheclimaxorbreakinWillyandBiff'srelationshipcameasaresultofthewomaninWilly'sroominBoston.Sointhisscene,asthingsbegintocloseinonWilly,thisunpleasantscenealsointrudesitselfuponWilly'smind.Willy'slifeclosinginuponhimissymbolicallyrepresentedbytheurgencyoftheknocksonthedoor.

6.NoticethatBifftellsthepickup,MissForsythe,thatWillyisaprince."Afine,troubledprince.Ahard-workingunappreciatedprince.Apal,youunderstand?Agoodcompanion.Alwaysforhisboys."WhydoesthischangeoccurinBiff?Previouslyduringtheplay,wehaveseenthattherewasa

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strugglebetweenWillyandBiff.Biffhasreferredseveraltimestohisfatherasbeingafake,butsuddenlyheseemstochangehismind.

ThereasonisthatearlierBiffhadbeenfunctioningunderWilly'sinfluenceandhadnovaluesforhimself.WhenhelivesinWilly'sworldofillusions,hehadtofunctionaccordingtothesevalues;butnowforthefirsttime,Biffistryingtoseerealvalues.Henowapproachesreality,andashedoessohecanofferarealisticevaluationofWilly.WhenBifflooksrealisticallyatWilly,heapparentlyseesthatWillyhaslotsoffaultsandlotsofvalues.

7.ThisrealizationmakesBiffpleadwithHappytohelphimreachWilly.BiffaccusesHappyofnotcaringforWilly.ThenBiffleavesbecauseheknowsthathecan'treachWilly.

8.NotethatHappydenieshisfather.HesaysofWilly:''No,that'snotmyfather.He'sjustaguy.''Thisseemslikeabrutalrejection,butwemustrememberthatallthroughtheplay,HappyhasbeentherejectedsonandhehasalwayshadtoliveintheshadowofBiff'sgreatness.Inonesenseoftheword,thisistherejectedsonwhoisrejectingthefathernow.

ActIIScene10

Summary

AfterBiffandHappyleave,thelightscomeuponWillywhoiswithawomaninahotelroominBoston.SheistellingWillyhowheruinedher.Thenknockingisheardatthedoor,andWillyrefusestoanswerit.Astheknockingcontinues,Willytellsthewomantostayinthebathroomandnottocomeout.BiffisatthedoorandhetellsWillythathehasflunkedmath.BifftellshimthatBernardtriedtogivehimtheanswers,buthestilllackedfourpoints.Heflunkedbecausetheclasscamerightbeforefootballpractice;also,onceBiffwascaughtbyhisteacherimitatingtheteacherinfrontoftheclass.BiffshowsWillytheimitationandtheybothlaugh.Thewomanhearsthelaughterandcomesout.Willygetsheroutoftheroomasquicklyaspossible,butnotbeforethewomandemandsthe

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stockingsthatWillypromisedher.Willytriestoexplain,butBiffwon'tlisten.HeaccusesWillyofgivingaway''mama'sstockings"andtellsWillythatheisaliarandafake.WillyisdemandingthatBiffobeyhimwhensuddenlyStanley,thewaiter,comesinandtellsWillythatHappyandBiffhaveleftwiththegirls.Willyasksifthereisaseedstoreintheneighborhoodandthenleavestolookforsomeseeds.

Commentary

1.AsforBiffandWilly'srelationship,thisistheclimacticsceneintheplay.Wehavepreviouslyhadnumeroushintsofthisscene.Wehaveheardthewomanlaughing,wehaveseenWilly'sguiltoverLindamendingherownstockings,andwehaveheardBiffaccusehisfatherofbeingafake.ThusMillerhaspreparedthereaderandhasbuilttowardthisparticularscene.AndthescenecomesatatimewhenWillyhasjustbeenfiredandwhenhefindsoutthatBiffhasstolenOliver'spenandhasnoappointmentwithOliver.ThusalltheserecentfailuresbringbacktoWillytheonesceneinhispastwhichmostrepresentshisfailureorbreakwithBiff.

2.ThissceneisalsothebeginningofBiff'strouble.Previoustothisscene,Biff'svalueswerethoseinstilledintohimbyWilly.Biffhasnovaluesofhisowntorelyupon.Therefore,whenheseeshisfatherforwhathereallyisthatis,whenheseesWillyrealisticallyratherthanidealisticallyBiffseesthatWilly'svaluesarefalse.ThisshouldbethetimethatBiffrejectshisfather'svaluesandassertshisown.ButthetroubleisthatBiffhasnovaluesindependentofhisfather.ThushebecomesthelostindividualinthathenowrejectsWilly'sfalsevaluesbuthasnoneofhisowntoadhereto.

3.Willy'sneedtoplantsomethingishereparamount.Hehasvirtuallyseenhisentireworldcrumblearoundhimandhehasnothingtoleavehissons."Idon'thaveathingintheground."Thuswiththeworldclosinginonhim,Willyfeelsthestrongneedtohavesomethingtangiblethathecanleave.

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ActIIScene11

Summary

Laterthatnight,BiffandHappyarrivehomewithsomeflowersforLinda.Shethrowsthemonthefloorandtellshersonsthattheywouldn'ttreatastrangerthewaytheytreatedtheirownfather.Happytriestosaythattheyallhadagoodtimetogether,butBiffstopshim.HeagreeswithLindathatheisthescumoftheearthandhewantstotalktoWilly,butLindawon'ttellhimwhereWillyis.SuddenlyBiffhearsanoiseoutsideandLindatellshimthatWillyisplantinghisgarden.

Commentary

1.Inthisscene,weseethatBiffhasnowrealizedthatheisthescumoftheearth.ButhewantsWillytorealizethesamething.Bifffeelsthatiftheycouldlookateachotherhonestly,thentheycouldbothmakealifeforthemselves.

2.NoticethatHappycannottellthetruth.Hetriestomaintainthattheyallhadagoodtimeeventhougheveryoneknowsheislying.

ActIIScene12

Summary

ThelightcomesuponWillywhoisplantinghisgardenandtalkingtoBenabouta''guaranteedtwentythousand-dollarproposition.''Benwondersiftheinsurancecompanywillhonorthepolicy,andifitisnotacowardlythingorifBiffwon'thatehim.Willyanswersthatthecompanywillhavetopayoffanditwouldbemorecowardlyto"standheretherestofmyliferingingupazero."Benagreesthattwentythousandissomethingyoucanfeelwiththehand.

AndforWilly,therewillbesomanypeoplefromalloverNewEnglandwhowouldcometothefuneralthatthenBiffwouldhavetorespecthimandwouldnolongerdothingsjustoutofspite.Bensaysthathewillthinkabouttheproposition.

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Commentary

NoticethatWillythinksBiffhasbeenspitinghimallhislife.HethinksthatifBiffseesthenumberofpeopleatthefuneral,thenBiffwillonceagainrespectWilly.Andatthesametime,Biffwillhavetwentythousandinhispocketandwiththatsumhecouldbemagnificent.Thus,Willy'stalkingtoBenservestoconvincehimselfthathehasfinishedhislife.WhereelsecanamanWilly'sagegowhenhehaslosthisjob?Soinsteadofringingupmorezeroes,Willydecidesonsuicide,butthedecisionisnotyetdefinite.

ActIIScene13

Summary

BiffcomesouttoWillyandtellshimthatheisleavingandwon'tcomeback.WillytriestotalktohimaboutOliver.BiffexplainsthathemustgoandwantsWillytocomeinthehouseandhelphimtellLinda.ButWillyrefusestoshakehandsandwarnsBiffthatheiscuttingdownhislifeforspite.BiffbecomesangryandconfrontsWillywiththerubberhose;hetellsWillythatitisnowtimetheytoldthetruth.Hetellshimthathehasstolenhimselfout''ofeverygoodjobsincehighschool,"andthatheisnolongerbringinghomeanyprizes.Allhewantstodoistodiscoverwhohereallyis.WillytriestotellBiffhowgreatBiffis.ButBiffbecomesfrustratedtryingtomakeWillyunderstandthetruth.AllhewantsisforWillytounderstandthathe(Biff)isnotactingforspiteandisnotworththetrouble.BiffhasreachedsuchapeakoffurythatsuddenlyhebreaksdownandsobsandasksWillytoburnthatphonydream.

Commentary

1.Notethatwenowseethetheftmotifatitsclimax.WhenBifftriestounderstandhimself,heseesfinallythathistheftsareconnectedwithWilly'sphilosophyofbeingwell-liked.AsBiffsays:"YoublewmesofullofhotairIcouldneverstandtakingordersfromanybody."ThusthismotifofstealingisbroughttoadramaticclimaxbythefountainpenepisodewhichprovokesBiff'spresentattempttounderstandhimself.

2.AsBiffcomestoarealizationabouthimself,heisalsoabletolookathisfatherrealistically.HethenseesthatWillyis

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justa''hard-workingdrummer"andheseesthatheis"nothing!I'mnothing."Inotherwords,asBiffunderstandshimself,healsounderstandsWillyandnolongerseesWillythroughthecoloredillusionscreatedearlierbyWilly.Infact,heevenunderstandsWilly'sdreamsandtriestogetWillyto''takethatphonydreamandburnitbeforesomethinghappens."ItisasthoughBiffknowsthatWilly'sdreamisbringinghimtothevergeofdisaster.

3.ThisistheclimacticscenethatworksironicallytoconvinceWillyofBiff'sgreatness.BiffisnowtryingtomakeWillyfacereality.TheironyofthepassageisthatBiff'sattempttomakeWillyseethroughthephonydreamsonlyservestoconvinceWillythathisdreamsareright.Thatis,Biff'sstruggletofacerealityhaslefthimexhaustedandspent:asheends,hesimplybreaksdownandsobsonWilly.ButWilly,inturn,seesthisonlyasasignthatBiffneedshimandthusWillyisoncemoreinhisworldofillusion.ThissenseofbeingneededthegivesWillysufficientmotivationtocommitsuicidebecausenowhefeelsthathewillbeleavingsomethingforBiff.

ActIIScene14

Summary

WillyisastonishedthatBiffhasturnedtohimandcried.HehasthoughtforsolongthatBiffwasspitinghimandwasintentionallyhateful.WillynowthinksthatBiffwillbemagnificent.HeturnstoBen,whohasjustreappeared,andBenconfirmsWilly'sopinion.AfterHappyandLindatotobed,WillytalksoverthepropositionwithBen,andtheyagreethatitisagoodidea,butBenkeepsremindingWillythatitis"Time,William,time."WillybeginstogoquietlytowardtheoutsideandtalkstoBiffabouthowheshouldplayfootball.Lindacalls,andthenacarishearddrivingoffatfullspeed.

Commentary

1.Attheendofthelastscene,BiffhadtriedtomakeWillyseethroughhisphonydreams.Butaswehaveseenearlier,Willyonlyseesandhearswhathewantsto.

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2.NoticethattwiceWillymentionsthatBiffloveshimandthatWillythinks''Isn'tthataremarkablething."WillyhadconceivedofBiff'sactionsasbeingmotivatedbyhateandspite,andnowthatWillyreallyseesthatBiffstillloveshim,hethinksthatitisremarkable.

3.ThejunglewhichBenkeepsmentioningishere,ofcourse,thejungleofdeath.Thediamondswouldbetheinsurancepolicy.ThusonlyindeathcanWillypenetratethisdarkjungle,andironically,heissotrappedbyhislifeofillusionsthathereallyhasnootherchoice.ThuswithBen'srefrainof"Time,William,time,"remindingWillyoflifeclosinginonhim,heleavesinthecartocommitsuicide.

Requiem

Summary

AtWilly'sgraveafewdayslater,Lindawonderswhynoonecame.LindatellsCharleythatforthefirsttimeinthirty-fiveyearstheyareaboutclearofdebts.BiffmentionsthatWillyhadallthewrongdreams,butCharleythinksasalesmanhastodream.Aftertheothersleave,LindaremainsafewminutesatthegravetotellWillygood-by.Shetellshimthatshemadethelastpaymentonthehousethatday,butnowthereisnoonetolivethere.

Commentary

1.TheRequiem,shortasitis,bringstheplayintoproperperspective.Firstofall,wemustseethatnobodycametothefuneral:thisfactaloneisacommentaryonWilly'slifeandillusions.ThisisthefinalproofthatWillywasnotwell-liked,andthathisdreamswerephony.Andsecondly,weseethatBiffdoesnowhaveafirmergrasponrealityandthatHappyisevenmorelostinhisworldofdreams,aslostaswasWilly.BiffseemstoknowthatWillyhad"thewrongdreams.All,all,wrong."ButHappythinksthatheisgoingtojustifyWilly'sdreamsinthenextyearbybeingmanagerofthestore.ThusHappyislost,butthereissomehopeforBiff.

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2.Themotifofbeingalluseduphereclosestheplay.WhereasWillyhadspenthislifetryingtogetsomethingpaidforbeforeitwasallusedup,wenowfindoutfromLindathatshehasjustmadethelastpaymentonthehouse,butthereisnoonetoliveinit.Willy'slifehasbeenallusedupbythetimethatthehouseispaidfor.

Motifs

Motifmeansrecurringideasorthoughtswhichactasaunifyingidea,anditsometimesdevelopsasacommentaryoncharacterizationorontheideasinthework.Sometimesthemotifsrecursofrequentlythattheyenhancethemeaningofthedramaandoftenrisetosymbolicimportance.Therecurrenceofthemotifalsoactsasaunifyingdeviceinthework.Eachreadingofthedramashouldsuggestadditionalmotifsfortheexperiencedreader.IngreatdramaslikeDeathofSalesman,thevariousmotifsblendtogetherinthelastacttoformaparadoxicalorironiccommentonthedrama.Thisideawillbecomeclearerinthediscussionofeachseparatemotif.

PersonalAttractivenessWell-Liked

Themostdominantidearunningthroughouttheplayisthatapersonmustbenotjustlikedbutwell-liked.ToWilly,thisideaisparamount.Ifapersoniswell-liked,thentheentireworldopensupforhim.WillytookthisideafromanoldsalesmannamedDavidSinglemanwhowassolovedandrespectedthatallhehadtodowastogointoatownandpickupaphoneandthencouldplacemanyorders.AndwhenDaveSinglemandiedattheageofeighty-four,buyersandsalesmenfromalloverthecountrycametohisfuneral.Thatwasatimewhensellingdependedonthepersonalityofthesalesmanandnotontheproductthathewasselling.

Therefore,earlyintheplaywefindthatWillylooksuponhissonBiffashavingallthe''personalattractiveness"necessaryforatremendouslysuccessfulcareer.Thushecannotunderstandwhya

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''boy"withsuchpersonalattractivenesscouldbelostinthiscountry.Alittlefurtherintheplay,HappytellsBiffthathecouldborrowanyamountofmoneyfromBillOliverbecauseBiffis"sowellliked."ThusHappyfollowsalongwithWilly'sphilosophy,andforgetsthatamandoesnotlendhugesumsofmoneyonthebasisofbeingwell-liked.

Inoneofthefirstflashbacks,wefindthatWillyhasalwaysbelievedinthisideaandhasinstilleditinhisboys.WhenBiffhadstolenthefootballfromthelockerroomsoastopracticewithit,Willytellshimthatthecoachwon'tmindthetheftbecausethecoach"likesyou."Inourdiscussionofthestealingmotif,wewillseethatthemanytheftsofBiffresultfromhisbasicphilosophythatbeingwell-likedwillexcuseanything.

WhenWillypromisestheboysthathewillhavehisownbusinesssomeday,healsotellsthemthatitwillbebiggerthanUncleCharley'sbusinessbecauseCharleyislikedbutnotwell-liked.AndWilly,functioningonthefalsepremisethatheiswell-liked,thinksthathecancreateabiggerbusiness.

ThissameconceptbecomesadominanttraitinBiffwhenherespondslateronbycharacterizingBernardaslikedbutnotwell-liked.Willythenexplainsthatgoodmarksinschooldon'tmeantoomuch,butinstead,"themanwhocreatesapersonalappearanceisthemanwhogetsahead.""Belikedandyouwillneverwant."Thisisagainthepressureofbeingasalesman.Willyfeelsthathesellsnothiswaresbuthimself.Hisself-respectdependsonhisabilitytosellhimself.

Inafewrareinstances,Willyseemstothinkthatpeopledon'tlikehim,butassoonasheuttersthisview(anditisutteredonlytoLinda)hiswifeimmediatelyreassureshimofhisbeingwell-liked.ThusWillyhascreatedanillusionabouthimselfthathecan'tescape.AndwhenBiffthinksofgoingtoseeOliver,suddenlyWillyfeelsstronglythevalidityofhistheoryaboutbeingwell-liked.HeknowsthatBiffcan'tfailwithOliverbecauseBiffhassomuchpersonalattractiveness.HeeveninsiststhatBiffaskforfifteenthousandratherthanameaslytenthousand.

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ButthesecondactopenswithallofWilly'sdreamsandhisphilosophyofbeingwell-likedclosinginuponhim.Hetriestoexplainhowwell-likedheisinNewEngland,andHoward,hisboss,contradictshim.ThatWillyisoutrightfiredisatremendousblowtohisphilosophyofbeingwell-liked.Itisthenthathereturnstoearlierdreamsonlytofindthathewastrappedinearlierlifealso.InascenewhenBencomesbytotakehimtoAlaska,Lindaremindshimofhowwell-likedheisandhowoldmanWagneralmostpromisedhimaplaceinthefirm.TheseliestrappedWillylongagoandpreventedhimfromacceptinganinterestingandpromisingposition.

WhenhegoestoborrowmoneyfromUncleCharley,hetellsCharleyhealwaysthoughtifamanwasimpressiveandwell-likedthatnothingelsemattered.CharleyshattershisphilosophybysayingthatJ.P.MorganlookslikeabutcherinaTurkishbath.''Butwithhispocketsonhewasverywellliked."ThusCharleypointsoutthatitiswhatyouhavethatcountsandthatbeingwell-likeddoesnotcount.

ThuswhenWillyarrivesattherestauranttomeethissons,hisentireworldisclosinginonhim.Heislookingforsomeproofthathisphilosophy(andthushisentirelife)hasnotbeenwrong.HeiscountingonBiff'sbeingsuccessfulwithOliver.ButthistimeBiffhasstolenanexpensivefountainpen.HetriestoexplaintoWilly,butWillycloseshisearsandemphasizesthatBiffcouldbeanythinghewantedtobebecauseBiffhassuchpersonalattractiveness.

Andfinally,asWillyisplanningoncommittingsuicide,hedepictshisownfuneralwithsalesmenfromalloverNewEnglandcomingtohisburial.AndwhenBiffbreaksdowntryingtomakeWillyseethetruth,allWillycanseeisthatBifflikeshim.ThisisjustificationenoughforWilly.Hecompleteshisplansforsuicidecompletelyconvincedthathisphilosophyofbeingwell-likedwasright.

ButintheRequiem,wefindoutthatnoonecametothefuneral.ThusWillylivedbyhisdreamsandhediedbyhisdreamseventhoughtheywereallthewrongdreams.

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TheStealingMotif

EarlyintheplaywehearBiffandHappytalkingintheiroldroom.Inamomentofrealization,BiffwondersifOliverstillthinksthathestolethatcartonofbasketballs.Thus,thismotifbeginswithonlyafleetingmentionoftheideaofstealing.Butinonlyafewpages,wefindoutthatBiff,inthefirstflashbackscene,hadoncetakenafootballfromthelocker.Willytendedtoapprovethetheftandevensaysthatthecoachwill''probablycongratulateyouonyourinitiative."Inalesserway,WillyencouragesBifftotakeanswersfromBernardonthefinalexaminationsbecauseitismoreimportantforBifftobeoutpracticingandmixingwithpeopleandbeingwell-likedthenitistostudymath.Thusintwoscenesveryclosetogether,wefindthattheideaofstealingorcheatingisassociatedwithBiffandthatWillydoesseemtoencourageboth.

Inanotherflashbackscene,weseeWillyactuallysendingtheboystoanewconstructionjobinordertosteallumber.WillyisveryproudoftheamountoflumberthattheboyshavebroughthomeandhesendsthemsoastoshowBenwhatfearlesscharactersBiffandHappyare.

WhenBiffiswaitinginOliver'sofficeforaninterview,hesuddenlytakesOliver'sexpensivefountainpenandrunsdownelevenflightsofstairs.ThistheftwasaresultofBiff'shavingtowaittoseeOliver.HewasstillsofilledwithWilly'sphilosophyofself-importancethathecouldnotenduretheembarrassmentofhavingtowaitforsolong;therefore,hestolethefountainpen.

WhenBifftriestoexplainthistoWilly,Willysimplysaysthatitwasafoolishthingtodo,butotherwise,WillycloseshismindtoanythoughtthatBiffisactuallyathief.Hedoesn'tevenhearBiffexplainthathestolethebasketballsfromOliveryearsago.AllWillycanthinkofisthatBiffhadsuchpersonalattractiveness.

Laterathome,BifftriestoexplainagainthatWillyfilledhim"sofullofhotair"thathecouldneverstandtakingordersfromanyone,andthathehasstolenhimselfoutofeveryjobhehasever

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hadsincehighschool.Andforthelastthreemonths,BiffhasbeeninajailinKansasCityforstealingasuitofclothes.

ThusthetheftmotifisacommentonWilly'sphilosophyoflife;heoverlookedatheftifitwereperformedbyapersonwhowaswell-liked.Likewise,thetheftmotif(asinthestealingofthefountainpen)bringsthedramatoaclimaxbecauseitforcesBifftoseehimselfandtotrytoexplainhimselftohisfather.

VitaltoNewEngland

Earlyintheplay,LindaasksWillytoaskforapositioninNewYorksothathewon'thavetotravel.ButWillyrefusesonthegroundthatheis''vitaltoNewEngland."Thisbecomesanillusorymotifthroughouttheplay.ItisnotlongbeforethereaderknowsthatWillyisnotreallyvitaltoNewEnglandandisinfactahindrancetothecompany.Butforhisownself-respect,WillymustcontinuetobelievethatheisindeedvitaltoNewEngland.HeexplainsthatinNewEnglandheopenedupnewterritoriesfortheWagnerCompany.

WethenhaveaflashbackwhereWillyispromisinghisboysthathewilltakethemuptoNewEnglandandtheboyswillseehow"theyknowmeupanddownNewEngland."ButWillynevergetsaroundtotakinghisboyswithhim,becausewhenhemustfacereality,heknowsthatheisnotvitalandisnotwellknown.

Somehow,WillycanneverfacetherealitythatheisnotanotherpopularsalesmanlikeDaveSingleman.Consequently,hegetsverylonesomeonhistripsbecausehehasnofriends;therefore,whenaslatternlikeMissFrancesallowsherselftobepickedupforthepriceofapairofstockings,Willygladlydoessobecausesheservestobuildhisego.Withherhefeelstheimportancethatisdeniedhimashemustwaitoutsidecloseddoorshopingforanorder.

HissenseofimportanceisalmostdestroyedwhenHowardfireshimbecauseWillynowmustfindsomeotherstoryrather

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thansayingthatheisvitaltoNewEngland.ButWillyhaslivedsolongwithhisillusionsthathecannolongerdistinguishtruthfromreality.ThusasonedefeatpilesuponanotherandalmostcrushesWilly,heresortstohisworldofillusion.Inthisworldofillusion,heseeshimselfasbeingeternallyvitaltoNewEngland.Andasheispreparingforhissuicide,hevisualizesallthehundredsofsalesmenandbuyerswhowouldcometohisfuneral.ButwhatWillyneverlivedtoseewasthatnoonecametohisfuneral.

ThusthismotifservesasacommentaryonWilly'slifeofillusionandhowtheillusionhadtobecomearealityinordertoallowWillytocontinuewiththedailydrudgeofliving.Oncetheillusionwasdestroyed,therewasnoreasonforWillytocontinueliving.

DebtsAllUsedUp

Perhapsthemostmovingorpatheticmotifistheonewhichopenstheplay.Itisbothcomicandpathetic.Itrisestoagrotesquecommentaryinthemiddleoftheplayandthenbecomestragictowardtheend.Thisisthemotifofthingsbeingallusedupbythetimethattheyarepaidfor.

Earlyintheplay,LindatellsWillythatthewholehousesmellsofshavinglotionaftertheboyshadleft.Willyanswers:''Figureitout.Workalifetimetopayoffahouse.Youfinallyownit,andthere'snobodytoliveinit."ThissamethoughtisechoedattheendbyLindabecauseshehasjustmadethelastpaymentonthehousebutWillyisnolongertheretoliveinit.Butinbetweenthesetwoscenes,wehavenumerousotherreferencestothesameidea.

Inthefirstflashback,WillytellsLindahowmuchhemadeincommissionsonhislasttrip.Buttheyoweforafanbeltfortherefrigeratorandthecarburetorforthecar.InallWillyhasearnedseventydollarsandthebillstotal$120.00.ThusWillyisconstantlyinaracewiththejunkyard.ThisideaevenintrudesitselfuponthehappierscenessuchasthescenewhenBiffistalkingofgoingtoseeOliver.Inthemidstofthisexcitement,Lindaremindshimthattheshowerisleaking.

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ButalongwiththeideaofthingsbeingusedupisWilly'sresentmentthatCharley'sthingsneverseemtoneedasmuchrepair,andtheyneverseemtobeusedup.ThuswhentherefrigeratorbreaksdownWillyisangrywithCharleybecauseCharleyboughtaGeneralElectricwhereasWillyboughtsomeunknownbrand.AndCharley'sisgoodbutWilly'siswornout.ButWilly'sstatementcanbesaidtofunctionasacomicrelief.Whenhehearsofthebrokenrefrigerator,hesays:''OnceinmylifeIwouldliketoownsomethingoutrightbeforeit'sbroken!Ijustfinishedpayingforthecarandit'sonitslastleg.''ButthisisalsoWilly'slife.Hemakeshislastpaymentonhisinsurancepolicyandthencommitssuicide.AndWillysaysoftherefrigerator:"Therefrigeratorconsumesbeltslikeagoddammaniac.Theytimethosethings.Theytimethemsowhenyoufinallypaidforthem,they'reusedup."Atthispointthereadermustlaughorelsethepoignantpathosistoounbearable.BecauseinthenextscenewefindthatWilly'susefulnesstotheWagnerCompanyisallusedupandWillyisfired.

Willynowmustborrow$110.00fromCharleyinordertopayforhisinsurance.Thispaymentishislast.Andsoathisfuneral,LindaechoesWilly'softencomiccomplaint,butthesamewordsarenolongercomic."WillyImadethelastpaymentonthehousetoday...andthere'llbenobodyhome....We'refreeandclear."ButWillyisonlyfreeinthegrave.

ThismotifencompassesMiller'sstrongestcondemnationofAmericansociety.Willywasthemiddlemanwhowasalwaysinaracewiththejunkyard.Hewasneverabletogetanythingpaidforbeforeitwasusedup.Thisideaisconveyedthroughtherefrigeratorandcarandothergadgets,butintheendofthedramaitappliestoahumanlife.AsWillyhadsaidearlier,itissomethingtoweatherathirty-yearmortgage,butafteraccomplishingthisfeat,Willywasallusedupandreadyonlyforthegrave.ThecritiqueofAmericansocietyisalsoenclosedinWilly'sbeingfired.ThecompanyhadsuckedallofWilly'syouthfulenergyandofferedpromises,butwhenWillywasnolongerabletokeepupthepaceoftwelvehoursaday,thecompanydiscardedhimlikeanoldorangepeel.ThusWilly'slifeanddreamsaredepictedagainstalifeofstruggletogetsomethingpaidforbeforeitisallusedup.Andthetragedy

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ofhisdeathisthathesucceededonlyinpayingforhishousebeforeitwasallusedup,butWillyasahumanbeingwascompletelyusedup.

TheBoxed-inMotif

ThephysicalimagethatbestrepresentsWilly'smentalpredicamentisthatofbeingboxed-in.Butthismotiffunctionsinanotherway.AsWilly'sfeelingsofbeingcrampedorofbeingsmotheredbyoutsideforcesincrease,healsofeelstheneedtodosomethingwithhishands.Heneedstohavesomethingphysicalthathecandoorcanleaveforhisboys.

Inthefirstscenethismotifisintroduced.Willycommentsthattheyaresoboxed-inbybricksandwindowsthattheycan'tgetanythingtogrowanymore.''Youcan'traiseacarrotinthebackyard."Hethenremembersthetimewhentheboyswereyoungandtheyhadlilacandwisteriaandpeonies.TheseremembrancesoftheearlierflowersreflectuponatimeinWilly'slifewhenthingswerelookinggoodforhim.Butnowlifeisclosinginonhim,andthisfactorisdramaticallydepictedthroughWilly'sfutileattemptstomakesomethinggrowinthebackyard.

Inthesecondscene,Biffprovestobethetruesonofhisfatherbecausehewantstogosomewhereinthegreatoutdoorssothattheycanallworkwiththeirhands.Afewsceneslater,Willyseemstobeexceptionallyproudofaceilingthathehadinstalledinthelivingroom.ItwasataskthatthesuccessfulCharleycouldnotperform.Thusthesameinternaldrivesmotivatebothfatherandson.Andbothfatherandsonneedtoexpressthemselvesthroughsometypeofphysicallabor.

ButwhenBiffsuggeststhattheLomansshould"bemixingcementonsomeopenplain,or...beacarpenter,"Willyrepressesthesephysicalurgessayingthateven"yourgrandfatherwasbetterthanacarpenter."ThusWilly'sdreamsmakehimaimhigherthanhiscontentmentdemands.

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ThenextdayonthewaytoaskHowardforaNewYorkposition,Willydecidesthathewillbuysomeseeds.EventhoughLindaremindshimthatnothingwillgrowinthebackyardbecauseofthelackofsunshine,Willystillthinksthathewilltrytogrowsomething.ThusasthingsbegintocloseinonWilly,thereisastrongurgeinhimtocreatesomethingtoleavesomethingeventhoughthatsomethingisonlysomeseedsinabarrenground.ThisideaisalsoconnectedwithBen'svisitwhenWillywastellingBenthathehasagreatfutureinselling,thatheisbuildingsomething;BenasksWillytolayhishandsonitandWillyhastoexplainthatitissomethingthatonecannottouch.Thusnowthereisan??edinWillytoleavesomething,tohavesomethingmaterial,somethingonecanseeortouch.Andtheinabilitytogrowsomethingleadstoastronger,almostcompulsivedesiretogetsomethingtogrow.ThisisofcoursethejungleclosinginonWilly.AndasWillycomestorealizethathehasnothingtoleaveBiff,thisrealizationhelpstomotivatehissuicide.

Afterthetremendousrevelationsceneintherestaurant,Willyasksfordirectionstoaseedstore.Hehasjustbeenfiredandhisboyshavelefthimstrandedinarestaurant.Bynowthedesireiscompulsive:''Ihavetogetsomeseeds,rightaway.Nothing'splanted.Idon'thaveathingintheground.''AndasWillygoeshometoplanthisseeds,eventhoughlateatnight,hetalkswithhisbrotherBenaboutthepossibilityofsuicide.SoitiswhileheisplantingsomethingthatWillydiscoverstheideathathehastwentythousandininsurancewhichhecouldleavehisboys.

AndwhenBiffcomestosaygood-bytoWilly,hefindshimoutintheyardplantingtheseeds.Bifftriestoexplainthatallhehaseverwantedliesoutinthegreatworld,notinsomecrowded,boxed-incityandBifftellsWillythatassoonashefindshimselfhewillbecontent.ButWillyrefusestolisten.AfterBiffbreaksdown,WillyseesthatBifflikeshim,andnowWillyhasconceivedofanescapefromhisboxed-incondition.Hehasfinallyfoundsomethingthathecouldleavehisboysthatwouldmakethemreallygreat.Butthissolution,thisescape,isthroughhissuicide.

ThusWillywasamanwhogottrappedbythelargecityand

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byhisdreams.Theonlywayoutofhistrapwasthroughhisdeath,butattheendoftheplay,wearenotsurethathisboysareworththesacrificethathemakesforthem,becauseindeathWillyispermanentlyboxed-ininhislittleplotofground.

''TheWoodsareBurning"theTimeMotif

Halfwaythroughthefirstact,thereaderhearssomethingaboutabrotherBen.WillywishesthathehadgonetoAlaskawithhisbrotherBen.AtthesametimehespeaksofBen'shavingwalkedintoajungleandwhenhecameoutBenwasrich.Inthenextspeech,Happytellshisdadthatheisgoingtoretirehimforlife.Willyflaresupandtellsbothhisboysthatthe"...woodsareburning.Ican'tevendriveacar."Alloftheseideasandimagesemergeintoone.BenbecomesWilly'sideal.Herewasamanwhohadnothingandendeduprich.ThejunglethatBenwalkedintoissymbolicallythejungleoflife.ButthejunglebecomesforWillythewoods.

ThuswhenWillysaysthatthewoodsareburning,hemeansthatlifeisclosinginonhim.WhereasBenconqueredthejungleoflife,Willycanonlybetrappedbytheburningwoods.Consequentlythephrase"thewoodsareburning,"suggeststhattimeisrunningoutonWilly.Henolongerhasenoughtimetodoanything.ThisconceptoftimehurryingpastmanisagainemphasizedbyBen.EverytimeweseeBen,hehashiswatchoutandkeepssayingthathehasonlyafewmoreminutesorthathehastocatchatrain.HeisalwaysonthemovewhileWillyremainsstagnantlystill.WhatBenstandsforiscapturedinhisphrase,"WhenIwasseventeen,IwalkedintothejungleandwhenIwastwenty-oneIwalkedout....AndbyGodIwasrich."HerewasamanwhoutilizedtimewhiletimehassimplypassedWillyby.

WhenHowardfiresWilly,hehasnowheretoturn.Nowthewoodsarereallyburning.Hemustnowrelyuponhisboys,buthisboysarenotreliable.SowhenBifftriestotellWillythetruth,Willymaintainsthatheisnotinterestedinthepast"...becausethewoodsareburning,boys,youunderstand?There'sabigblazegoingonallaround.Iwasfiredtoday."

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Willythenhasspenthislife''ringingupazero,"andnowthereisnoplaceforhimtogo.Thereforeheconceivesofawayoutofhisburningwoods.Thisinvolvessuicide.Throughsuicidehewouldbeabletoleavehissonstwentythousanddollars.ButasBensays"itdoestakeagreatkindofamantocrackthejungle."Butherethejungleisnolongerthejungleoflife;insteaditisthejungleofdeath.Thisjungle''isdarkbutfullofdiamonds'';thatis,thediamondsrepresenttheinsurancemoney.AndtoBenfranticcallingthatitis"Time,William,time,"Willydrivesofftohisowndeath.

Therefore,forWilly,thejunglewasalifethathecouldneverconquerandinsteaditbecameatypeofburningwoodsthatwasconstantlyclosinginuponhim.Butintheend,whentimehadcompletelyovertakenhim,thejunglebecamethedarknessofdeathwhichWillythoughthecouldmistakenlyconquerbysuicide.

"Isn'tthatRemarkable"

OneofWilly'sfavoritesayingsis"Isn'tthatremarkable."IntheearlypartoftheplaywhenWillymakesthisremark,theobjectorreasonisn'tparticularlyremarkableorifsoonlyinWilly'sterms.Forexample,whenLindatellshimthathehadjustsaidthathehadopenedthewindshieldonthewaybackfromBoston,Willyremarks"Isn'tthataremarkable..."Essentiallythisisarathertritecliche,butduringthecurseofthedramaitdevelopsintoacommentonWilly'sprosaicandconfusedmind.

ThisphrasetakesonsignificanceinthescenewhereWillygoestoborrowmoneyfromCharleyinordertopayhisinsurance.HehasalwaysthoughtofCharleyasbeinghisworstenemy.CharleyhadalwaysstoodforthosethingswhichWillydetested.Hewasnotwell-likedandhadnopersonalattractiveness.ButalsoWillyhadconsideredmanyotherpeopletobehisfriends.ButsuddenlytheonlypersonwhomWillycanborrowmoneyfromisCharley,andasWillyleaveshecomestotherecognitionthatCharleyistheonlyfriendthathehas.Hethensays"Isn'tthataremarkablething?"Actuallyaswithotherutterances,itisnotremarkableexceptthatWillyhadneverbeenabletoseerealitylongenoughtorecognizeCharley'simportance.

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ThesametypeofeventoccurswithBiff.AfterBiffbreaksdowntryingtomakehisdadunderstandtheirlives,BifffallssobbingonWilly'sshoulder.Willy'sreactionis''Isn'tthatisn'tthatremarkable?Biffhelikesme!"ThisissuddenlyaremarkablethingforWillybecauseforyearshehadbelievedthatBiffwasspitefulandwasdestroyinghisownlifejusttospiteWilly.Theyhadjusthadtwotremendouslyemotionalscenes,whereWillyhaddoubtedBiff'saffections.SotofeelonceagainBiff'sloveforhim,especiallytheloveofBiffasayoungmancryingonhisshoulder,causesWillytothinkthatthisisaremarkablething.ItissoremarkableforhimthathedecidesonsuicidesothatBiffwillhavesufficientmoneytofulfill"hismagnificence."

Immediatelyaftertheabovescene,WillytalkstoBenandtellsBenthatBiff"alwayslovedme.Isn'tthataremarkablething?"AndwiththehelpofBen,Willyplanshissuicideasuicidebasedontheprinciplethatwhatheisdoingistrulyaremarkablethingforaremarkableson.

ThusaphrasethatwasusedearlyintheplayasahumorouscommentuponWilly'sunusualactionsbecomesduringthecourseoftheplayacommentaryonthevalueswhichWillypossessedandmoreimportantbecomesadeviceofillustratingWilly'sinabilitytoseebehindthesimplestfactsoflife.

"Can'tGetNearHim"

InthesecondsceneBiffsays:"Ican'tgetnearhim."HemeansWilly.Astheplayprogresses,wefindthisstatementtobeironic,becauseinyouth,Biffandhisfatherweretheclosestoffriends"realpals."

WhenLindaasksBiffwhatisbetweenhimandhisfather,Biffrecoilsandsaysthatitisnotallhisfault.Biffhintsthatheknowssomethingabouthisfather.Butthesubjectisdropped.

Intherestaurant,Biffisdeterminedtotellhisfatherthetruth,andheasksHappytohelp.ButHappyinsiststhatBifftellWilly

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somefictionalstory.ButBifftrieshisbesttotellhisdadthetruthtriestomakeWillyrealizethetruthaboutthemboth.ButBiffcan'treachWilly:''Ican'ttalktohim!"hecriesindesperationtoHappy.BifftellsWillythathestoleOliver'sfountainpenandthatheisnogood.ButWillydoesn'tlisteneventhoughBiffpleads"Talktome,Dad."BifftriesdesperatelytogetWillytoseethatheisnotspitinghim,butWillyrefusestolisten.

AsHappyplanstoleavewiththegirls,BiffpleadswithHappytohelpWilly.HeaccusesHappyofnotgivingadamnaboutWillyandsaysthatHappyshouldhelpWilly.BifffeelsthatHappycouldhelptheirfatherbecauseheisunabletoreachWilly.

Andinthefinalscene,BifftriesonceagaintomakeWillycometosomerealizationabouthim,butinstead,Willysimplycloseshisears.BiffisunabletocommunicateeitherhisfrustrationsorrealitytoWilly.Instead,inadesperateattempttoforceWillytounderstandthatheisanobody,BiffbreaksdownandsobsonWilly'ssh