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Death Of A Salesman Father Son Relationship Essay

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The relationship between Willy and Biff Loman in Death of a Salesman is deeply influenced by both the social pressures of post-war United States and their complex family history. Several aspects of their relationship shed light on the impact of societal expectations and past experiences on their dynamic. Willy's perception of the American Dream heavily shapes his expectations for Biff. As a salesman, Willy believes in the promise of success and financial prosperity. He envisions Biff as the embodiment of this dream, seeing him as a sports hero with boundless potential. Willy's relentless pursuit of the American Dream for himself and his sons leads to a strained relationship with Biff. However, Biff's resistance to conform to Willy's expectations creates …show more content…

Willy's fixation on Biff's past accomplishments illustrates his desire for Biff to fulfill his potential and live up to societal ideals. The family's history plays a significant role in shaping the father-son relationship. Biff's discovery of Willy's affair during a visit to Boston shattered his image of his father and caused a rift in their bond. This betrayal led to deep-rooted resentment and mistrust between them. Biff's struggle to reconcile his father's actions with his admiration for him adds complexity to their relationship. During a confrontation with Willy, Biff exclaims, "You fake! You phony little fake!" (Act II). This emotional outburst highlights the impact of Willy's betrayal on Biff's perception of his father, further straining their relationship. Both Willy and Biff struggle with expressing their emotions and connecting on a deeper level. Willy's preoccupation with the American Dream and Biff's internal conflicts lead to a lack of open communication. The emotional distance between them hinders their ability to understand each other's struggles and

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