Prompt: How would you characterize Linda and Willy’s relationship? In Death of a Salesman, by Arthur Miller, Willy and Linda Loman are an older married couple, whose relationship is mainly characterized by Linda’s patience and love for her unstable, volatile husband. Linda’s patience shines through after Willy has just returned from a trip, upset and hungry. Linda is thoughtful enough to purchase a new type of cheese as a surprise. When questioned, Linda explains that she thought it would be a nice change, but Willy response is one with a quick temper: “I don’t want a change! I want Swiss cheese. Why am I always being contradicted?” (17). Linda has had only wholesome intentions to please her husband, and yet, inconsiderately, Willy lashes out …show more content…
He chastises her with impatience, asking why she hasn’t opened a window, only to add to a list of her supposed faults. Yet, Linda still responds warmly, with both grace and patience, “They are all open, dear” (17). Willy has not paused to appreciate or thank his wonderful wife, but rather has spent the last few moments demeaning and disrespecting her. All the while, he was perfectly capable of being a gentleman and opening the window himself. Through it all, Linda remains calm and loving despite her husband’s provocation and anger. In times of Willy’s distress, Linda remains strong and loving, supporting her husband through positive encouragement. Willy struggles with his job, and at times (when he isn’t boasting) he becomes discouraged, and talks about how he goes unnoticed or is mocked. Linda is always there to reassure him and offer kind words: “But you’re doing wonderful, dear” (37). She builds Willy up in his moments of vulnerability. Willy struggles with not making enough, or being enough, and on the rare occasion he admits to it, Linda is known to be patient and unconditionally loving in her responses to him. In the face of the manner in which her