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Compare And Contrast Biff Loman And Willy's Relationship In Death Of A Salesman

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In Arthur Miller’s play “Death of a Salesman” (Miller, 1949) , with the idea of Willy Lonman and Biff Lonman’s relationship throughout the play, as well as Miller’s criticism of modern America in mind, I will critically discuss both points in detail in the essay that follows.
Firstly, in the given statement, Biff calls himself “a dime a dozen” (Miller, 1949:98) and goes on to say “and so are you!” (Miller, 1949:98), including his father, Willy in his statement. What Biff says implies that both he and his father are just part of the masses, and are much like everyone else. Willy then individualises the both of them, in doing so, tries to prove to Biff that they are far from worthless. Willy does this by saying: “I’m not a dime a dozen! I am Will Lonman, and you are Biff Lonman!” This interchange between father and son is the first evidence of American society as Biff has already come to the realisation that they are normal folk and nothing makes them more special from the next people, his father, however, is under the impression that they are far from your normal folk and that they are truly special. This inability for Willy to see what reality is really like exposes American society as it shows the way the “American Dream” made people believe they are more than they really are as they try to fit into modern society’s …show more content…

For instance, Biff has inherited Willy’s inclination to overstate and work truth in his favour. An example of this would be Biff’s true certainty that he was a salesman for Bill Oliver, when he was merely a shipping clerk.
Miller exposes modern American society in “Death of a Salesman” (Miller, 1949). His breakdown and analysis are clearly conveyed to the audience concluding that “society is based on a corrupt and immoral capitalist dream.” Miller suggests this through the Lonman family and their fight to endure and contend in this corrupt

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In order for Willy to be a successful father, he needs to feel that his kids are respected and accomplished. However this shows that Willy is such an outsider, because Biff is quite the opposite, as the Bill Oliver that is references has no idea who Biff is. Another example that shows how Willy’s goals and dreams turn him into a misfit is when he asks for a promotion “ Well, tell you the truth, Howard. I’ve come to the decision that I’d rather not travel anymore.” ( Miller 59).

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Willy finds out his dream of being an popular, well respected salesman is impossible and takes his own life. Linda supports Willy despite the abuse and confusion he puts her through with his various attempts to take his own life, with his delirious ramblings and hallucinations, and with his constant deception. Happy still sees his father as a hero and Biff finally begins to grasp the truth of the “American Dream”. When Willy kills himself, all of the Loman family, including Willy, break free from the web of false dreams he spun and begin to understand Willy’s failings. They also realize their own flaws.

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