Relationships in “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller
Willy and Biff: The relationship between Willy Loman and his eldest son, Biff, is central to the play "Death of a Salesman." Throughout the narrative, it is evident that their bond is strained and complex. In the post-war United States, Willy, a traveling salesman, embodies the American Dream and places great emphasis on material success and popularity. He sees Biff as his hope for achieving this dream. As Willy expresses to Linda, "There's nothing the matter with [Biff]. Do you want him to be a worm like Bernard? He's got spirit, personality. Charisma, Charisma is the thing!... A young man with such—personal attractiveness, gets lost." (Act 1) However, Biff, having witnessed Willy's
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In the post-war era, traditional gender roles were prominent, with men expected to be the primary breadwinners and women taking on supportive roles within the family. Linda embodies the idealized image of a dutiful and submissive wife, devoting herself to the well-being of her husband and sons. She provides emotional support and is a source of stability for Willy, even in the face of his declining mental health and professional failures. As Linda pleads with Biff and Happy to understand Willy's struggles, she says, "He's been trying to kill himself... He's been trying to kill himself, don't you understand?... [He's] not the finest character that ever lived. But he's a human being, and a terrible thing is happening to him. So attention must be paid." (Act 1) Despite the challenges and social pressures they face, Linda remains fiercely loyal to Willy and tries to shield him from harsh realities. The family's history is marked by Willy's pursuit of success and his inability to achieve the American Dream, which adds to Linda's determination to protect and preserve their family unit. However, the strain of Willy's disillusionment and mental decline, coupled with the economic and societal pressures of the time, test their relationship and ultimately lead to tragic