Family dynamics in modern society are different for each and every person. Some familial relationships are strong and continue to grow and prosper, while others deteriorate and wither. In Arthur Miller's 1949 play Death of a Salesman, the Loman family is dysfunctional due to each member living in their own world of ignorance. Initially, Willy Loman sees his son Biff as lazy and as someone who has not lived up to his full potential. When talking to his wife Linda shortly after Biff arrives for a visit, Willy proclaims, “Biff is a lazy bum!” (Miller 16). Willy makes his disappointment apparent that he wishes his eldest son to be a success. Critic Diane Hoeveler writes, “Biff, the all-American boy turned thief, embodies the vanished frontier, …show more content…
While standing in the kitchen, Biff speaks his mind to Linda attempting to get her to see that Willy is not appreciative of her the way that he should be, to which Linda replies, "No, a lot of people think he's lost his---balance. But you don't have to be very smart to know what his trouble is. The man is exhausted" (Miller 40). Despite the efforts of those who love her, Linda will consistently remain loyal to the idea that the way she is treated by her husband is exceptional and by doing this she enables Willy’s ill attitude even more. Critic James Walton writes, “Linda Loman, the ever protective, ever forgiving, ever solicitous wife to Willy, is clearly an enabler. Her sometimes charming, other times wayward husband is seldom held fully accountable for his actions” (Walton). Walton explains that Willy’s actions towards Linda are in no way justifiable because the way that Linda relentlessly cares for Willy leaves no room for his contempt and accusations. On the other hand, Linda’s enabling personality does not halt Willy from treating her the way he does. Throughout their lives together, Linda consistently pities Willy, allowing him to