Death of a Salesman P1 - Mid Term

Who is "The Woman" (24)? Why do you suppose the playwright has her laughter "continue through Linda's lines" (24)? What effect does it have?

"The Woman" is Willy's mistress, who he had an affair with. Willy visits her every time he leaves town and is the reason he doesn't make much money (he says he has a job to do but rather inmstead is visiting the woman). I suppose the playwright has her laughter "continue through Linda's lines" because "The Woman" knows about the stockings and that Willy gave her some when he visited her, but Linda doesn't know about it. This shows how unknown and sneaky Willy and "The Woman" 's relationship really is

Why do you think Charley offers Willy a job? What is Willy's response? Why? Do you think he should accept?

I believe Charley offers Willy a job since Willy says he's having a little car troubles at home and Charley just wants to help Willy the most he can, as Willy seems to be struggling with his business. Willy rejects Charley's offer due to the fact he has too much pride for his job, even though he's not very successful with it. This is shown in the quote, "I got a job, I told you that. What the hell are you offering me a job for? Don't get insulted. Don't insult me. I don't see no sense in it. You don't have to go on this way. I got a good job" (Miller 29). I do think he should accept this job, though he thinks otherwise

What sort of advice does Willy give Biff about how to act when he asks for a loan? Is that good advice?

Some advice Willy gives Biff about how to act when he asks for a loan includes, not saying 'Gee', as 'Gee' is a boys word. He also says not to be so modest, or not to look worried. Walk in with a laugh, start up with a couple of good stories - personality is key. This is good advice as it teaches Biff (and the reader) to act relaxed and not be so uncomfortable (worried) when doing a task like this

In what sorts of misbehavior does Biff engage? Why do you think he does these things?

Sorts of misbehavior Biff engages includes stealing a football from the school locker room. I think he does these things because he really doesn't care if anyone else finds out and he thinks he is the toughest person ever because he's very talented at football

Willy said that he was "very well-liked in Hartford"—but then that "they seem to laugh at me" (24). How do you explain this?

When Willy said he was "very well-liked in Hartford"—but then that "they seem to laugh at me", I would explain this as Willy trying to make himself look better than he really is. He wants his family (mainly his kids) to think of him as someone liked "by all of New England" and that he's well-known everywhere → if he were to park his car anywhere in New England, it would be safe and people would treat it as their car

What does Willy mean, "The woods are burning" (28)?

When Willy says "The woods are burning", he means his life is coming apart. This is used as a symbol of life and Willy is trying to say he's getting old. Willy seems angry when he says this because he mentioned prior to this that being retired on $70 a week and an apartment really isn't good and that he couldn't get by Yonkers (trying to show if he couldn't get by Yonkers, he can't do much then)

Where was Willy headed before the play opens? Why did he come back? How is he feeling?

Willy was heading towards Portland, Maine before the play opened. He came back because he got distracted and couldn't drive. Willy is feeling tired. This is shown in the quote "I'm tired to the death. I couldn't make it. I just couldn't make it, Linda...I got as far as a little above Yonkers!" (Miller 2 & 3)

According to Willy, how is Howard different from his father? Do you think Willy was happier when he worked for old man Wagner? In general, how do family-owned businesses often change over the years? Do you think employees in the past were rewarded for "loyalty to the company" more than they are today?

According to Willy, Howard is different from his father as Wagner was a prince and a masterful man, but Howard doesn't appreciate the business given to him. I do believe Willy was happier when he worked for an old man Wagner. Family-owned businesses often change over the years as people in the families don't have the same mind and when one gets the power of the business, they change things to how they want to run the business rather than what's good for the business (mostly happens). This is shown in the quote "If old man Wagner was alive I'd a been in charge of New York now! That man was a prince, he was a masterful man. But that boy of his, that Howard, he don't appreciate" (Miller 4). I do think employees in the past were rewarded for "loyalty to the company" more than they are today

According to the Bernard in Willy's reminiscence, what sort of trouble is Biff headed for? How does Willy treat Bernard? What qualities does Willy think you need to succeed in the business world? Is he right?

According to the Bernard in Willy's reminiscence, troubles Biff is heading for are flunking math and not graduating if he doesn't start studying math. Willy treats Bernard like he means nothing, as he always used to make fun of him. Qualities Willy thinks you need to succeed in the business world are creating personal interests. Willy is and isn't right

What do you think of Willy at this point? What would Linda say if she found out—or do you think she knows about the other woman and is choosing to "look the other way"?

At this point, I think of Willy as bad person overall because of the lie's he done throughout the story and how he made fun of Bernard. Willy says he's going to do jobs but is having an affair with "The Woman", and never has enough money to provide for his family and to pay off his debts. I don't think Linda knows about the other woman, but I think she knows something is up and is choosing to "look the other way"

Why does Biff decide to go to see Bill Oliver? Is he doing it for himself or for his father? Why does Willy accuse him of "counting his chickens"? Who do you think has been guilty of that?

Biff decides to go see Bill Oliver because he'd like to go into business. Biff is doing this himself, not for his father. Willy accuses him of "counting his chickens" because he's not making any money and is basically saying Biff isn't successful. I think Willy has been guilty of that

What is Biff's brother Happy like? What does he value? What does he have in common with Biff and with Willy? How is each different from the others?

Biff's brother Happy is tall and powerful, who is too lost and tells himself lies to make himself seem better than he really is. He seems happy, but it's not like it seems. This is shown in the quote "Happy is tall, powerfully made. Sexuality is like a visible color on him, or a scent that many women have discovered. He, like his brother, is lost, but in a different way, for he has never allowed himself to turn his face toward defeat and is thus more confused and hard-skinned, although seemingly more content (Miller 8)". Happy values trying to be better than his brother, living in his brother's shadow his whole life. He relates to Biff and Willy as they all have trouble with their jobs, and both aren't content. Each are different from the others as Biff is becoming more bashful with girls while Happy is getting less bashful. Biff is losing the confidence he once had and is "getting picked on" by his father when he's trying to make a better future for him

What do Charley and Willy argue about? Whose fault is it? Why do you suppose they are really arguing?

Charley and Willy argue about the card game and how 'Charley doesn't know how to play cards correctly'. Willy starts the argument saying it was his build but Charley was explaining how he put his ace down and Willy got super pissed. It really is Willy's fault. This is shown in the quote, "That's my build! I put the ace... If you don't know how to play the game I'm not gonna throw my money away on you! It was my ace, for God's sake! I'm through, I'm through!" (Miller 32). I suppose Willy and Charley are really arguing because money was put on the line for their card game and Willy was losing and as his life is getting worse and worse for him, he couldn't face facts with him losing so he used his anger to get at Charley so he technically wouldn't lose

Why does Charley come over? How do Charley and Willy feel toward each other?

Charley comes over because he hears Willy screaming towards Happy, and he (Charley) is seeing if everything is all right. He then plays cards with Willy. Charley and Willy have a weird relationship together, Willy is mean to Charley while Charley is trying to be the nice guy, making sure Willy is okay. This is shown in the quote, "Everything all right? Yeah, Charley, everything's... What's the matter? I heard some noise. I thought something happened. Can't we do something about the walls? You sneeze in here, and in my house hats blow off... A man who can't handle tools is not a man. You're disgusting" (Miller 28 & 30)

Does Charley know that Willy "sees" his brother Ben as Charley and Willy play cards? Why do you think Ben is on Willy's mind right now?

Charley doesn't know that Willy "sees" his brother Ben as Charley and Willy play cards, he gets very confused when Willy calls him Ben. Ben is pictured in this story through Willy's imagination. This is shown in the quote, "I'm getting awfully tired, Ben. Good, keep playing; you'll sleep better. Did you call me Ben? I only have a few minutes. You never heard from him again, heh? Since that time?" (Miller 30). I believe Ben is on Willy's mind right now because he was thinking about Ben's success in the real world and how he's an achiever, unlike Willy. Also, Willy hasn't seen Ben in so many years and thinks that he died in Africa, getting notice from the letter received by his wife weeks prior

Why does Charley say, "When a deposit bottle is broken you don't get your nickel back" (30)? Do you think Charley's idea is a good one?

Charley says, "When a deposit bottle is broken you don't get your nickel back" because hes trying to cut some sense in Willy telling him that his (Willy's) business isn't successful that he won't get enough money from it to provide for his family. Willy gets very insulted by this since he feels Charley is noticing how he's struggling and how it's like This is shown in the quote, "You take it too hard. To hell with it. When a deposit bottle is broken you don't get your nickel back. That's easy enough for you to say. That ain't easy for me to say" (Miller 30). I do think Charley's idea is a good one

What happens every time Linda tries to get a word in edgewise? Do you think Biff was right when he said that Willy has shown little respect for Linda throughout their marriage? Why does she "take it"?

Every time Linda tries to get a word in edgewise, Willy cuts her off and doesn't let her speak. I do think Biff was right when he said that Willy has shown little respect for Linda throughout their marriage. She "takes it" because she doesn't want Willy to get any angrier than he already is, and possibly due to the fact the family is struggling finanacially and that Willy is suicidal

What sort of childhood did Willy have? What do you learn about his father? What sort of relationship did Willy have with his father? Does this explain anything about the way he is now?

From the way the story is told, Willy had a very good childhood for the majority where his parents were very successful people (mainly his father) but they taught their kids (ex. Ben) how to be a good parent for the future when they have kids (their parenting advice led their kids to success...mostly). While reading this act, I've learned his father was also a travelling salesman, just like Willy is. While heading towards the Western states, he would stop in towns and sell flutes that he made. This is shown in the quote, "Father was a very great and a very wild-hearted man. We would start in Boston, and he'd toss the whole family into the wagon, and then he'd drive the team right across the country; through Ohio, and Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, and all the Western states. And we'd stop in the towns and sell the flutes that he'd made on the way. Great inventor, Father. With one gadget he made more in a week than a man like you could make in a lifetime" (Miller 34). Willy wanted a relationship with his father where he could remember a lot about him. Willy says all he can remember about his father is a man with a big beard, in Willy sitting in Mama's lap, with some high music, sitting around a fire. Willy doesn't know much else which explains how all his parents' kids were successful and given the advice their parents taught them. Since Willy can't remember much about his father and didn't have much time with him, which explains why Willy isn't successful in the business world and in the terms of being a good parent

What plan does Happy come up with for going into business with his brother? Is it a good plan? Will they follow through?

Happy decides him and Biff should form two basketball teams - two water polo teams. They play each other, a million dollars worth of publicity. They could sell sporting goods and hang banners at this event which say, "Loman Brothers". I think it's a really good plan but I don't think they will follow through

Consider Willy's words on page 51: "A star like that, magnificent, can never really fade away!" How did events turn out to be the opposite of what Willy expected? How clearly does the audience see this at this point? What is ironic about the lighting of the set at this point?

He is talking about Biff

How can you tell that Willy is handy around the house? At what sort of job might he have been more happy and successful? Why do you suppose he chose sales instead?

I can tell Willy is handy around the house as he put up a ceiling in the living room. This is shown in the quote, "Did you see the ceiling I put up in the living room? Yeah, that's a piece of work...A man who can't handle tools is not a man. You're disgusting" (Miller 30). He might be more happy and successful if he had gone with his brother Ben to Alaska for a job, as opportunities are tremendous up in Alaska. I suppose he chose sales instead because he thought this would be the way to go for the American Dream; becoming rich fast and having a lot of customers for all the job opportunities being a salesman would give him.

Do you think Biff will ever go out West with Happy? What will happen when Biff goes to ask Bill Oliver for a loan? Why?

I don't think Biff will ever go out West with Happy. When Biff goes to ask Bill Oliver for a loan, I think Biff will realize reality that Bill Oliver doesn't have all the money it seems he has and that due to this, Biff won't get the loan

Why does Biff reach behind the heater? Why do you suppose he doesn't put the tubing back - the way his mother says she does?

I suppose Biff reaches behind the heater to see if the rubber thing is really behind the heater or not. I suppose he doesn't put the tubing back the way his mother (Linda) said to do as he instead wraps it up and takes it upstairs, perhaps so his father (Willy) can't use the rubber tube and potentially kill himself if he were to use the rubber tube once again (Willy is suicidal)

Why do you suppose Happy chooses this moment to tell his mother that he is going to get married? What did he often say when he was younger? Do you think Happy really is getting married? Do his parents favor Biff?

I suppose Happy chooses the moment where everyone was about to go to bed (gathered in their parents bedroom) to tell his mother that he is going to get married because he wants to see how his mom will react to the news, and he possibly feels that she might be finally listening to him and that it's a good time to announce the news (even though it's not true). I don't really think Happy is getting married. His parents (Willy and Linda) do favor Biff, no questions asked

Which son do you think is more like Willy?

I think that Biff is more like Willy, in ways of him becoming a salesman and travelling to NYC for a job opportunity for (selling) sports goods

How will Howard respond when Willy asks for a job in New York so that he won't have to travel as much?

I think when Willy asks Howard for a job in New York so he won't have to travel as much that it won't go well and Willy's life will get worse than it already is, due to the outcome of this event

How can you tell that money was tight even when Willy was younger? Why do you suppose the money situation was difficult?

It's easy to tell money was tight even when Willy was younger as the family always had bills to pay off and were never gaining profit. At one point in the story, Linda said if the business wasn't picking up soon that they'd be in huge trouble (major debt). I suppose the money situation was difficult because salesmen don't always get job opportunities for work and the jobs they have to do, there's a chance they could make little money where it doesn't provide them enough to be out of their money situation

How did Linda react when Willy exaggerated his earnings? Do you think she was actually angry?

Linda "played it off" when Willy exaggerated his earnings; she was doing the calculations of his savings when he was listing them off. She wasn't overreacting but she knew it was an exaggeration. She's surprised in a way since Willy claimed he made more than he typically does on one job. I don't think she was actually angry

How do Linda and Willy "send different messages" to Biff regarding his fighting and stealing? Whose side does Ben seem to be on? Whose side would you be on?

Linda and Willy "send different messages" to Biff regarding his fighting and stealing as Linda wants the kids to be raised the right way where they don't get in trouble doing stupid actions. Willy on the other hand wants the kids to be tough and break the rules in a way → breaking the rules leads you to being successful (Willy's eyes). Ben seems to be on Willy's side, he too thinks the kids should toughen up. This is shown in the quote, "Come on, get to me! Go to it, Biff! Go ahead, show him! Okay! Why must he fight, dear? Good boy! Good boy! How's that, Ben, heh? Give him the left, Biff! Why are you fighting? Good boy!" (Miller 34). I would be on Linda's side

Why does Linda tell Willy that he is too "accommodating"? What does she want him to do? Do you think this is good advice? Does Willy think it is?

Linda tells Willy that he is too "accommodating" because he's not standing up for himself. This is shown in the quote "Why don't you go down to the place tomrrow and tell Howard you've simply got to work in New York? You're too accommodating, dear" (Miller 4). She wants him to stand up for himself. I do think this is good advice. Willy doesn't think this is good advice

Why does Linda think that Willy is suicidal? Why do you suppose Biff says sharply "what woman?" when Linda starts to tell about the woman who witnessed the car accident? Why does she think that both his sons and employers have let him down? Is she wrong to take her husband's side in the conflict between Willy and Biff?

Linda thinks that Willy is suicidal because she found out all of his automotive accidents were really suicide attempts, explaining why he went off the road on his way to Portland, ME, going 10MPH. I suppose Biff says sharply "what woman" when Linda starts to tell about the woman who witnessed the car accident because Linda was explaining how the woman saw Willy crash in the railing of the bridge when she was walking down the road (and that the shallowness of the water was what saved him) and the story doesn't go very specific with saying what woman saw it, even saying her name to be more descriptive. She thinks that both his sons and employers have let him down because the sons aren't very successful in the business world and everyone was pointing fingers at each other of the cons with them being involved in the business. This is shown in the quote, "If I'm going to take a fade the boss can call any number where I'm supposed to be and they'll swear to him that I just left. I'll tell you something that I hate so say, Biff, but in the business world some of them think you're crazy. Screw the business world! All right, screw it! Great, but cover yourself!" (Miller 44). She is wrong to take her husband's side in the conflict between Willy and Biff (in my opinion)

Why does the other woman like Willy? What do you suppose Linda knows about Willy that this other woman does not?

The other woman likes Willy because they both had an affair together and he's treating her better than he's treating Linda (gifting her stockings). I suppose Linda knows things aren't going so well for Willy at the moment that this other woman doesn't know about

Linda knows that Willy is borrowing money from Charley. Are there any other secrets she learns about? Will Willy use the rubber pipe? Will Biff do as he says when he promises his mother, "I'll try, and I'll make good" (44)?

There are other secrets she learns about. Willy will try to use the rubber pipe. Biff won't do as he says when he promises his mother, "I'll try, and I'll make good".

What does Biff mean by "A carpenter is allowed to whistle"?

When Biff says, "A carpenter is allowed to whistle", he really means he wants to do what he wants and he doesn't want top be judged by other people

How does Willy react when Biff tells him to stop yelling at Linda? Are you surprised that he seems easily "beaten down"?

When Biff tells Willy to stop yelling at Linda, Willy tells Biff "What're you, talkin' over this house?", and he gets mad at Linda for always taking Biff's side. He flips out at Linda and says "Don't take his side all the time, god dammit!". I am not surprised Willy seems easily beaten down as he says, "Give my best to Bill Oliver -- he may remember me", which suggests he's perhaps forgotten about now and his life is approaching the end

What does Linda mean when she says that "life is a casting off"? Do you agree? Does Willy?

When Linda says that "life is a casting off", she's referring to fishing and the casting off of it and that some people get lucky while some don't. You kind of have to wait to see what happens. I agree with what Linda says. Willy doesn't agree with it. This is shown in the quote "Well, dear, life is a casting off. It's always that way. No, no, some people- some people accomplish something" (Miller 5)

What is Willy remembering when his sons overhear him talking to himself? How do they feel about their father's behavior? Why does Biff call his father "selfish" and "stupid"? Do you think he feels sorry for his father? Does this remind you of anything you have ever experienced?

When Willy's sons overhear him talking to himself, Willy remembers he's losing fragile touch with the real world. This is shown in the quote I feel confused about the father's behavior. Biff calls his father "selfish" and "stupid" because he's "over the edge" at that point of time and Willy is making Biff angrier than he already is. I don't think he feels sorry for his father. This is shown in the quote "Don't get your sweater dirty, Biff! (A look of pain crosses Biffs face.) Isn't that terrible? Don't leave again, will you? You'll find a job here. You gotta stick around. I don't know what to do about him, it's getting embarrassing. What a simonizing job! Mom's hearing that! No kiddin', Biff, you got a date? Wonderful!...That selfish, stupid..." (Miller 15). This doesn't reminds me of anything I have ever experienced

Why does Willy angrily grab the stockings Linda is mending (26)? What does Willy mean when he says, "I'll make it up to you Linda ------" (26)? What does Linda seem to think the line means?

Willy angrily grabbed the stockings Linda is mending because they're they are wicked expensive and he doesn't want her mending them in their house. He's also upset since he remembers the time he gave stockings to the other woman. He wants to give Linda new stockings and forget about the past. When Willy says "I'll make it up to you Linda ------", I think Willy is doing this because of his situation witht "The Woman" or because of him not being the best husband and father he can be. Linda seems to think the line means that Willy is trying to make up for what he did but she says he did nothing wrong and that he's doing fine

Why does Willy enjoy remembering the Ebbets Field game? Do you think it happened as he remembers it?

Willy enjoys remembering about the Ebbets Field game as he says "someone like hercules (like a 'young god') waved at him...the cheers when he came out - Loman, Loman, Loman!". He feels special and in the moment, he feels loved and like his life is as bad as it is. I do feel this happened as he was remembering it...except in his imagination

How does Willy get along with his son, Biff? What has Biff been doing with his life? First Willy says that Biff is a "lazy bum" and then that "he's not lazy." How do you explain this inconsistency?

Willy gets along with his son, Biff as Willy sees him as the most accomplished son who is "very talented". In his life, Biff has been a very talented football star that everyone's looked upon. When Willy says Biff is a "lazy bum" and then that "he's not lazy", I believe this inconsistency is due to Willy explaining how Biff is a big seller and hard worker, but he hardly sells anything. This is shown in the quote "But it's more than ten years now and he has yet to make thirty-five dollars a week!...Not finding yourself at the age of thirty-four is a disgrace!...Biff is a lazy bum!...Biff Loman is lost. In the greatest country in the world a young man with such — personal attractiveness, gets lost. And such a hard worker. There's one thing about Biff — he's not lazy" (Miller 5 & 6)