Bernard Flashcards
What is Bernard’s purpose in the play?
He acts as a dramatic foil to Biff
Bernard is humble and successful, whereas Biff in hubristic and lost.
Willy: Bernard is not…
Willy: “…when he gets out into the business world, y’understand, you…
Act 1 p.g. 25
well liked is he?”
Willy associates being liked with success
are going to be five years ahead of him.” Act 1 p.g. 25
Retrospective Irony as Bernard is the one who becomes a successful Lawyer.
“But sometimes, Willy, it’s better…
for a man just to walk away.”
Bernard warns Willy
Metaphorically referring to the bigger picture - the American Dream
“What an..
anemic!”
Act 1, Willy to Biff and Happy (flashback)
Willy is insulting to Bernard, teaches his boys that bullying people for showing initiative is acceptable. Bernard later turns out to be the most successful.
AO3: Conventional patriarchal views. Willy associates physical strength and masculinity with success.
How is Bernard a dramatic foil to Biff?
Bernard succeeds where Biff didn’t. Unlike Biff, Bernard is humble about his success. He does not tell Willy that he is going to Boston to argue a case in front of the supreme court
Act2
Charley: “How do you like this kid? Gonna argue a case in front of the supreme Court.”
Bernard: (protesting): “Pop!”
(Bernard is a quiet…
earnest, but self-assured young man.) Act 2 section 4
“What happened in…
Boston, Willy?”
Act 2, section 4
Hint to audience
Willy: “I regard you as a very brilliant…
man, Bernard. I value your advice” (Act 2, section 4)
Ironic, juxtaposes Willy’s treatment of Bernard’s in the past (shown in his episodes).
Bernard: “I’d always thought so well of Biff, even though…
he’d always taken advantage of me. I loved him, Willy, y’know?” (Act 2, section 4)
WILLY: Don’t be a _____ ,Bernard! To his boys: What an _______!WILLY:Bernardis not ____ ____, is he? Later:WILLYYou want him to be a_____likeBernard?
WILLY: Don’t be a pest ,Bernard! To his boys: What an anemic!WILLY:Bernardis not well liked, is he? Later:WILLYYou want him to be awormlikeBernard?
Through Bernard’s success, Miller challenges the masculine stereotypes, which Happy, Biff and Willy conform to.
“when he gets out into the business world, y’undertsand, you are going to be five times ahead of him. That’s why I thank Almighty God you’re both built like Adonises. Because the man who creates personal interest, in the man who gets ahead. Be liked and you will never want” pg25
Retrospective irony
reveals his shallow and superficial view of success, prioritizing physical attractiveness and popularity over genuine achievement or character
By comparing his sons to the Greek god Adonis, a figure known for his beauty and charm, Willy emphasizes the importance of physical appearance above all else.
