English Final - Death of a Salesman Flashcards
Summary
Willy Loman was once a successful salesman, but is now old and behind the times. He wants his sons, especially Biff to be successful, but he failed math and can’t get a job. Willy learns that his life insurance policy is good for $20,000, and he thinks Biff could be more successful with that money, so he kills himself
characters
Willy, Biff, Linda, Happy
Willy
lost - literally & figuratively
nostalgic for earlier times - wants to get back to the paddy when he was a good salesman and Happy and Biff were kids, when Biff had a lot of potential
grumpy, bitter, alone, isolated, sad, frustrated, confused
not making enough money - feels pressure
dependent on Linda
disappointed in Biff - not supportive; thinks he is wasting his potential
cheats on Linda; spends money he doesn’t have on “The Woman”
selfless - dies so his family can have the money
wants Biff to be a salesman
has a lot of dreams and plans and nothing is turning out the way he thought
Biff
golden boy in high school - football, girls, failed math
works on a farm - likes it but is not satisfied
lost - doesn’t know what he’s supposed to want
feels stuck
has confidence
wants to impress his dad but doesn’t want to be a salesman
torn between pleasing himself and pleasing his dad
Willy losing himself puts pressure and responsibility on Biff
living for willy not himself
Happy
followed in Willys footsteps; works really hard; feels stuck wants Willy's attention, wants love ladies man, but is shy self-conscious concerned & embarrassed about Willy
Linda
sweet, loyal, supportive, hopeful, unrealistic, naïve
takes care of Willy
patient
mends her stockings –> makes Willy feel guilty bc reminds him of his financial situation
peace keeper within family
loves her sons
wants the family to her along
chooses willy over Biff - he’s having a hard time and she wants him to feel special
themes
disillusionment
american dream - building yourself up; success, money, accomplishments
acceptance??
why does Willy kill himself
to try to fix his relationship with Biff
to be of some value to his family
what are will’s fatal flaws
needing to be liked wanting success inability to accept reality pride hero complex
