Quotes: Death of a Salesman Flashcards
Pre-epiphany - the good years with Willy
“[coach] keeps congratulating my initiative all the time”
“With scholarships to three universities they’re gonna flunk him?”
A bit of truth is shed - betrayal (the damage the lies have)
“phony little fake”→ Willy affair scene
This is what sets him off onto the wrong path, fails math and then fails to succeed at a career because of Willy’s poor values (like honesty).
Biff loses respect (HE WAS LYING TO BIFF)
Post-epiphany -
I ran out of Bill Oliver’s building and “saw–the sky. The work and the food and the time to sit and smoke.”
“ridiculous lie” his whole life has been He was a shipping clerk [not a salesman]. (BIFF REALIZES THE LIES THAT WERE INGRAINED IN HIM)
“take that phony dream and burn it”
“He had the wrong dreams . . . He never knew who he was.”
Unhappiness - what he really desires (what the lies are depriving him of, e.g. his need for spite)
“outdoors with [his] shirt off”
“Whenever spring comes . . . I suddenly get the feeling . . . I’m not gettin’ anywhere”
