The Woman

Question 1

Function

Answer 1

To represent the flimsy and unstable foundation of Willy’s marriage is significant -> shows how willy’s role of being a supportive father and husband is put to trial when he is unfaithful to his wife

Question 2

The woman

Answer 2

Affair contributed to his overall fall of grace as a character
Only appears in willy’s mind through the play, she is part of the hallucination that plagues willy
Woman’s symbolic role is more important than her actual identity - hence why she lacks a name
- she is just a symbol for his delusions

Question 3

The effect of he affair on Biff

Answer 3

Once biff discovers his father is not the man he thought, his trust is shattered
Biff keeps the secret to protect is mother with the consequence that she can never understand biff’s disdain for his father

Question 4

“I just keep knocking them over and it doesn’t mean anything”

Answer 4

Symbolises the meaningless and transient nature of their relationship

Question 5

“You gave her mamas stockings”

Answer 5

Symbolise willy’s inability to provide for his family
Symbolism of his infidelity and betrayal of Linda

Question 6

“You ruined me, you destroyed me”

Answer 6

Encapsulates the deep emotional and psychological damage willy’s affair has inflicted on Biff

Question 7

“Thanks for the stockings, i love a lot of stockings’

Answer 7

Emphasises willy’s attempt to buy affection and validation through material gifts