Death of a Salesman Analysis

Play: Death of a Salesman
By: P. Yoon
Period 7
ACT I-Question 3

Appearance

Willy Loman has lied to Biff throughout his youth. He made excuses for his mistakes and filled his mind with false hopes. When Biff steals a football from school, Willy tells him that his “Coach’ll probably congratulate you on your initiative!” He makes him believe that Biff can get away with anything as long because he is “well liked.” Willy taught that “the man who makes an appearance” “is the man who get ahead.” These false assertions have impacted Biff negatively. Undisciplined, Biff has a habit of stealing. He once stole a “carton of basketballs” from work. Also, he believes he can achieve anything by being “liked.” For instance, Biff thinks he can get a loan of $10,000 from Oliver, an employer he has not met for 10 years.
Willy’s assertions show that he is a coward. He is afraid of being disliked. Thus, he laughs at his son’s stealing habit. In Willy’s mind, punishing Biff will create unnecessary tension between them. Willy must have always have the approval of his son. Furthermore, Willy is afraid of the realities of life. He refuses to recognize his failure as a parent. In Act I, he claims that he never has told Biff “anything but decent things.” Willy is afraid to take some responsibility over Biff’s unsuccessfulness. To Willy, appearances are more important than reality. Throughout the play, he asserts and pretends that he is a good salesman, parent, and husband. In reality, none of his assertions are true. He borrows “fifty dollars a week and pretends” to Linda that it’s his pay. He is the father of a “philandering bum” and “lazy bum.” Finally, he is a man who had an affiar with another woman. A failed salesman, parent, and a husband, Willy Loman is a coward who cannot accept reality.