Willy's Hope and Downfall

In the final sections of Act 2 in "Death of a Salesman", we witness Willy Loman's brief resurgence of hope followed by a crushing blow to his career and self-esteem.

The day after the family's discussion about Biff's business idea, Willy wakes up feeling refreshed and optimistic. Despite their ongoing financial troubles, he exudes confidence about the future, a mood that infectiously spreads to Linda.

Highlight: Willy's renewed optimism showcases the cyclical nature of his moods and the power of the American Dream to inspire hope, even in dire circumstances.

Biff and Happy plan to invite their father to dinner at a restaurant that evening, setting the stage for what they hope will be a celebration of their new business venture.

However, Willy's newfound optimism is short-lived. When he goes to see his boss, Howard Wagner, hoping to secure a New York-based position, he instead faces a devastating blow: he loses his job entirely.

Quote: "I put thirty-four years into this firm, Howard, and now I can't pay my insurance! You can't eat the orange and throw the peel away - a man is not a piece of fruit!" - Willy to Howard

This scene powerfully illustrates the harsh realities of the business world and the disposability of workers, even those who have dedicated their lives to a company. Willy's plea to Howard, invoking his years of service and his relationship with Howard's father, falls on deaf ears.

Vocabulary: Obsolescence - the process of becoming outdated or no longer used.

Willy's dismissal serves as a crushing blow to his already fragile sense of self-worth and identity. It marks a turning point in the play, accelerating Willy's mental decline and setting the stage for the tragic events to come.

Example: The contrast between Willy's hopeful mood at the start of the day and his devastation after losing his job highlights the precariousness of the American Dream and the swift brutality with which it can be shattered.

This section of "Death of a Salesman" powerfully critiques the dehumanizing aspects of capitalism and the false promises of the American Dream, themes that resonate throughout Arthur Miller's work.

Charley's Offer and Ben's Success Story

In this pivotal section of "Death of a Salesman", we see the contrast between Willy Loman's struggles and the success of others around him, further highlighting his growing desperation and delusions.

Willy's well-off neighbor, Charley, visits to play cards and, out of concern, offers Willy a job. This isn't the first time Charley has extended this offer, but Willy, clinging to his pride and self-image as a successful salesman, refuses and even insults Charley.

Highlight: Willy's refusal of Charley's job offer demonstrates his stubborn adherence to his dreams, even when faced with practical solutions to his problems.

During this interaction, Willy's memory of his brother Ben intrudes. Willy becomes confused, alternating between talking to Charley in the present and Ben in his memory. This scene vividly illustrates Willy's deteriorating mental state and his inability to distinguish between reality and his idealized memories.

Example: Willy's confusion is evident when he asks Ben, "Is that Ben?" while Charley is speaking to him, showing how his past and present are blurring together.

Ben's story of success serves as a stark contrast to Willy's life. Ben recounts how he left home at 17, intending to find their father in Alaska but ending up in Africa instead. There, he made his fortune in diamond mines, embodying the kind of adventurous success story that Willy admires but has never achieved himself.

Quote: "Why, boys, when I was seventeen I walked into the jungle, and when I was twenty-one I walked out. And by God I was rich." - Ben

Ben also speaks of their father as a great and heroic man, further fueling Willy's sense of inadequacy and his desire to live up to an impossible standard. Willy claims to be raising his sons with the same spirit, but his actions - sending them to steal from a construction site - reveal the hollowness of his words.

Vocabulary: Delusion - an idiosyncratic belief or impression maintained despite being contradicted by reality or rational argument.

Willy's Financial Struggles and Infidelity

In this section of "Death of a Salesman", Arthur Miller delves deeper into Willy Loman's professional and personal challenges, revealing the cracks in his facade of success.

Willy's memories expose his difficulties as a salesman. Unlike his colleagues, he struggles to make sales, leading to financial strain for the family. Despite this, Willy clings to fantasies of success, encouraged by Linda's unwavering support.

Highlight: Willy's financial struggles contrast sharply with his grandiose dreams, illustrating the gap between aspiration and reality in the pursuit of the American Dream.

The play then takes a darker turn, revealing Willy's infidelity. In a memory set in Boston, we see Willy with a lover, gifting her expensive stockings - a stark contrast to his family's financial difficulties.

Quote: "I'm so lonely." - Willy Loman to his mistress, revealing the emptiness behind his pursuit of success.

Back in the present, we witness Willy's permissive parenting style with Biff. Despite Biff's troubling behavior - stealing and driving without a license - Willy consistently defends him, setting the stage for future conflicts.

The scene shifts again, with adult Happy appearing. Willy reminisces about his brother Ben, expressing regret for not joining Ben in his business ventures. This introduces a recurring theme of missed opportunities and "what ifs" that haunt Willy throughout the play.

Vocabulary: Infidelity - the action or state of being unfaithful to a spouse or other sexual partner.