"He never knew who he was."
This excerpt from Biff at the end of the play is exactly what Willy's tragic flaw was. He never knew who he was because he was living in a false reality. He always experienced illusions that put him in another world. Everything was different in this reality. Also, this is probably why his funeral was poorly attended. If he did not even know who he was, how could people he met get to know him well? This quote from the requiem also tells us that Biff has figured out his father's tragic flaw. He has learned from it, and he is moving on. However, Happy plans to become a salesman and says he will "not let (his) father die in vain" even though he did. This shows that Happy is becoming another Willy as the play ends.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Irony
"But where are all the people he knew? Maybe they blame him."
The requiem at the end of the play is portraying a funeral (that is what requiem means). This excerpt is from Linda speaking about how Willy's funeral is poorly attended. This is ironic because Willy is a salesman and has most likely met many people through his work and travels. However, there are not many people at his funeral. This is most likely because of Willy's problem of always seeing things. It almost seems like he lives in a false reality. He always sees a different life with younger versions of his loved ones and his mistress, who is a reappearing figure throughout his illusions. His illusions lead to him wanting a better life for Biff, and Biff learns from his father's death, while Happy does not.
The requiem at the end of the play is portraying a funeral (that is what requiem means). This excerpt is from Linda speaking about how Willy's funeral is poorly attended. This is ironic because Willy is a salesman and has most likely met many people through his work and travels. However, there are not many people at his funeral. This is most likely because of Willy's problem of always seeing things. It almost seems like he lives in a false reality. He always sees a different life with younger versions of his loved ones and his mistress, who is a reappearing figure throughout his illusions. His illusions lead to him wanting a better life for Biff, and Biff learns from his father's death, while Happy does not.
Protagonist
"Oh, Ben, I always knew one way or another we were gonna make it, Biff and I!"
There can be a case made for the protagonist of this story for either Willy or Biff. Personally, I believe Willy is the protagonist of this play. He is the main character because the family revolves around him. He is a salesman, so he goes out and earns money to help support his family. Also, as the reader, we see all of his illusions that he has. We can directly see Willy's personal problems and how they affect his life and family. A case could be made for Biff because Willy is always on him to make something out of himself in the business world. We see Biff develop as a character when he finally begins to snap on his father. He cannot take the constant criticism, which reminded me of Tom in "The Glass Menagerie."
There can be a case made for the protagonist of this story for either Willy or Biff. Personally, I believe Willy is the protagonist of this play. He is the main character because the family revolves around him. He is a salesman, so he goes out and earns money to help support his family. Also, as the reader, we see all of his illusions that he has. We can directly see Willy's personal problems and how they affect his life and family. A case could be made for Biff because Willy is always on him to make something out of himself in the business world. We see Biff develop as a character when he finally begins to snap on his father. He cannot take the constant criticism, which reminded me of Tom in "The Glass Menagerie."
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