Death of a Salesman Reality vs facade in Willy\'s life PDF

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Death of a Salesman Reality vs facade in Willy's life...

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Reality

Facade

‘Howard, he don’t appreciate.’ - constantly making excuses but Howard knows he is not a good salesman.

‘I’m the New England man. I’m vital in New England’ - believes he is a great salesman and vital to the company’s expansion

‘Biff is a lazy bum!’ - these are Willy’s true feelings about Biff, as he is disappointed that Biff didn’t turn out as expected.

‘Biff - he’s not lazy’ - contradicts himself as he gets confused with the past and present, but tries to portray Biff as a good son.

‘Otherwise I woulda broke records.’ - once again Willy is making excuses and back tracking on his initial statements of his success. He isn’t actually successful.

‘I was sellin’ thousands and thousands’ Willy lies to himself and to Linda about his income, as he portrays himself as a successful salesman.

‘Just mending my stockings.’ - they aren’t as well off like Willy projects they are. Linda has to mend her own stockings whilst the woman gets them bought for her.

‘And thanks for the stockings.’ - creating the facade that Willy is rich and has money to throw around on insignificant items, making himself feel better.

‘All the mothers are afraid of him!’ - Biff is actually not as ‘well-liked’ as Willy and Linda presume.

‘The way they obey him!’ - Biff seems to be very popular and his parents idolise his influence over his friends.

‘The watchman’ll put the cops on them!’ Willy lacks any parental guidance and is therefore setting Biff up for failure.

‘You shoulda seen the lumber they brought home’ - condoning Biff’s stealing and making it seem like a heroic action....