For the father of the family with his children is the most idealized figure. Also, Willy Loman, a traveling salesman and definitely not a huge money earner and on the road is probably watched more than at home by his two sons, Felix and Biff. But, from the beginning of the story, there is an undercurrent that separates Biff, as if estranged from his father. Even Willy recognizes this: “There is such an undercurrent in him. He has become a sad man.” The undercurrent, of course, comes from the revelation later in the story that Willy discovered with a hook from his first-born son. Times, of course, have changed.
More licenses are given in the world today. But at the time of this story the fathers were partakers of virtue. They could do no wrong, and were expected to represent the best life for their children. That one event changed Biffa’s outlook on life in Boston and turned him into something of a wanderer. Even Willy shamefully admits that Biff has never had a job making more than thirty-five dollars a week. Biff is so angry with his father that he feels he is choosing his mother against his father. Linda, his mother, will have none of it, of course: “Biff, dear, if you can’t feel him then you can’t feel me.”
We see how much happier fathers and sons have a different appearance. They want the veteran who started with “The Old Man Wagner” to act now. with his old son, Howard. This is the reason for the business-school educated head of the company, not wanting to do business any longer. That boy Howard is not good.” Later, in a harrowing negotiation with Howard, Willy hears him say, “You gotta do your business.” No matter how much Willy brings up his past and relationship with Old Man Wagner, Howard is unmoved, and his descent into failure and life end for Velint accelerates a very sharp observation about American Capitalism: business is business and little or nothing should be felt because the lines does not affect the bottom.
Another sign of Loman’s lack of Bernard. Born to his parents Willy and Linda Loman, Bernard was an accomplished academic. He wished that at least one of the sons could have been equal. In today’s world, young Bernard would be a computer nerd, one of those smart glasses, more concerned with his grades than pleasing his classmates. We know all the Bernards of the world, who will spew other people’s lies, if for nothing else than to make a point. It sets the tone for Biff’s intellectual disability.
From the first entry, he says, “Biff, where are you? You’re supposed to study with me today.” He says it loud and clear, so that the whole Roman family is known for its scholastic excellence. He can’t compete physically, but Bernard makes sure his IQ is the highest here. There is absolutely no physical specimen, not a redhead like Biff, for example. Velis also comments: “What’s lookin’ so anemic about, Bernard? . But, Bernard continues to show that he is essentially superior to Biff.” t start studyin’ math he’s gonna flunk you. And not the bed. I heard him! .
In this story, then, we have the trust of the mysterious merchant Wagner of the firm. We have Bernard, the brain, Biff the more successful athlete, and Willy, unable to track down the abyss that has torn his family apart. In the end, it is not just the “Salesman” who dies, but the hopes and dreams of his family, against other unfortunate “sons”.
Reference:
Miller, Arthur: Death of a Salesman, in Barnes, Clive: 50 Best Plays of the American Theater New York: Crown Publishers, Inc.
