Death of a Salesman - Theme/Character Flaw Quotes

‘his exhaustion is apparent’

what has happened to Willy to make him return home and what does this tell us about the reality of Willy’s situation as a salesman?

‘I’m vital in New England

what does this remark tell us about Willy’s deluded perception of himself in relation to his role for the Wagner company?

‘In the greatest country in the world a young man with such - personal attractiveness, gets lost’

explain what this tells about Willy’s misguided assumptions with regards to how the American Dream can be attained.

‘silver athletic trophy’

discuss what this represents about Biff’s past and Willy’s hopes for him, despite Biff’s present-day situation?

‘Bernard can get the best marks in school, y’understand, but when he gets out in the business world, y’understand, you are going to be five times ahead of him’

discuss what Bernard is like; Willy’s attitude towards him; and why he thinks Biff will end up more successful

Flashback to Boys as teenagers, second

Discuss the ironic contrast between Biff and Bernard as adults to show how Willy’s beliefs were all wrong and what Miller is saying about what is required to attain the American Dream.

Dave Singleman

Discuss why Willy thinks this man’s death is noble (still selling at 84, died on the train as he travelled to his next sales pitch and hundreds attended his funeral). Then explain why Willy has perhaps been wrong about Singleman’s success - think about the age he was working at. Discuss how the name Singleman also suggests he didn’t have a family to provide for, yet he still couldn’t make ends meet.

Alaska

Go on to discuss how Willy was offered the chance to work in timber land in Alaska by his brother Ben.  Explain how this symbolises a lost opportunity for Willy and how it conveys his self-delusion by discussing why as this would have been the ideal job for him it may have and may have led him to achieve his coveted American Dream yet he doesn’t recognise this.

‘Pop! I’m a dime a dozen, and so are you!’

Explain what Biff means by this

‘I am not a dime a dozen! I am Willy Loman, and you are Biff Loman!

discuss Willy’s reaction to Biff’s statement

‘that boy is going to be magnificent’

explain what this tells us about Willy’s belief in Biff and the American Dream; what he does to try to achieve this at the end of the scene; and why his self-delusion has made him carry out a futile act (insurance may not pay out and Biff doesn’t want to set up in business anyway).