Death of a Salesman Flashcards

Flashcards covering characters, plot points, and significant quotes

Willy Loman

A delusional, aging salesman who values being well-liked over genuine success; clings to unrealistic dreams.

Linda Loman

Willy’s loyal, patient wife who acts as a stabilizing force; she urges the family to treat Willy with respect.

Biff Loman

Willy’s older son; once full of potential, he becomes disillusioned after discovering Willy’s affair.

Happy Loman

Willy’s younger son; works in business, craves approval, and mimics Willy’s ideals despite their flaws.

Charley

Willy’s neighbor; a successful and grounded businessman who often helps Willy financially.

Bernard

Charley’s son; intelligent and hardworking, he becomes a successful lawyer and a symbol of earned success.

Ben

Willy’s wealthy, adventurous brother who appears in daydreams; he represents the tempting allure of risk and fortune.

Howard Wagner

Willy’s young boss; inherits the company and coldly fires Willy, showing generational change in business.

The Woman

Willy’s mistress in Boston; her affair with Willy leads Biff to lose faith in his father.

He's liked, but not--well liked.

Willy emphasizes superficial charm over substance, believing popularity is the key to success.

I realized what a ridiculous lie my whole life has been!

Biff's moment of clarity where he realizes his life has been based on Willy's unrealistic dreams.

Attention, attention must be paid.

Linda insists that Willy deserves dignity and compassion despite his failures, reflecting the tragedy of the common man.

You're worth more dead than alive.

Willy believes his life insurance payout will provide for his family and validate his existence, foreshadowing his suicide

He had the wrong dreams. All, all wrong.

Biff acknowledges that Willy's dreams were based on shallow ideas of success: money, popularity, image.

The jungle is dark but full of diamonds.

Ben's metaphor that great rewards require great risk. Pushes Willy toward suicide.

Nobody dast blame this man.

Charley highlights the societal pressures placed upon men that contributed to Willy's downfall.