Howard fires Willy becuase he believe that Willy needs rest.That he is to old to going on the road, Howard is a person that could not help Willy for his problems. Also Howard see that Willy lack of concentration cannot be done for the road. trying to fire him only to show him he can't work with type of condition. Willy speak at howard office with him and talks for more money. Howard can't help and says " I.ve got a long line of people to see this mourning. Sit down, take five minutes, and pull yourelf together, and then go home, will ya? i need the office, Willy."(63).This explain how that nothing that Willy will help him become a salesman with more money in his pockets and that all thing that he tries to do, it always turn down into a big boom.
I agree , I believe that Howard fired Willy because Willy is becoming overwhelmed with everything and he's making the company look bad. since Willy is very overwhelmed, he's having a hard time pulling his weight. in the text it say, "Willy you cant go to Boston for us , i don't want you to represent us. I've been meaning to tell you this for a long time now. I think you need a good long rest, Willy"(63). I don't believe Howard was being mean by firing Willy, I believe that he was just looking out for him and trying to save his company at the same time.
In Willy's flashback, why does he not go with Ben's idea to go be rich in Alaska?
Linda was the biggest factor in Willy's decision to just stay where he was. Willy wanted to do it and he knew it would be a great idea to be rich and make a living for his family. But his wife persuaded him to do otherwise. Not because it was something that she wanted, but because of the fact that she felt that Ben was talking down on her husband. Linda says, "Don't say those things to him! Enough to be happy right here, right now" (Miller 65). She wanted her husband to be content about where he was, she did not want him to feel bad for himself. Linda was not thinking in terms of the future and she persuaded Willy to choose the wrong decision, because now he is struggling. If Willy would have went along with his brother's plan, he would have been rich and old with nothing to worry about.
In Willy's flashback he does not take the job because his wife Linda said he has something better where he is. She tells him that he should stay and he agrees. In the text she says, " Don"t say those things to him! Enough to be happy right here, right now. Why must everybody conquer the world? Your'e well liked, and the boys love you, and .." (Miller 65) Linda was telling Ben not to put those ideas of going to Alaska in Willy's head because he has a good job where he doesn't need to get his hopes up going to Alaska and becoming rich.
I agree with Alvin, Howard fires Willy because he claims Willy needs a break. In this piece of text Howard and Willy are discussing Willy's job when Willy feels that he has said something wrong to Howard. Howard is clear with Willy that he doesn't want him to represent the company any longer and that he can barely make a living off of the little change they are paying him. He tells Willy "Howard: I think you need a good long rest , Willy... And when you feel better , come back , and we'll see if we can work something out"(63). Howard was very clear in letting Willy know that he wanted nothing else to do with him business wise, which is why he lowered him pay eventually thinking Willy would quit. Willy didn't quit , yet Howard was still displeased with Willy's work performance , therefore he fired Willy "lightly" switches the scenario as if there were something wrong with Willy and he needed rest. Howard made is clear that Willy's services were no longer needed.
Daija Ford Linda seems to be the reason why Willy did not take a risk and go to Alaska. She tells Ben and Willy that he is fine and happy where he is and that there is no reason to go to Alaska. In Willy's flashback he is talking to Linda about Ben's proposition to go to Alaska. Linda says to Ben and Willy, "Don't say those things to him!... didn't he, Willy?(65). Linda tells been not to say anything to Willy that would convince him to go to Alaska. She tells him that there are many reasons that he should stay home. She says that his sons love him, he is well liked by people, and that he will soon get a promotion if he keeps up the work that he is doing in the selling business. Linda convinces Willy that there are reasons to stay home and that he is happy where he is. She's the reason why Willy decides to stay home.
Do you think Willy regrets not taking a risk in traveling to Alaska/Africa?
I believe that Willy does regret his decision not to follow Ben with traveling to Alaska. Willy now has a lot to deal with and loosing his job makes him feel as though he should have took the risk instead of staying to become a salesman. "Where are yours sons? Why don't your sons give you a hand ?...You go to your sons and you tell them that you're tired. You've got two great boys, haven't you?"(Miller 63). Howard expects that Biff abd Happy would be able tk help their father out. But, Willy knows that his sons aren't very helpful and wouldn't be able to provide much money because they have their own dreams and plans. Not having his family back him up financially makes Willy regret his decision to not take advantage of the Alaska opportunity. If Willy would have went to Alaska with Ben, then he wouldn't be struggling as much as he is now. He would he financially set and qouldn't have to worry about much as opposed to now.
Why did Willy value Ben's opinion so much? Willy valued Ben's opinion and advice so much because he aspired him a lot and wanted his life to turn out how Ben's did. This was a harsh point in Willy's life where money was tight and he wasn't mentally stable to stay working. He wanted to be "rich" and successful like his older brother, Ben. An excerpt from DOAS states, "This is no time for false pride, Willy. You go to your sons and you tell them that you're tired...Ben am I right? Don't you think I'm right? I value your opinion'"(52). Willy wasn't capable of working as a salesman anymore, but he still pushed his self in an effort to follow after his brother's footsteps. He still occasionally spoke to his brother and looked to him for guidance and clarity of how to make it in the world and be great at what he does (selling merchandise). He looked to Ben's advice as a sense of hope.
Why does Willy not let his sons get jobs so he can retire?
Willy believes that his sons are great but still feels that he should hold a job to earn money. Howard tells Willy that he should rest for a while and let his sons earn money instead of their father. Willy was not making much money but still wanted to feel like he was supporting his family and not be a burden to his sons. " You've got two great boys...I can' throw myself on my sons! I'm not a cripple! "(63). Willy feels too much pride in himself to ask his sons for help to earn money, so he still tries to earn money to support his family even though his sons could get jobs.
I agree with you, Jason! When Willy says "I can't throw myself on my sons! I'm not a cripple! "(63), to Howard when he suggested he let his sons do his work, this shows a hubris characteristic--pushing back on a Tragic Hero. Willy shows a hubris characterization because he refuses to be categorized a "cripple", or someone who cannot do for himself. this shows that he is a targic hero. He has so much pride, though he may not alter it all correctly for the right reasons.
Dose Willy still disappointed when it comes to his sons and their career choices? Would he be more supportive now that that have decided to become business men? But what about when they earn enough money to follow their dreams again? Will Willy's dream of his sons achieving the American Dream become differed?
What symbol do the flashbacks Willy has represent ? I believe the flashbacks that Willy always has represent his happy moments in life. They show the moments in his life where he had everything he needed but also the moment when he had the chances to change everything in his life. The text states, "Sure, sure. I am building something with this firm , Ben, and if a man is building something he must be on the right track, mustn't he ?"(65). Therefore, his flashbacks represent his happiness and the opportunities he let go for being stubborn. Willy have this flashbacks to remember the times when he had everything and his family was everything he wanted.
How does Howard treat Willy ? In this scene Howard treats Willy with disrespect by ignoring his problems and firing him after all the hard work he has put into the company. During this part in the play, Willy goes to Howard asking for a change in his position and a raise but Howard doesn't listen and he fires him. Howard says, "I don't want you to represent us. I've been meaning to tell you for a long time now . . . I think you need a good long rest, Willy" (63). Howard informs Willy that he don't want Willy as their representative and that he feels that he need to have a long rest because he feels that Willy is out of energy and has no more work in him.
Baleegh McCrimmon I agree with Naquan that Howard disrespects Willy, but before this happened Howard kept calling him "kid' which was disrespectful. Willy is fairly older than Howard, and him calling Willy kid shows that he has no respect for him. "But where am I going to put you, kid?... No, but it's a business, kid, and everybody's gotta pull his own weight" (Miller 60). Howard just mainly thinks since he has no authority he can disrespect whoever he wants; if he disrespects the wrong person then it is going to be something else popping up on his schedule.
In this part of the novel, Willy starts to give in and showing signs of giving up. So, Willy goes to his brother Ben for another way. After losing his job he goes to Ben for advice. The author states, "Ben, nothing's working out. I don't know what to do" (Wright 64). Willy returns to Ben for advice because he successful and he wants to use what he did to get himself out the jam his in.
What is Willy’s point of view about having been fired?
Willy sees getting fired as a lost of his manliness and of his strengths. As he is being fired, Willy reminds Howard about his abilities to still be able to work. For instance in the text it states, “I can’t throw myself on my sons. I’m not a cripple!” (63). He tells him how he doesn't want to have to depend on his sons. Regardless of Willy’s age he wants to continue working because that represents manliness for Willy. He feels as though losing his job means that he was no longer able to keep up with his responsibilities because he was a failure. If he was a failure then he isn't manly enough for the high standards he has for himself.
My question is why did Howard wait so long to tell Bigger that he wasn't averaged to the rest of the workers?
I think that some people are afraid to hurt a person's feelings or to break someone's spirit who they know has been trying their best. Even though Howard has his ways that he can be degrading but I think he also feels sympathy for Willy. But I still think that you shouldn't lie to your worker making them think that they're doing well when they're actual not. For example in the book it states, "Where are your sons? Why don't your sons give you hand?"(63). This does shows Howard sympathic side but I still think he should of been honest with Willy about how things were looking for him while working in the company.
How did willie feel when Howard was not trying to give him the raise? I think willie felt betrayed andneglected.when willie goes to the job and asks Howard and Howard is not telling willie what he wants to hear willie begins to get angry and tell Howard how he really feel .Willie tells Howard "you mustn't tell me you've got people to see I put thirty four years into this firm Howard and now I can't pay my insurance you can't eat the orange and throw the peel away"(61).willie words show his emotions and when he begins to talk about the years he put in shows that he thinks he deserves the raise and the fact hat Howard is not giving it to him makes him feel neglected and betrayed because he deserves the raise and Howard is not giving it to him.
Why did Willy not want to look for his sons to support him ?
Willy did not want to look up for his sons for the support because he wanted to show his children to be independent and not to rely on any other man. Willy was grown up to be a salesman and to make money on his own to provide for his family. On page 61 it says , " i put thirty four years into this firm , Howard , and now i can't pay my insurance". Willy tries to tell Howard how much time he has put into this business and he is getting nothing out of it but Willy felt as though he would be letting his kids back if he came to them and so he keeps hesitating
What is the significance of the "death of a salesman"?
The significance of the death of a salesman seems to connect to Willy wanting to be well liked. He wants to be the salesman who everyone would have positive things to say about after he dies. He tells the story of his father and how "at the age of eighty-four, [he could go] into twenty or thirty different cities, and pick up a phone and be remembered and loved and helped by so many different people...when he died, hundreds of salesmen and buyers were at his funeral" (61). Willy's father was a popular salesman before he died and this seems to be the lifestyle Willy wants for himself. His father is the reason he strives to be well known and well-liked in the communities he works in and his father handed off his passion to become a true, successful salesman.
What might "can't take blood from a stone " symbolically reference ?
The saying that Howard references is to Willy. The stone represents Willy,while the blood represents life. It is impossible to draw blood from a stone because the stone (willy) has no life, but is it just an object. Howard is trying to exaggerate Willys's inability to perform successfully In this job, so he resembles a stone, an object with no life. While proceeding to fire Willy, Howard says : " I don't want you to represent us. I've been meaning to tell you for a longtime now...I think you need a long good rest" (63). Howard proceeds to fire Willy because he is beginning to be a nuisance at the firm, instead of being a help. Willy no longer acquires the ability to work efficiently because he has grown tiresome. Since Willy has become a burden to the firm, Howard can no longer "take blood" from him. So, willy does represents the stone who no longer has the ability to work.
Well Willy goes to Howard to get a non-traveling sales job, but Howard tells him that theirs no job available. He's most likely trying to ignore Willy, that's when he refers to Willy as an "Kid". "Look, kid, I'm busy this morning"(63). That shows he doesn't respect Willy. Although, Willy keeps lowering his salary request and that's when he starts to tell Howard about Dave Singleman because he was an salesman that never left the hotel room. He was seen as an very good person at his job & was probably well respected because a lot of people had attended his funeral. But that story doesn't help Willy because Howard essentially fires Willy at the end of there conversation. I guess that's what he means when he says to drop off the materials. Willy pleads with Howard but he doesn't change his mind which make Willy leave feeling like he failed his self and his family.
although i see where your coming from im going to have to disagree. i believe that the death of a salesman symbolizes willy's hope. willy is going through a terrible downfall at the moment with work. he is not being paid as much as he used to. he has to borrow money from others and lie to his family in order to support them. he wants to be like his father who was well liked but he can not live up to this life style and so he wants to die. linda tells the boys ," the insurance inspector came. he said that they have evidence. that all these accidents in the last year - werent - werent - accidents" (42). willy has been trying to kill himself. he does not want to have to deal with this problem. his way of facing his problem is to kill himself an-nisa jones
Is Howard not giving Will money malicious or out of kindness? In my opinion Howard not giving Willy money is simply out of kindness. Howard is more concerned about Willy's well being and state of mind. For instance, when Willy talks to Howard, Howard tells him he cant help him due to his business he also tells him its i because of his health. Howard states,"I don't want you to represent us...I think you need a good long rest, Willy...and when you feel better, come back, and we'll see if we can work something out"(63). Howard, in all, is looking out for the best interest of Willy. He understands that Willy has a problem and doesn't want anything to go wrong with him. He wants Willy to be healthy and in the best shape possible.
Why does Howard refuse to hire Willy ? Howard refuses to hire Willy because he feel that Willy is too old to be working and also there is no room. "Howard: Where are your sons? Why don't your sons give you a hand?" Howard suggest Willy just retire and have his sons help him out." Willy: I can't throw myself on my sons. I'm not a cripple." Then Willy thinks he's still in good top shape but really he's not fit for the job.
Why does Howard tell Willy he can't travel to Boston for the company?
While Howard and Willy are in the office, Willy has a fit. Howard, seeing the bad condition Willy is in, realizes that he can't hire & let Willy do anymore jobs for his company, or promote him like Howard's deceased father promised. Howard tells Willy, "I think you need a good long rest, Willy...And when you feel better, come back, and we'll see if we can work something out" (63). Howard can see that Willy isn't in the right state of mind and doesn't want to hire someone who can be a liability for his companies success. So, he tries to tell Willy he is fired in the best way possible becuase he just doesn't want Willy at his company anymore realizing the risk he'd be taking.
Willy is just a really pathetic character. He makes everyone feel sorry for him and constantly want to help him, but at the same time he rejects anyone who tries to help him. He is old, he is senial, he is suicidal and depressed, and he is jobless. Willy has absolutely nothing going on for him because he could never settle. He always wants what he doesn't have and refuses to be happy with what he has already gotten. In the great words of Sara Bareilles, "Compare-where you are to where you want to be and you'll get no where". This same idea came up in the book when Charley said to Willy, "the only thing you got in this world is what you can sell. And the funny thing is that you're a salesman, and you don't even know that" (75). Willy is trying to get further up in the business, but doesn't even realize the basics of being a salesman, figuratively and literally. Not being able to settle where he is and constantly pestering people for better opportunities and their "secrets" for getting ahead makes him not well liked, annoying, and a fialure. Willy constantly comparing where he was to where he wanted to be actually didn't get him anywhere, and that is a shame.
why does howard treats willy so wrong ? to me howard bascially did willy wrong because he knew that willy really needed this job for him and his boys. Howard knew what willy was going threw and for him to jsut fire him it was wrong. It was sad because that morning willy expected for him to go to work and talk to howard about him getting a raise but not knowing that he was getting fired. This was like a stab in the back in willy case since he knew howard for so long he wouldnt have expected howard to fire him because he was such a good worker. It was messed up how howard told willy to tell his boys and he also told him to take a rest.But willy told him "he is not cripple"(63) he does not want to throw his self on his sons because they was working on there own thing and that is why willy is trying to go to boston.Howard is not letting him wish is messed up. Howards believes that willy needs to rest now so that is why he treating him ther way he is , but this is wrong .
ALVIN JOHNSON
ReplyDeleteWhy does Howard fire Willy?
Howard fires Willy becuase he believe that Willy needs rest.That he is to old to going on the road, Howard is a person that could not help Willy for his problems. Also Howard see that Willy lack of concentration cannot be done for the road. trying to fire him only to show him he can't work with type of condition. Willy speak at howard office with him and talks for more money. Howard can't help and says " I.ve got a long line of people to see this mourning. Sit down, take five minutes, and pull yourelf together, and then go home, will ya? i need the office, Willy."(63).This explain how that nothing that Willy will help him become a salesman with more money in his pockets and that all thing that he tries to do, it always turn down into a big boom.
I agree , I believe that Howard fired Willy because Willy is becoming overwhelmed with everything and he's making the company look bad. since Willy is very overwhelmed, he's having a hard time pulling his weight. in the text it say, "Willy you cant go to Boston for us , i don't want you to represent us. I've been meaning to tell you this for a long time now. I think you need a good long rest, Willy"(63). I don't believe Howard was being mean by firing Willy, I believe that he was just looking out for him and trying to save his company at the same time.
DeleteIn Willy's flashback, why does he not go with Ben's idea to go be rich in Alaska?
ReplyDeleteLinda was the biggest factor in Willy's decision to just stay where he was. Willy wanted to do it and he knew it would be a great idea to be rich and make a living for his family. But his wife persuaded him to do otherwise. Not because it was something that she wanted, but because of the fact that she felt that Ben was talking down on her husband. Linda says, "Don't say those things to him! Enough to be happy right here, right now" (Miller 65). She wanted her husband to be content about where he was, she did not want him to feel bad for himself. Linda was not thinking in terms of the future and she persuaded Willy to choose the wrong decision, because now he is struggling. If Willy would have went along with his brother's plan, he would have been rich and old with nothing to worry about.
In Willy's flashback he does not take the job because his wife Linda said he has something better where he is. She tells him that he should stay and he agrees. In the text she says, " Don"t say those things to him! Enough to be happy right here, right now. Why must everybody conquer the world? Your'e well liked, and the boys love you, and .." (Miller 65) Linda was telling Ben not to put those ideas of going to Alaska in Willy's head because he has a good job where he doesn't need to get his hopes up going to Alaska and becoming rich.
DeleteI agree with Alvin, Howard fires Willy because he claims Willy needs a break. In this piece of text Howard and Willy are discussing Willy's job when Willy feels that he has said something wrong to Howard. Howard is clear with Willy that he doesn't want him to represent the company any longer and that he can barely make a living off of the little change they are paying him. He tells Willy "Howard: I think you need a good long rest , Willy... And when you feel better , come back , and we'll see if we can work something out"(63). Howard was very clear in letting Willy know that he wanted nothing else to do with him business wise, which is why he lowered him pay eventually thinking Willy would quit. Willy didn't quit , yet Howard was still displeased with Willy's work performance , therefore he fired Willy "lightly" switches the scenario as if there were something wrong with Willy and he needed rest. Howard made is clear that Willy's services were no longer needed.
ReplyDeleteDaija Ford
ReplyDeleteLinda seems to be the reason why Willy did not take a risk and go to Alaska. She tells Ben and Willy that he is fine and happy where he is and that there is no reason to go to Alaska. In Willy's flashback he is talking to Linda about Ben's proposition to go to Alaska. Linda says to Ben and Willy, "Don't say those things to him!... didn't he, Willy?(65). Linda tells been not to say anything to Willy that would convince him to go to Alaska. She tells him that there are many reasons that he should stay home. She says that his sons love him, he is well liked by people, and that he will soon get a promotion if he keeps up the work that he is doing in the selling business. Linda convinces Willy that there are reasons to stay home and that he is happy where he is. She's the reason why Willy decides to stay home.
Do you think Willy regrets not taking a risk in traveling to Alaska/Africa?
ReplyDeleteI believe that Willy does regret his decision not to follow Ben with traveling to Alaska. Willy now has a lot to deal with and loosing his job makes him feel as though he should have took the risk instead of staying to become a salesman. "Where are yours sons? Why don't your sons give you a hand ?...You go to your sons and you tell them that you're tired. You've got two great boys, haven't you?"(Miller 63). Howard expects that Biff abd Happy would be able tk help their father out. But, Willy knows that his sons aren't very helpful and wouldn't be able to provide much money because they have their own dreams and plans. Not having his family back him up financially makes Willy regret his decision to not take advantage of the Alaska opportunity. If Willy would have went to Alaska with Ben, then he wouldn't be struggling as much as he is now. He would he financially set and qouldn't have to worry about much as opposed to now.
Why did Willy value Ben's opinion so much?
ReplyDeleteWilly valued Ben's opinion and advice so much because he aspired him a lot and wanted his life to turn out how Ben's did. This was a harsh point in Willy's life where money was tight and he wasn't mentally stable to stay working. He wanted to be "rich" and successful like his older brother, Ben. An excerpt from DOAS states, "This is no time for false pride, Willy. You go to your sons and you tell them that you're tired...Ben am I right? Don't you think I'm right? I value your opinion'"(52). Willy wasn't capable of working as a salesman anymore, but he still pushed his self in an effort to follow after his brother's footsteps. He still occasionally spoke to his brother and looked to him for guidance and clarity of how to make it in the world and be great at what he does (selling merchandise). He looked to Ben's advice as a sense of hope.
Why does Willy not let his sons get jobs so he can retire?
ReplyDeleteWilly believes that his sons are great but still feels that he should hold a job to earn money. Howard tells Willy that he should rest for a while and let his sons earn money instead of their father. Willy was not making much money but still wanted to feel like he was supporting his family and not be a burden to his sons. " You've got two great boys...I can' throw myself on my sons! I'm not a cripple! "(63). Willy feels too much pride in himself to ask his sons for help to earn money, so he still tries to earn money to support his family even though his sons could get jobs.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI agree with you, Jason! When Willy says "I can't throw myself on my sons! I'm not a cripple! "(63), to Howard when he suggested he let his sons do his work, this shows a hubris characteristic--pushing back on a Tragic Hero. Willy shows a hubris characterization because he refuses to be categorized a "cripple", or someone who cannot do for himself. this shows that he is a targic hero. He has so much pride, though he may not alter it all correctly for the right reasons.
DeleteDose Willy still disappointed when it comes to his sons and their career choices? Would he be more supportive now that that have decided to become business men? But what about when they earn enough money to follow their dreams again? Will Willy's dream of his sons achieving the American Dream become differed?
ReplyDeleteWhat symbol do the flashbacks Willy has represent ?
ReplyDeleteI believe the flashbacks that Willy always has represent his happy moments in life. They show the moments in his life where he had everything he needed but also the moment when he had the chances to change everything in his life. The text states, "Sure, sure. I am building something with this firm , Ben, and if a man is building something he must be on the right track, mustn't he ?"(65). Therefore, his flashbacks represent his happiness and the opportunities he let go for being stubborn. Willy have this flashbacks to remember the times when he had everything and his family was everything he wanted.
How does Howard treat Willy ?
ReplyDeleteIn this scene Howard treats Willy with disrespect by ignoring his problems and firing him after all the hard work he has put into the company. During this part in the play, Willy goes to Howard asking for a change in his position and a raise but Howard doesn't listen and he fires him. Howard says, "I don't want you to represent us. I've been meaning to tell you for a long time now . . . I think you need a good long rest, Willy" (63). Howard informs Willy that he don't want Willy as their representative and that he feels that he need to have a long rest because he feels that Willy is out of energy and has no more work in him.
Baleegh McCrimmon
DeleteI agree with Naquan that Howard disrespects Willy, but before this happened Howard kept calling him "kid' which was disrespectful. Willy is fairly older than Howard, and him calling Willy kid shows that he has no respect for him. "But where am I going to put you, kid?... No, but it's a business, kid, and everybody's gotta pull his own weight" (Miller 60). Howard just mainly thinks since he has no authority he can disrespect whoever he wants; if he disrespects the wrong person then it is going to be something else popping up on his schedule.
In this part of the novel, Willy starts to give in and showing signs of giving up. So, Willy goes to his brother Ben for another way. After losing his job he goes to Ben for advice. The author states, "Ben, nothing's working out. I don't know what to do" (Wright 64). Willy returns to Ben for advice because he successful and he wants to use what he did to get himself out the jam his in.
ReplyDeleteBelen Campos
ReplyDeleteWhat is Willy’s point of view about having been fired?
Willy sees getting fired as a lost of his manliness and of his strengths. As he is being fired, Willy reminds Howard about his abilities to still be able to work. For instance in the text it states, “I can’t throw myself on my sons. I’m not a cripple!” (63). He tells him how he doesn't want to have to depend on his sons. Regardless of Willy’s age he wants to continue working because that represents manliness for Willy. He feels as though losing his job means that he was no longer able to keep up with his responsibilities because he was a failure. If he was a failure then he isn't manly enough for the high standards he has for himself.
My question is why did Howard wait so long to tell Bigger that he wasn't averaged to the rest of the workers?
ReplyDeleteI think that some people are afraid to hurt a person's feelings or to break someone's spirit who they know has been trying their best. Even though Howard has his ways that he can be degrading but I think he also feels sympathy for Willy. But I still think that you shouldn't lie to your worker making them think that they're doing well when they're actual not. For example in the book it states, "Where are your sons? Why don't your sons give you hand?"(63). This does shows Howard sympathic side but I still think he should of been honest with Willy about how things were looking for him while working in the company.
SHAKIIM HL
ReplyDeleteHow did willie feel when Howard was not trying to give him the raise? I think willie felt betrayed andneglected.when willie goes to the job and asks Howard and Howard is not telling willie what he wants to hear willie begins to get angry and tell Howard how he really feel .Willie tells Howard "you mustn't tell me you've got people to see I put thirty four years into this firm Howard and now I can't pay my insurance you can't eat the orange and throw the peel away"(61).willie words show his emotions and when he begins to talk about the years he put in shows that he thinks he deserves the raise and the fact hat Howard is not giving it to him makes him feel neglected and betrayed because he deserves the raise and Howard is not giving it to him.
RASHANA MAY
ReplyDeleteWhy did Willy not want to look for his sons to support him ?
Willy did not want to look up for his sons for the support because he wanted to show his children to be independent and not to rely on any other man. Willy was grown up to be a salesman and to make money on his own to provide for his family. On page 61 it says , " i put thirty four years into this firm , Howard , and now i can't pay my insurance". Willy tries to tell Howard how much time he has put into this business and he is getting nothing out of it but Willy felt as though he would be letting his kids back if he came to them and so he keeps hesitating
What is the significance of the "death of a salesman"?
ReplyDeleteThe significance of the death of a salesman seems to connect to Willy wanting to be well liked. He wants to be the salesman who everyone would have positive things to say about after he dies. He tells the story of his father and how "at the age of eighty-four, [he could go] into twenty or thirty different cities, and pick up a phone and be remembered and loved and helped by so many different people...when he died, hundreds of salesmen and buyers were at his funeral" (61). Willy's father was a popular salesman before he died and this seems to be the lifestyle Willy wants for himself. His father is the reason he strives to be well known and well-liked in the communities he works in and his father handed off his passion to become a true, successful salesman.
What might "can't take blood from a stone " symbolically reference ?
ReplyDeleteThe saying that Howard references is to Willy. The stone represents Willy,while the blood represents life. It is impossible to draw blood from a stone because the stone (willy) has no life, but is it just an object. Howard is trying to exaggerate Willys's inability to perform successfully In this job, so he resembles a stone, an object with no life. While proceeding to fire Willy, Howard says : " I don't want you to represent us. I've been meaning to tell you for a longtime now...I think you need a long good rest" (63). Howard proceeds to fire Willy because he is beginning to be a nuisance at the firm, instead of being a help. Willy no longer acquires the ability to work efficiently because he has grown tiresome. Since Willy has become a burden to the firm, Howard can no longer "take blood" from him. So, willy does represents the stone who no longer has the ability to work.
Why does Willy mention Dave Singleman to Howard?
ReplyDeleteWell Willy goes to Howard to get a non-traveling sales job, but Howard tells him that theirs no job available. He's most likely trying to ignore Willy, that's when he refers to Willy as an "Kid". "Look, kid, I'm busy this morning"(63). That shows he doesn't respect Willy. Although, Willy keeps lowering his salary request and that's when he starts to tell Howard about Dave Singleman because he was an salesman that never left the hotel room. He was seen as an very good person at his job & was probably well respected because a lot of people had attended his funeral. But that story doesn't help Willy because Howard essentially fires Willy at the end of there conversation. I guess that's what he means when he says to drop off the materials. Willy pleads with Howard but he doesn't change his mind which make Willy leave feeling like he failed his self and his family.
Alicia R.
although i see where your coming from im going to have to disagree. i believe that the death of a salesman symbolizes willy's hope. willy is going through a terrible downfall at the moment with work. he is not being paid as much as he used to. he has to borrow money from others and lie to his family in order to support them. he wants to be like his father who was well liked but he can not live up to this life style and so he wants to die. linda tells the boys ," the insurance inspector came. he said that they have evidence. that all these accidents in the last year - werent - werent - accidents" (42). willy has been trying to kill himself. he does not want to have to deal with this problem. his way of facing his problem is to kill himself
ReplyDeletean-nisa jones
Is Howard not giving Will money malicious or out of kindness?
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion Howard not giving Willy money is simply out of kindness. Howard is more concerned about Willy's well being and state of mind. For instance, when Willy talks to Howard, Howard tells him he cant help him due to his business he also tells him its i because of his health. Howard states,"I don't want you to represent us...I think you need a good long rest, Willy...and when you feel better, come back, and we'll see if we can work something out"(63). Howard, in all, is looking out for the best interest of Willy. He understands that Willy has a problem and doesn't want anything to go wrong with him. He wants Willy to be healthy and in the best shape possible.
Why does Howard refuse to hire Willy ?
ReplyDeleteHoward refuses to hire Willy because he feel that Willy is too old to be working and also there is no room. "Howard: Where are your sons? Why don't your sons give you a hand?" Howard suggest Willy just retire and have his sons help him out." Willy: I can't throw myself on my sons. I'm not a cripple." Then Willy thinks he's still in good top shape but really he's not fit for the job.
Why does Howard tell Willy he can't travel to Boston for the company?
ReplyDeleteWhile Howard and Willy are in the office, Willy has a fit. Howard, seeing the bad condition Willy is in, realizes that he can't hire & let Willy do anymore jobs for his company, or promote him like Howard's deceased father promised. Howard tells Willy, "I think you need a good long rest, Willy...And when you feel better, come back, and we'll see if we can work something out" (63). Howard can see that Willy isn't in the right state of mind and doesn't want to hire someone who can be a liability for his companies success. So, he tries to tell Willy he is fired in the best way possible becuase he just doesn't want Willy at his company anymore realizing the risk he'd be taking.
Willy is just a really pathetic character. He makes everyone feel sorry for him and constantly want to help him, but at the same time he rejects anyone who tries to help him. He is old, he is senial, he is suicidal and depressed, and he is jobless. Willy has absolutely nothing going on for him because he could never settle. He always wants what he doesn't have and refuses to be happy with what he has already gotten. In the great words of Sara Bareilles, "Compare-where you are to where you want to be and you'll get no where". This same idea came up in the book when Charley said to Willy, "the only thing you got in this world is what you can sell. And the funny thing is that you're a salesman, and you don't even know that" (75). Willy is trying to get further up in the business, but doesn't even realize the basics of being a salesman, figuratively and literally. Not being able to settle where he is and constantly pestering people for better opportunities and their "secrets" for getting ahead makes him not well liked, annoying, and a fialure. Willy constantly comparing where he was to where he wanted to be actually didn't get him anywhere, and that is a shame.
ReplyDeletewhy does howard treats willy so wrong ?
ReplyDeleteto me howard bascially did willy wrong because he knew that willy really needed this job for him and his boys. Howard knew what willy was going threw and for him to jsut fire him it was wrong. It was sad because that morning willy expected for him to go to work and talk to howard about him getting a raise but not knowing that he was getting fired. This was like a stab in the back in willy case since he knew howard for so long he wouldnt have expected howard to fire him because he was such a good worker. It was messed up how howard told willy to tell his boys and he also told him to take a rest.But willy told him "he is not cripple"(63) he does not want to throw his self on his sons because they was working on there own thing and that is why willy is trying to go to boston.Howard is not letting him wish is messed up. Howards believes that willy needs to rest now so that is why he treating him ther way he is , but this is wrong .