What is the new idea thought of by Willy's boys, and does willy seem to agree with it?
The new idea is to sell sporting goods as described by Happy because since the family need the money and both boy's don't have jobs, they can begin a business together Called the " Lowman Brothers", and Willy agrees with the idea. In other words this might mean something good for the family. Happy talks to both Biff and Willy and says," We play each other. It's a million dollars worth of publicity. Two brother, see? The Lowman Brothers"(46). This shows that Happy just came up with the idea that both his brother and him, can run a business together, it brings to a new level in the play.
To answer Edwin’s Question What is the new idea thought of by Willy's boys, and does willy seem to agree with it? The Willy's boys were to create sell sporting goods. They came up with the idea because the family needed the money. "Wait a minute! I got an idea. I got a feasible idea. Come here, Biff, let's this over now, let's talk some sense here. When I was down in Florida last time, I thought of a great idea to sell sporting goods. It just came back to me. You and I, Biff - we have a line, the Loman Line. We train a couple of weeks, and put on a couple of exhibitions, see. (46)" This shows that Happy cares about his family because he wants to help them out.
The new idea Happy comes up with is to create two basketball teams and two water-polo, he would take one and Biff would take the other. Willy is ecstatic about the idea because it is a way for him receive the respect he use to from his sons and a way for him to get money off of them. He tells Biff not to "wear [a] sport jacket and slacks...[and] walk in very serious"(47). He is trying to manipulate Biff's conference in order too assure that this business succeeds because he wants his ego back and needs money to keep him and his wife satisfied.
The new idea that happy figures out is to create two basketball and water-polo teams and call it the Loman Brothers. Biff would own one and Happy would own the other one. Hearing the idea from Happy, Willy is excited and encourages them to go through with the idea. Willy sees this as a good idea and it will create a lot of money for the family. " That is a one million dollar idea!for a boy's job. Money is to pass. Be quiet, fine and serious. Everybody likes a kidder, but nobody lends him money"(Miller 47). In the quote you can see that Willy is happy that they have an idea and wants to give him pointers on how to get the job from Mr. Oliver.
Daija Ford Why does Willy become happy when Biff and Happy are talking about working in the business? Willy is happy when Biff and Happy talk about this because he finally feels that him working as long as he did for his sons is going to pay off when they become successful with the business. Linda spoke to Biff and Happy about how Willy has been working really hard for them and then they ended up being "bums" and Willy's hard work for them has gone to waste. She also says that they aren't appreciative of the things that he has done for them and they have turned their backs on him. Biff and Willy are talking about their future careers in selling sporting goods. Willy says, "I see great things for you kids, I think your troubles are over. But remember, start big and you'll end big"(47). Willy becomes happy about the boys' future of selling sporting goods and thinks that they will be successful in the business. Once his sons become successful in the business, Willy will no longer think that his hard work and sacrifice has gone to waste. He is now thinking positive of his sons' future.
I agree with Daija's speculation of Willy's happiness in regard to his sons interest in buisness but also believe it is somewhat caused by the similar way in which they resemble their father as far as behavior goes. Willy thought that his sons would never amount to anything within the world. Once they told their father about their interest in business, Willy was elated. "If he'd've stayed with Oliver he'd be on top by now!" Biff is being given an opportunity and whether or not he takes it will determine his success and if he'll be able to live the American Dream. Biff is being granted an opportunity just like yhe opportunity his father had. Willy wants his children to do well and become successful just like the way Uncle Ben was able to. Although he wasn't able to make much of his life, he wants and hopes for his son to do the opposite with his life and become successful.
I agree with Daija , Willy thought that his kids would never do anything ,or would never become successful . Once happy and Biff told their father about their interest in business willy was ery happy. Biff would finally be able to live the american dream now that hes been given an opportunity. Biff is being giving an opprotunity just like Will had been. Willy wants both of his kids to be better then him and successful like their uncle Ben . Even though Willy was able to be very successful like Ben , he wnats his son to better then him and hope that they are successful in life.
Tania Wilson Willy becomes happy with biff and hap have decided to start working in business because it’s like they are moving in willy’s foot steeps and he feels that they would become closer to the American dream, doing what will have been doing all his life. As well as his willys father being a salesman and working in business when willy was younger; and his brother Ben being in business and being successful as well. it seems to be a family thing, becoming salesman or being in business. “A business suit, and talk as little as possible, and don’t crack any jokes” (47) willy is telling them this because willy feels that these are all the reasons as to why his career have became what is now, so he things in order to be successful the they have to do all the things he didn’t do.
Question: Why does Biff now decides that its time to enter the business world?
I think Biff now chooses to technically get a job because his mother brought it to his attention that he doesn't have anytime to wait and waste his life, just because he doesn't want to take risks. But also I think he was afraid before to enter the business world because he feared that he will end up like his father.For example in the book it states, "Mom, I don't fit in business. Not that I won't try. I'll try(44). This shows the hesitation Biff has to be in business but now that he sees that his family is drifting apart he wants to do anything to help.
I agree, despite Biff finding happiness in simplicity, society like his mother is pushing this idea of what The American Dream is, and that he can only truly be happy if he has a good job in the business world. In the text it says, "I swear to you, Ill apply myself. Its just you see mom, i don't fit in business...[Happy says] Ill tell you something that i hate to say, Biff, but in the business world some of them think you're crazy. [Biff replies by saying] Screw the business world" (44). Biff doesn't want to become a business man but yet he feels so much pressure from society to get involved in business and get a 'real job', and live out the 'dream'.
i totally agree with the two of you. the fact that biff is a grown man with no job is brought to his attention and he finally realizes he needs to do something about it, but he is scared. Biff says , " It's just - you see, mom, i dont fit in business. not that i wont try.ill try , and ill make good"(44). biff wants his mother to not be upset with him anymore so he kind of makes a commitement to at least try the business world out before totally giving up on it. he doesnt want to let her down anymore than he has already done.
I agree with both Mahogany and Jerelle. Biff decides to go into the business world just not because he wants to but because he feels the need to please his mother. He feels as though the business world is not for him but he says he would try to put his preferences aside in order for his mother to feel better because he notices a change of oldness and tiredness in her. He states, “All right, pal, all right. It’s all settled now. I’ve been remiss. I know that, Mom. But now I’ll stay, and I swear to you, I’ll apply myself” (43). He swears to her that he will try to behave himself the way his dad would want him to. He doesn’t state that he will do it for himself but gives a sense that it is for her. Biff doesn’t want to be part of business but he will for his mother who he seems to care about a lot.
To reply to Daija I agree , throughout the whole novel we've read thus far Willy have been trying to get his sons to work decent jobs and live the American dream like he once attempted. He wanted them to be settled and not having to struggle like he did. After Linda scolds the boys for not being considerate for their fathers condition and his hard work and sweat he put into his work just to be treated like crap and put food on the table the boys consider working in the business to make Willy proud. In the text it states, "Willy: ..You guys together can lick the civilized world.. I see great things for you kid, I think your troubles are over"(47). Willy gets excited when Biff and Happy talks about business work because all he ever wanted was for his boys to live the American dream he never got to reach and not be in financial dept. He wanted them to be happy and make him proud as he raised them to do.
What is Biff's underline issue with his father, Willy? One of Biff's issues with his father is he doesn't agree with his treatment of his mother, Linda. He doesn't like when Willy gets out of hand and began to yell or talk down to Linda. Even in the text, Biff often told his dad not to yell at his mother and to take it easy. He has gotten very defensive. Based on an excerpt in the text it states, "'I don't like you yelling at her all the time, and I'm tellin' you, that's all'"(48). Biff challenged his dad and Willy wasn't to fond of it. Biff didn't let his father talk to him or his sometimes defenseless, naive mother any kind of way he wanted. This was one of the many issues that Biff didn't agree with regarding his father; his controlling, demanding nature that sort of took over and disregarding everyone else and what they had to say.
In relation to what samiyah said, I feel that he is simply using that as a reason to justify his anger towards Willy. I doubt Biff is really angry with his dad. He seems to be upset with himself. As earlier stated in the text, "everyone [he] comes back here, [he] can't help but feel like [he's] failed" which is why he would be upset with himself. He knows he is essentially a failure and hadn't lived up to his fathers expectations. Using the and quote, he says, "i dont like you yelling at her all the time", and I think that he means that he is tired of both his dad and himself being so angry. He knows that his dads anger towards him is being taken out on his mom which makes him feel even more responsible for someone else's misery besides his own, just like with him not having a real job.
Why do you think Willy treats Happy better than Biff?
Willy treats Happy better than Biff because Biff is more like Willy and Happy is more like Ben and his father. Willys father and Ben both was adventurous men who took chances. Ben took the chance by traveling to Alaska and ended up in Africa where he became rich and his father was a successful man in business because he made inventions and thought outside of the box to get get money. When Biff told Willy he was going in the business world like him it made him angry because that's what he did and he does not like the decision he made. Ultimately, Willy wants his sons to be like Ben and his father not him. Happy is more like them than Biff. Happy says to Willy and Biff about his brillant idea to sell sporting goods like they do in florida. It says, "Wait! We form two basketball teams, see? Twi water polo teams. We play each other. Its a million dollars wirth of publicity" (46). When Happy said this to Willy, he got excited because that was something his brother would say or his father. Since Willy was not able live the American Dream, then he wants his sons to be like the people who did live the American Dream. Because he wants his sons to be like the people who lived the american dream, then he will feel that he has achieve raising them the right way. If he feels he achieved something, then he will not be crazy and hold so much hostility toward Biff. Therefore, Willy treats Happy better than Biff becauee Happy Is more of the person Willy wants to be oppose to Biff the person he shamefully is.
Mirandah Phillips What is the real reason there is tension between Biff and Willy?
The real reason for the tension between Biff and Willy is that they feel as if they can both have authority over each other. Biff is in his mid thirties and tells his father what to do , whereas Willy is in in sixties and stills feels as is he can control Biff's actions.In the scene when all of the character were in the kitchen Willy tells Biff what to do the next day at a job interview as if Biff does not know. Then when Willy gets loud Biff tells him to stop yelling and Willy relies by saying " What're you, takin' over this house ?" (Miller 48). Biff and Willy both feel as if they can tell each other what to do, however, this causes tension between the two characters. They both direct each other in what to do and both characters do not like being told what to do. This creates the tension between Biff and Willy.
I agree with you , Biff and Willy really aren't getting along because they both feel like they can have power over each other. They act too much alike . They both tell each other what to do. Willy is alot older then biff and he feels like he can control everything biff do . In the book says, "and if anything falls off the desk while you're talking to him -like a package or something - dont you pick it up"(50). To me Willy still talks to Biff as if He was still a kid thats why its always so much tension between them two.
Aminah Keith What is the little problem Willy and Biff seems to have in this scene?
The problem Willy and Biff seems to have is an argument over the fact of how Willy talks to Linda. Biff doesn't like the way Willy talks to his mother because it seems as though he is speaking to her in a yelling tone, which is why he constantly comes to her defense. In the text while the family is having a group conversation, Linda constantly adds a comment or say something, and Willy looks at is her interrupting and asks her can he speak. With that, in response, Biff responds by saying "Don't yell at her, Pop, will ya... I don't like you yelling her all the time, and I'm tellin' you, that's all" (Miller 48). From this quote it proves that Biff is very defenseless or his mother. Because Biff is defenseless over his mother, it is what causes an argument between the two. With the argument, it leaves Willy mad and walking away. Therefore, the problem that goes on between Willy and Biff is an argument between the two because of Biff's defense over his mother.
Willy and Biff engage in an altercation. Willy talks to Linda in an aggressive way. Biff doesn't like the way that Willy talks to his mother and he wants him to stop. Biff says, "dont yell at her, pop, will ya ?" Willy then responds by saying , " I was talking, wasn't I " (48). Biff is taking up for his mother. He doesn't want his father talking to her anyway. While Willy want Biff to mind his business and not interrupt him talking to his wife. - Bryanah Wilkins
How does the book characterize salesmen? Does biff appear to be a good fit ? Why or why not ?
The book characterizes salesmen as serious, non-humorous people. Biff has entered the business's world, but saw that it was not suitable for him. However, after a period of contemplation about whether he should re-enter or return to the farm, he has made a crucial decision to rejoin. While Biff announces his return, Willy gives him tips about salesmen and the proper way to carry himself : " walk in very serious. You are not applying for a boy's job...be quiet, fine, and serious. Everybody likes a kidder, but one lends him money" (47). Willy is implying that in order to get the job in business, Biff must not appear relaxed, but serious. Only serious men get the job because they seem attentive and focused. Biff would not be a good fit for a salesman because his personality is a humorous one. On Biff's previous job when he worked for Harrison's, Biff goes "whistling whole songs in the elevator like a comedian" (44). Whistling in the elevator is a sign of a guy who does not take his job very serious; he is deemed as not responsible and unfit for business. Biff's is not fit to be a salesman because he is too humorous, which is the opposite of one is who is serious about their job. Therefore, business men are serious people who take their jobs serious, so Biff would not fit in the business world because he is very relaxed and humorous.
Willy feel that Biff is always bring him down because Biff says that people laugh at Willy for year which made him fell some kind of way that his own son would bring him down and say such thing . For example Willy states " They laugh at me, heh?... why do you always insult me ?"(45) Willy feel that Biff is always agains him and always trying to bring him down by saying little thing that make him feel unsuccessful .
Briona- From the text what do you believe is Willy's main concern in life? Based on the text, Willy's main concern in life seems to be receiving money. Willy seems to only want things that include money. When Biff and Happy start to discuss their future business ventures the first thing Willy says is,"start big and you'll end big. Ask for fifteen. How much you gonna ask for?...Don't be so modest You always started to low"(47-48). Clearly, a major concern for Willy is making sure he and his sons obtain a lot f money and settle for nothing small. He wants his family to inherit large amounts of money in the business world.
Briona- Does Linda let certain behaviors from Willy pass? Linda often allows the rude behavior that Willy exhibits towards her to be accepted. For instance Willy constantly yells at her and Linda doesn't speak u for herself. Death of a Salesman states,"Linda:Willy-- Will:(turning on her): Don't take his side all the time, goddammit! Biff:9furiously) Stop yelling at her! ... Linda(her voice subdued): What'd you have to start that for?"(48). Linda constantly allows Willy to say whatever he feels is right to her and not treat her with much respect. Even when someone tries to take up for her, she shuts them down. She does not make Willy treat her with much self respect at all.
To add on to what Miranda said Willy is the father of this situation and feels as though he still has control over his children as any adult would feel whereas Biff feel as though he is a grown man and can do what he wants. In the scene where Willy tries to tell Biff what to do for his job interview shows the pressure and controlling of Willy while Biff yells at Willy and tells him not to scream at his mother. Bifd says , " don't yell at her , pop, will ya.. I don't like you yelling at her all the time , and I'm telling you that's all" (Miller 48). Biff expresses how he feels to his father as they continue to go head at each other as to who is in charge.
What is the new idea thought of by Willy's boys, and does willy seem to agree with it?
The new idea Happy comes up with is to start selling sporting goods. However, Willy agrees with the idea because he likes how his son wants to follow his footsteps and go into the business world. Happy believes by selling sporting goods, him and his family can make plenty of money since times are hard for them at the moment. Happy states, "I thought of a great idea to sell sporting goods... we train a couple of weeks, and put on a couple of exhibitions" (46). Happy has this idea of being a team with his family where they'll play games and perform for people. By performing for people, he believe this will help gain him and the family money. Happy also want to do this because he misses the family time they use to all spend together.
Do you believe that Biff going into the business world will save his family and their problems?
I don't think that Biff going towards business will save them. He's only truly doing it for the money. During Biff's conversation with his brother, Happy and his mother, Linda, he explains to them why nothing has been going as right for them. Biff exclaims, "Screw the business world!... They've laughed at Dad for years, and you know why? Because we don't belong in this nuthouse of a city!" (Miller 44). It is clear that obviously, that career is not making his family any better. If they were in the environment that fit them and their desires, then they would have easier lives to live. Them having easier lives would relieve the tension that's seen in their family. Biff will only sugarcoat his family with the paychecks he will receive, but it won't save his family and nor their problems.
Biff believe that his father is a person with a great passion for the American dream and that their uncle ben had a better plan in how things in their own society can be a cut throat society that only want the best of the best. Saying you can't play by the rules at all if you want to get ahead In life at all times too. in the context Linda which she only have the time where happy and Biff can only have either have a role in society now or only be burdens to society too now." Happy: all right
Why does Biff and Happy want to go into the business world, How does Willy react? Biff and Happy want to go back into the business world that way they can help out with the bills and other expenses of the house. " Happy: When I was down in Florida last time, I thought of a great idea of selling sporting goods.Happy: We form two basketball teams, see ? Two water-polo teams. We play each other. It's a million dollars' worth publicity." They mostly want to form a business out of selling sporting goods and make a good profit off it. The father Willy likes the idea and goes along with and is also happy since his son's are working together.
What is the new idea thought of by Willy's boys, and does willy seem to agree with it?
ReplyDeleteThe new idea is to sell sporting goods as described by Happy because since the family need the money and both boy's don't have jobs, they can begin a business together Called the " Lowman Brothers", and Willy agrees with the idea. In other words this might mean something good for the family. Happy talks to both Biff and Willy and says," We play each other. It's a million dollars worth of publicity. Two brother, see? The Lowman Brothers"(46). This shows that Happy just came up with the idea that both his brother and him, can run a business together, it brings to a new level in the play.
To answer Edwin’s Question
DeleteWhat is the new idea thought of by Willy's boys, and does willy seem to agree with it?
The Willy's boys were to create sell sporting goods. They came up with the idea because the family needed the money. "Wait a minute! I got an idea. I got a feasible idea. Come here, Biff, let's this over now, let's talk some sense here. When I was down in Florida last time, I thought of a great idea to sell sporting goods. It just came back to me. You and I, Biff - we have a line, the Loman Line. We train a couple of weeks, and put on a couple of exhibitions, see. (46)" This shows that Happy cares about his family because he wants to help them out.
The new idea Happy comes up with is to create two basketball teams and two water-polo, he would take one and Biff would take the other. Willy is ecstatic about the idea because it is a way for him receive the respect he use to from his sons and a way for him to get money off of them. He tells Biff not to "wear [a] sport jacket and slacks...[and] walk in very serious"(47). He is trying to manipulate Biff's conference in order too assure that this business succeeds because he wants his ego back and needs money to keep him and his wife satisfied.
DeleteMasai lewis
DeleteThe new idea that happy figures out is to create two basketball and water-polo teams and call it the Loman Brothers. Biff would own one and Happy would own the other one. Hearing the idea from Happy, Willy is excited and encourages them to go through with the idea. Willy sees this as a good idea and it will create a lot of money for the family. " That is a one million dollar idea!for a boy's job. Money is to pass. Be quiet, fine and serious. Everybody likes a kidder, but nobody lends him money"(Miller 47). In the quote you can see that Willy is happy that they have an idea and wants to give him pointers on how to get the job from Mr. Oliver.
Daija Ford
ReplyDeleteWhy does Willy become happy when Biff and Happy are talking about working in the business?
Willy is happy when Biff and Happy talk about this because he finally feels that him working as long as he did for his sons is going to pay off when they become successful with the business. Linda spoke to Biff and Happy about how Willy has been working really hard for them and then they ended up being "bums" and Willy's hard work for them has gone to waste. She also says that they aren't appreciative of the things that he has done for them and they have turned their backs on him. Biff and Willy are talking about their future careers in selling sporting goods. Willy says, "I see great things for you kids, I think your troubles are over. But remember, start big and you'll end big"(47). Willy becomes happy about the boys' future of selling sporting goods and thinks that they will be successful in the business. Once his sons become successful in the business, Willy will no longer think that his hard work and sacrifice has gone to waste. He is now thinking positive of his sons' future.
I agree with Daija's speculation of Willy's happiness in regard to his sons interest in buisness but also believe it is somewhat caused by the similar way in which they resemble their father as far as behavior goes. Willy thought that his sons would never amount to anything within the world. Once they told their father about their interest in business, Willy was elated. "If he'd've stayed with Oliver he'd be on top by now!" Biff is being given an opportunity and whether or not he takes it will determine his success and if he'll be able to live the American Dream. Biff is being granted an opportunity just like yhe opportunity his father had. Willy wants his children to do well and become successful just like the way Uncle Ben was able to. Although he wasn't able to make much of his life, he wants and hopes for his son to do the opposite with his life and become successful.
DeleteI agree with Daija , Willy thought that his kids would never do anything ,or would never become successful . Once happy and Biff told their father about their interest in business willy was ery happy. Biff would finally be able to live the american dream now that hes been given an opportunity. Biff is being giving an opprotunity just like Will had been. Willy wants both of his kids to be better then him and successful like their uncle Ben . Even though Willy was able to be very successful like Ben , he wnats his son to better then him and hope that they are successful in life.
DeleteTania Wilson
DeleteWilly becomes happy with biff and hap have decided to start working in business because it’s like they are moving in willy’s foot steeps and he feels that they would become closer to the American dream, doing what will have been doing all his life. As well as his willys father being a salesman and working in business when willy was younger; and his brother Ben being in business and being successful as well. it seems to be a family thing, becoming salesman or being in business. “A business suit, and talk as little as possible, and don’t crack any jokes” (47) willy is telling them this because willy feels that these are all the reasons as to why his career have became what is now, so he things in order to be successful the they have to do all the things he didn’t do.
Question: Why does Biff now decides that its time to enter the business world?
ReplyDeleteI think Biff now chooses to technically get a job because his mother brought it to his attention that he doesn't have anytime to wait and waste his life, just because he doesn't want to take risks. But also I think he was afraid before to enter the business world because he feared that he will end up like his father.For example in the book it states, "Mom, I don't fit in business. Not that I won't try. I'll try(44). This shows the hesitation Biff has to be in business but now that he sees that his family is drifting apart he wants to do anything to help.
I agree, despite Biff finding happiness in simplicity, society like his mother is pushing this idea of what The American Dream is, and that he can only truly be happy if he has a good job in the business world. In the text it says, "I swear to you, Ill apply myself. Its just you see mom, i don't fit in business...[Happy says] Ill tell you something that i hate to say, Biff, but in the business world some of them think you're crazy. [Biff replies by saying] Screw the business world" (44). Biff doesn't want to become a business man but yet he feels so much pressure from society to get involved in business and get a 'real job', and live out the 'dream'.
Deletei totally agree with the two of you. the fact that biff is a grown man with no job is brought to his attention and he finally realizes he needs to do something about it, but he is scared. Biff says , " It's just - you see, mom, i dont fit in business. not that i wont try.ill try , and ill make good"(44). biff wants his mother to not be upset with him anymore so he kind of makes a commitement to at least try the business world out before totally giving up on it. he doesnt want to let her down anymore than he has already done.
DeleteI agree with both Mahogany and Jerelle. Biff decides to go into the business world just not because he wants to but because he feels the need to please his mother. He feels as though the business world is not for him but he says he would try to put his preferences aside in order for his mother to feel better because he notices a change of oldness and tiredness in her. He states, “All right, pal, all right. It’s all settled now. I’ve been remiss. I know that, Mom. But now I’ll stay, and I swear to you, I’ll apply myself” (43). He swears to her that he will try to behave himself the way his dad would want him to. He doesn’t state that he will do it for himself but gives a sense that it is for her. Biff doesn’t want to be part of business but he will for his mother who he seems to care about a lot.
DeleteTo reply to Daija I agree , throughout the whole novel we've read thus far Willy have been trying to get his sons to work decent jobs and live the American dream like he once attempted. He wanted them to be settled and not having to struggle like he did. After Linda scolds the boys for not being considerate for their fathers condition and his hard work and sweat he put into his work just to be treated like crap and put food on the table the boys consider working in the business to make Willy proud. In the text it states, "Willy: ..You guys together can lick the civilized world.. I see great things for you kid, I think your troubles are over"(47). Willy gets excited when Biff and Happy talks about business work because all he ever wanted was for his boys to live the American dream he never got to reach and not be in financial dept. He wanted them to be happy and make him proud as he raised them to do.
ReplyDeleteWhat is Biff's underline issue with his father, Willy?
ReplyDeleteOne of Biff's issues with his father is he doesn't agree with his treatment of his mother, Linda. He doesn't like when Willy gets out of hand and began to yell or talk down to Linda. Even in the text, Biff often told his dad not to yell at his mother and to take it easy. He has gotten very defensive. Based on an excerpt in the text it states, "'I don't like you yelling at her all the time, and I'm tellin' you, that's all'"(48). Biff challenged his dad and Willy wasn't to fond of it. Biff didn't let his father talk to him or his sometimes defenseless, naive mother any kind of way he wanted. This was one of the many issues that Biff didn't agree with regarding his father; his controlling, demanding nature that sort of took over and disregarding everyone else and what they had to say.
In relation to what samiyah said, I feel that he is simply using that as a reason to justify his anger towards Willy. I doubt Biff is really angry with his dad. He seems to be upset with himself. As earlier stated in the text, "everyone [he] comes back here, [he] can't help but feel like [he's] failed" which is why he would be upset with himself. He knows he is essentially a failure and hadn't lived up to his fathers expectations. Using the and quote, he says, "i dont like you yelling at her all the time", and I think that he means that he is tired of both his dad and himself being so angry. He knows that his dads anger towards him is being taken out on his mom which makes him feel even more responsible for someone else's misery besides his own, just like with him not having a real job.
ReplyDeleteWhy do you think Willy treats Happy better than Biff?
ReplyDeleteWilly treats Happy better than Biff because Biff is more like Willy and Happy is more like Ben and his father. Willys father and Ben both was adventurous men who took chances. Ben took the chance by traveling to Alaska and ended up in Africa where he became rich and his father was a successful man in business because he made inventions and thought outside of the box to get get money. When Biff told Willy he was going in the business world like him it made him angry because that's what he did and he does not like the decision he made. Ultimately, Willy wants his sons to be like Ben and his father not him. Happy is more like them than Biff. Happy says to Willy and Biff about his brillant idea to sell sporting goods like they do in florida. It says, "Wait! We form two basketball teams, see? Twi water polo teams. We play each other. Its a million dollars wirth of publicity" (46). When Happy said this to Willy, he got excited because that was something his brother would say or his father. Since Willy was not able live the American Dream, then he wants his sons to be like the people who did live the American Dream. Because he wants his sons to be like the people who lived the american dream, then he will feel that he has achieve raising them the right way. If he feels he achieved something, then he will not be crazy and hold so much hostility toward Biff. Therefore, Willy treats Happy better than Biff becauee Happy Is more of the person Willy wants to be oppose to Biff the person he shamefully is.
Mirandah Phillips
ReplyDeleteWhat is the real reason there is tension between Biff and Willy?
The real reason for the tension between Biff and Willy is that they feel as if they can both have authority over each other. Biff is in his mid thirties and tells his father what to do , whereas Willy is in in sixties and stills feels as is he can control Biff's actions.In the scene when all of the character were in the kitchen Willy tells Biff what to do the next day at a job interview as if Biff does not know. Then when Willy gets loud Biff tells him to stop yelling and Willy relies by saying " What're you, takin' over this house ?" (Miller 48). Biff and Willy both feel as if they can tell each other what to do, however, this causes tension between the two characters. They both direct each other in what to do and both characters do not like being told what to do. This creates the tension between Biff and Willy.
Shaydaih Williams
DeleteI agree with you , Biff and Willy really aren't getting along because they both feel like they can have power over each other. They act too much alike . They both tell each other what to do. Willy is alot older then biff and he feels like he can control everything biff do . In the book says, "and if anything falls off the desk while you're talking to him -like a package or something - dont you pick it up"(50). To me Willy still talks to Biff as if He was still a kid thats why its always so much tension between them two.
Aminah Keith
ReplyDeleteWhat is the little problem Willy and Biff seems to have in this scene?
The problem Willy and Biff seems to have is an argument over the fact of how Willy talks to Linda. Biff doesn't like the way Willy talks to his mother because it seems as though he is speaking to her in a yelling tone, which is why he constantly comes to her defense. In the text while the family is having a group conversation, Linda constantly adds a comment or say something, and Willy looks at is her interrupting and asks her can he speak. With that, in response, Biff responds by saying "Don't yell at her, Pop, will ya... I don't like you yelling her all the time, and I'm tellin' you, that's all" (Miller 48). From this quote it proves that Biff is very defenseless or his mother. Because Biff is defenseless over his mother, it is what causes an argument between the two. With the argument, it leaves Willy mad and walking away. Therefore, the problem that goes on between Willy and Biff is an argument between the two because of Biff's defense over his mother.
What happens between Willy and Biff ?
ReplyDeleteWilly and Biff engage in an altercation. Willy talks to Linda in an aggressive way. Biff doesn't like the way that Willy talks to his mother and he wants him to stop. Biff says, "dont yell at her, pop, will ya ?" Willy then responds by saying , " I was talking, wasn't I " (48). Biff is taking up for his mother. He doesn't want his father talking to her anyway. While Willy want Biff to mind his business and not interrupt him talking to his wife.
- Bryanah Wilkins
How does the book characterize salesmen? Does biff appear to be a good fit ? Why or why not ?
ReplyDeleteThe book characterizes salesmen as serious, non-humorous people. Biff has entered the business's world, but saw that it was not suitable for him. However, after a period of contemplation about whether he should re-enter or return to the farm, he has made a crucial decision to rejoin. While Biff announces his return, Willy gives him tips about salesmen and the proper way to carry himself : " walk in very serious. You are not applying for a boy's job...be quiet, fine, and serious. Everybody likes a kidder, but one lends him money" (47). Willy is implying that in order to get the job in business, Biff must not appear relaxed, but serious. Only serious men get the job because they seem attentive and focused. Biff would not be a good fit for a salesman because his personality is a humorous one. On Biff's previous job when he worked for Harrison's, Biff goes "whistling whole songs in the elevator like a comedian" (44). Whistling in the elevator is a sign of a guy who does not take his job very serious; he is deemed as not responsible and unfit for business. Biff's is not fit to be a salesman because he is too humorous, which is the opposite of one is who is serious about their job. Therefore, business men are serious people who take their jobs serious, so Biff would not fit in the business world because he is very relaxed and humorous.
Willy feel that Biff is always bring him down because Biff says that people laugh at Willy for year which made him fell some kind of way that his own son would bring him down and say such thing . For example Willy states " They laugh at me, heh?... why do you always insult me ?"(45) Willy feel that Biff is always agains him and always trying to bring him down by saying little thing that make him feel unsuccessful .
ReplyDeleteBriona-
ReplyDeleteFrom the text what do you believe is Willy's main concern in life?
Based on the text, Willy's main concern in life seems to be receiving money. Willy seems to only want things that include money. When Biff and Happy start to discuss their future business ventures the first thing Willy says is,"start big and you'll end big. Ask for fifteen. How much you gonna ask for?...Don't be so modest You always started to low"(47-48). Clearly, a major concern for Willy is making sure he and his sons obtain a lot f money and settle for nothing small. He wants his family to inherit large amounts of money in the business world.
Briona-
ReplyDeleteDoes Linda let certain behaviors from Willy pass?
Linda often allows the rude behavior that Willy exhibits towards her to be accepted. For instance Willy constantly yells at her and Linda doesn't speak u for herself. Death of a Salesman states,"Linda:Willy-- Will:(turning on her): Don't take his side all the time, goddammit! Biff:9furiously) Stop yelling at her! ... Linda(her voice subdued): What'd you have to start that for?"(48). Linda constantly allows Willy to say whatever he feels is right to her and not treat her with much respect. Even when someone tries to take up for her, she shuts them down. She does not make Willy treat her with much self respect at all.
RASHANA MAY
ReplyDeleteWhat is the real tension between Biff and Willy ?
To add on to what Miranda said Willy is the father of this situation and feels as though he still has control over his children as any adult would feel whereas Biff feel as though he is a grown man and can do what he wants. In the scene where Willy tries to tell Biff what to do for his job interview shows the pressure and controlling of Willy while Biff yells at Willy and tells him not to scream at his mother. Bifd says , " don't yell at her , pop, will ya.. I don't like you yelling at her all the time , and I'm telling you that's all" (Miller 48). Biff expresses how he feels to his father as they continue to go head at each other as to who is in charge.
SHAAKIRAH KIETH
ReplyDeleteWhat is the new idea thought of by Willy's boys, and does willy seem to agree with it?
The new idea Happy comes up with is to start selling sporting goods. However, Willy agrees with the idea because he likes how his son wants to follow his footsteps and go into the business world. Happy believes by selling sporting goods, him and his family can make plenty of money since times are hard for them at the moment. Happy states, "I thought of a great idea to sell sporting goods... we train a couple of weeks, and put on a couple of exhibitions" (46). Happy has this idea of being a team with his family where they'll play games and perform for people. By performing for people, he believe this will help gain him and the family money. Happy also want to do this because he misses the family time they use to all spend together.
TYIESHA HARRIS
ReplyDeleteDo you believe that Biff going into the business world will save his family and their problems?
I don't think that Biff going towards business will save them. He's only truly doing it for the money. During Biff's conversation with his brother, Happy and his mother, Linda, he explains to them why nothing has been going as right for them. Biff exclaims, "Screw the business world!... They've laughed at Dad for years, and you know why? Because we don't belong in this nuthouse of a city!" (Miller 44). It is clear that obviously, that career is not making his family any better. If they were in the environment that fit them and their desires, then they would have easier lives to live. Them having easier lives would relieve the tension that's seen in their family. Biff will only sugarcoat his family with the paychecks he will receive, but it won't save his family and nor their problems.
ALVIN:
ReplyDeleteBiff believe that his father is a person with a great passion for the American dream and that their uncle ben had a better plan in how things in their own society can be a cut throat society that only want the best of the best. Saying you can't play by the rules at all if you want to get ahead In life at all times too. in the context Linda which she only have the time where happy and Biff can only have either have a role in society now or only be burdens to society too now." Happy: all right
Why does Biff and Happy want to go into the business world, How does Willy react?
ReplyDeleteBiff and Happy want to go back into the business world that way they can help out with the bills and other expenses of the house. " Happy: When I was down in Florida last time, I thought of a great idea of selling sporting goods.Happy: We form two basketball teams, see ? Two water-polo teams. We play each other. It's a million dollars' worth publicity." They mostly want to form a business out of selling sporting goods and make a good profit off it. The father Willy likes the idea and goes along with and is also happy since his son's are working together.