Problemize- Class discussion

Tara Wilson

Deborde

Intro to Lit

9-7-11

Death of a Salesman/Class discussion

In the reading this week, Willys real character shined through. Biff walked in on his father, Willy, committing adultery. She was most likely a prostitute that actually seemed to be real annoying. As Biff walked in she was hiding in the bathroom were Willy told her to stay while he answered the door. Biff was very upset but I feel he really wasn’t completely caught off guard because Willy has always lived in such an illusion. Willy has taught Biff an awful life lesson, to live a lie. Willy has failed to teach his son how to truly live life, but he has taught him that illusion is better then reality. Biff then never took responsibility for his lying, but he blamed on his role model father and also his feelings of being something he didn’t want be.  Biff was not interested in being what his father wanted him to be.  Willy didn’t really take care what his son wanted, Willy wanted the “American Dream” for Biff. The “American Dream” for Biff consisted of being successful in a business and working hard at it, Biff didn’t want it.

Another thing we discussed in class was about Willy’s car “accident.” Was it really an accident and was it really a suicidal attempt? And Why would he do such a thing of purpose?  He was on his way to a football game, seeming very thrilled and pumped for the game while he got into his car. Although I do feel if he knew he was going to attempt to kill himself it would have been very difficult to put on such an act, I feel it was a fake excitement and he was planning on attempting suicide that day. This suicide attempt could have been for multiply reasons. One reason I believe is because he just wasn’t happy with his life at that point in time. He was caught committing adultery, and he was just living in illusion, and everything was catching up to him. I also believe he may have wanted it to occur to help give his son money to reach the “American Dream” that willy is so passionate about for him. 

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