The Assassination Of Willy Loman

Willy Loman had many blessings in his life: he had a supportive wife, two healthy children, and talent as a carpenter, yet despite possessing what many would consider to be happiness, Willy was filled with anger, resentment, and sadness at his existence, for the road he traversed was a bitter one. Willy Loman was abandoned during his childhood, stating to Ben during a flashback when asked how much he remembered about his father, “Well, I was just a baby, of course, only three or four years old” and “all I remember is a man with a big beard, and I was in Mamma’s lap, sitting around a fire, and some kind of high music.” Because of his abandonment, Willy was void of any affection or acknowledgement growing up, so he yearned to fulfill
Biff Loman had great talent as an athlete and possessed physical beauty, yet despite these assets, he was destined for failure from the toxic values that were continually embedded into him during his youth. Biff was raised to see himself above others and not be held accountable for his actions, as Willy would condone Biff’s corrupt activities, and fill him with overzealous words of praise. During Willy’s flashback of a discussion with Biff and Happy in their youth, Willy found out that Biff had stolen a football, yet he excused these actions – and even encouraged them – by stating to Happy “he’s gotta practice with a regulation ball, doesn’t he?” and turning to Biff to say “Coach’ll probably congratulate you on your initiative!” This scene highlighted that Willy was teaching Biff that it was okay to steal, and mere moments later, Willy went on to needlessly expand Biff’s ego by jumping in on a conversation about Biff’s friend, Bernard, stating: “Bernard can get the best marks in school, but when he gets out in the business world, you are going to be five times ahead of him. That’s why I thank almighty God you’re both built like Adonis’.” These words deeply affected Biff, and he was never able to put in a legitimate effort in anything he pursued later in life, for he believed he was already at the top, and everything he needed to do was