TLDR;
The play "Death of a Salesman" explores the tragic downfall of Willy Loman, a traveling salesman grappling with disillusionment and a distorted perception of the American Dream. Willy's struggles with his career, his strained relationships with his sons Biff and Happy, and his fading mental state lead him to make a desperate decision. The play critiques the societal pressures of success and the devastating consequences of chasing an unattainable ideal.
- Willy's distorted perception of the American Dream leads to his downfall.
- The play critiques the societal pressures of success and the devastating consequences of chasing an unattainable ideal.
- Willy's strained relationships with his sons Biff and Happy contribute to his despair.
Act 1: Willy's Mental Decline and Family Tensions [0:17]
Willy Loman returns home early from a sales trip, exhausted and disoriented. He recounts near-accidents while driving, attributing them to his failing focus and intrusive thoughts. Willy's wife, Linda, expresses concern for his well-being and suggests he request a New York-based job from his boss, Howard. Willy resists, clinging to his identity as a successful New England salesman. He reminisces about his successful past and expresses frustration with his current situation, including his strained relationship with his son Biff.
Act 1: Biff's Struggles and Willy's Expectations [4:09]
Linda discusses Biff's return home with Willy, noting his lost and unsettled state. Willy criticizes Biff's lack of direction and his inability to find stable employment, contrasting it with his perceived potential. He recalls Biff's popularity and athletic prowess in high school, expressing disappointment that he hasn't achieved greater success. Willy reveals his belief that Biff could excel in sales, envisioning a prosperous future for him.
Act 1: The Confined Reality of the Loman Home [6:19]
Willy and Linda lament the changing neighborhood, lamenting the loss of nature and the encroachment of apartment buildings. Willy recalls the elm trees that once stood in their yard, where Biff and Happy used to swing. He blames the increasing population for the country's problems and expresses his frustration with their cramped living conditions. Despite their financial struggles, Linda tries to reassure Willy and maintain a positive outlook.
Act 1: Willy's Reflections and Linda's Support [7:39]
Linda tries to reassure Willy about his capabilities and future prospects. Willy expresses his intention to avoid further conflict with Biff and suggests a family outing to the countryside. He reminisces about their old Chevy and how Biff used to meticulously care for it. Linda encourages Willy to rest and dismisses his concerns about his driving.
Act 1: Happy's Return and Brotherly Banter [9:42]
Happy returns home, and he and Biff share a lighthearted exchange, reminiscing about their childhood and past experiences with women. Biff expresses concern about Willy's well-being and his constant mocking. Happy suggests that Biff's unsettled state is the reason for Willy's behavior.
Act 1: Biff's Disillusionment and Yearning for the Outdoors [11:07]
Biff expresses his dissatisfaction with the corporate world and his desire to work outdoors. He recounts his experiences in various jobs since high school, all of which left him feeling unfulfilled. Biff describes the inspiring feeling of working on a farm, but acknowledges his lack of direction and fear of not achieving anything.
Act 1: Happy's Loneliness and the Loman Brothers' Dream [12:40]
Happy reveals his loneliness despite his material success and numerous relationships. Biff suggests that Happy join him out West, where they could buy a ranch and work together. Happy expresses his disillusionment with the superficiality of his surroundings and his desire for a more authentic life. He proposes that they prove their worth and then embark on their shared dream.
Act 1: Biff's Plan and Willy's Influence [14:16]
Biff reveals his plan to seek financial backing from Bill Oliver, an old employer, to start a ranch. Happy encourages him, reminding him of Oliver's high regard for him. Biff expresses concern about whether Oliver still remembers a past incident. Happy reassures him and urges him to pursue his dream.
Act 1: The Allure of Success and Willy's Past [15:45]
Willy's voice is heard from his bedroom, advising Biff on how to behave on his date. He emphasizes the importance of finishing school and being well-prepared before pursuing relationships. Willy's advice shifts to the importance of making a good impression and being well-liked. He reminisces about Biff's popularity in high school and his ability to charm others.
Act 1: Willy's Pride and the Stolen Football [16:58]
Willy praises Biff and Happy for their appearances and offers advice on maintaining their car. He recalls seeing a hammock that he wants to buy for the yard. Biff mentions a new football he received from his coach, but Willy discovers that Biff borrowed it from the locker room. Willy initially dismisses it but then insists Biff return it, highlighting the importance of following the rules.
Act 1: Willy's Vision of Success and the Importance of Being Well-Liked [17:32]
Willy shares his dream of starting his own business and never having to leave home again. He contrasts his sons' popularity with Charley's lack of it, emphasizing the importance of being well-liked over being knowledgeable. Willy recounts a past sales trip where he met the mayor and visited various towns, highlighting his connections and popularity. He promises to take Biff and Happy on a trip in the summer.
Act 1: Bernard's Warning and Willy's Dismissal [18:37]
Bernard arrives, reminding Biff about his need to study math in order to graduate. Willy dismisses Bernard's concerns, belittling his academic focus and emphasizing the importance of being well-liked. He assures Biff that his popularity and athletic abilities will outweigh his academic shortcomings.
Act 1: Willy's Belief in Personal Attractiveness and the Reality of Debt [19:18]
Willy reiterates his belief that being well-liked is more important than academic achievement, citing his own success as an example. He claims that he never has to wait in line to see buyers because of his likability. Linda returns, and Willy boasts about his sales, but the conversation quickly turns to their financial struggles and mounting debt.
Act 1: Willy's Insecurities and Linda's Reassurance [21:01]
Willy expresses his insecurities about his ability to connect with people and his fear of being laughed at. Linda reassures him, praising his looks and the admiration his sons have for him. Willy expresses his loneliness and his desire for physical affection. He worries about his declining sales and his inability to provide for Linda.
Act 1: The Woman in Boston and Willy's Guilt [22:11]
A flashback reveals Willy in a hotel room with a woman in Boston. He expresses his loneliness and his need for someone to talk to. The woman thanks him for the stockings he gave her. Back in the present, Willy becomes agitated when Linda mends her stockings, feeling guilty about his infidelity.
Act 1: Willy's Anger and the Stolen Football [23:24]
Willy becomes angry when he sees Linda mending her stockings, telling her to throw them out. He shifts his attention to Biff's academic struggles and his tendency to steal. Willy blames Biff's math teacher for his academic problems and defends his son's spirit and personality.
Act 1: Willy's Regret and the Temptation of Alaska [24:44]
Willy expresses his regret for not going to Alaska with his brother Ben, who he describes as a successful genius. He laments his current situation and his inability to provide for his family. Willy reveals his near-accident in Yonkers, highlighting his declining mental state and his inability to focus while driving.
Act 1: Willy's Insomnia and Charley's Offer of Help [25:56]
Willy is unable to sleep and goes outside, where he encounters Charley. Charley expresses concern for Willy's well-being and offers him a job. Willy initially refuses, taking offense at the offer. Charley persists, but Willy remains resistant, clinging to his pride and his belief in his own abilities.
Act 1: Willy's Fantasies and Ben's Success [27:55]
Willy hallucinates a conversation with his deceased brother Ben, who embodies success and adventure. Ben describes his lucrative timberland ventures in Alaska and Africa, contrasting it with Willy's stagnant career. Willy seeks Ben's advice on how to achieve success and provide for his sons.
Act 1: The Jungle and the Diamond [30:50]
Ben encourages Biff to be fearless and ruthless in his pursuit of success, using the metaphor of the jungle. Willy boasts about his sons' potential and their ability to achieve greatness. Ben advises Willy to focus on material wealth and to seize opportunities without hesitation.
Act 1: Linda's Concern and Willy's Delusions [32:46]
Linda expresses her concern about Willy's mental state and his increasingly erratic behavior. Willy dismisses her worries and insists that he is fine. He continues to hallucinate, reliving past conversations and clinging to his distorted perception of reality.
Act 1: Biff's Frustration and Linda's Plea [33:19]
Biff expresses his frustration with Willy's behavior and his constant contradictions. Linda pleads with Biff to be understanding and respectful of his father, revealing Willy's recent job loss and his attempts to take his own life. She emphasizes Willy's exhaustion and the need for attention and compassion.
Act 1: Linda's Revelation and Biff's Guilt [38:08]
Linda reveals that Willy has been trying to kill himself, recounting his car accidents and the discovery of a rubber pipe hidden in the basement. Biff expresses his guilt and remorse, vowing to stay and support his father. Linda urges Biff to be kind and understanding, emphasizing Willy's vulnerability and his need for love.
Act 1: Willy's Distorted View of Success and Biff's Plan [39:54]
Willy shares his distorted view of success with Biff, emphasizing the importance of pleasing people and making connections. Biff reveals his plan to seek financial backing from Bill Oliver, and Willy offers advice on how to present himself. Willy's advice is contradictory, emphasizing both modesty and confidence.
Act 1: Willy's Hopes and Linda's Concerns [41:43]
Willy expresses his renewed hope for the future, envisioning a successful sporting goods business with Biff. Linda expresses her concerns about Willy's mental state and his unrealistic expectations. Willy dismisses her worries and focuses on his vision of success.
Act 1: Willy's Praise and Linda's Love [43:12]
Willy praises Linda for her unwavering support and expresses his love for her. He reminisces about Biff's athletic achievements and his popularity in high school. Linda encourages Willy to rest and expresses her hope for a better future.
Act 1: Willy's Nostalgia and Linda's Song [44:52]
Willy's thoughts drift back to Biff's high school football glory days, remembering his athletic prowess and the admiration he received. Linda sings to Willy, attempting to soothe him and help him sleep. Willy continues to relive past moments, clinging to his idealized memories of Biff's success.
Act 1: Willy's Anxieties and Linda's Reassurance [46:26]
Willy expresses his anxieties about his future and his inability to provide for his family. Linda reassures him, urging him to talk to Howard about a New York-based job. Willy agrees, expressing his hope for a positive outcome.
Act 2: A Hopeful Morning and Lingering Doubts [47:15]
Willy and Linda discuss the upcoming day with optimism. The boys have left early, and Biff seems hopeful about his meeting with Oliver. Willy plans to ask Howard for a job in New York and an advance to pay the insurance premium. They discuss their financial struggles and the possibility of finally owning their house outright.
Act 2: Linda's Discovery and Willy's Request [50:15]
Linda tells Biff over the phone that she has removed the rubber pipe from the basement, hoping Willy had taken it himself. She expresses her optimism about Willy's improved spirits and urges Biff to be kind and loving towards him. Willy asks Linda to stop mending stockings, as it makes him nervous.
Act 2: Howard's Distraction and Willy's Plea [51:38]
Willy attempts to speak with Howard about a job in New York, but Howard is preoccupied with his new wire recorder. He plays recordings of his children, distracting from Willy's request. Willy persists, explaining his desire to avoid traveling and his need for a stable income.
Act 2: Howard's Rejection and Willy's Desperation [53:08]
Howard refuses Willy's request for a New York job, stating that there is no spot available for him. Willy becomes desperate, recounting his long history with the company and his relationship with Howard's father. Howard remains unmoved, emphasizing the need for everyone to pull their own weight.
Act 2: Willy's Story of Dave Singleman and Howard's Indifference [54:32]
Willy tells Howard a story about Dave Singleman, an 84-year-old salesman who made a successful living by phone, emphasizing the respect and camaraderie that existed in the past. Howard remains indifferent, focusing on the bottom line and the need for everyone to be productive.
Act 2: Willy's Dismissal and Howard's Coldness [56:30]
Willy pleads with Howard for a $40-a-week job, but Howard refuses, stating that he cannot take blood from a stone. Willy becomes increasingly agitated, reminding Howard of promises made in the past. Howard dismisses Willy, telling him to pull himself together and go home.
Act 2: Willy's Firing and Howard's Insensitivity [58:10]
Howard informs Willy that he can no longer represent the company, effectively firing him. Willy is devastated, questioning how he will pay his bills and provide for his family. Howard remains insensitive, telling Willy to drop off his samples and pull himself together.
Act 2: Willy's Hallucination and Ben's Advice [59:31]
Willy hallucinates a conversation with Ben, seeking his advice on how to achieve success. Ben offers him a proposition in Alaska, but Willy is hesitant to leave his current life. Linda urges Willy to stay and build something with his firm.
Act 2: Willy's Delusions of Grandeur and Ben's Departure [1:00:30]
Willy boasts about Biff's potential and his connections, believing that success is based on who you know and the smile on your face. Ben dismisses Willy's delusions and encourages him to seize the opportunity in Alaska. Willy refuses, determined to achieve success in his current path.
Act 2: Willy's Despair and the Memory of Biff's Football Glory [1:01:10]
Willy is left alone, consumed by despair and reliving past moments. He remembers Biff's football glory days, clinging to the hope that his son will achieve greatness. Willy's thoughts become increasingly disjointed, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.
Act 2: Willy's Encounter with Jenny and Bernard's Success [1:02:12]
Willy encounters Jenny, Charley's secretary, and then Bernard. Bernard is now a successful lawyer preparing to argue a case before the Supreme Court. Willy is surprised and impressed by Bernard's success, contrasting it with Biff's struggles.
Act 2: Willy's Inquiries and Bernard's Revelation [1:04:12]
Willy seeks Bernard's advice on what went wrong with Biff, questioning why he never caught up to his potential. Bernard reveals that Biff's life took a turn after he failed math and disappeared to Boston to see Willy. Bernard suggests that something happened in Boston that changed Biff's trajectory.
Act 2: The Sneakers and the Unanswered Question [1:05:50]
Bernard recounts how Biff burned his University of Virginia sneakers after returning from Boston, symbolizing the end of his dreams. Willy becomes agitated and defensive, refusing to reveal what happened in Boston. Bernard departs, leaving Willy to grapple with his guilt and the unanswered question.
Act 2: Charley's Offer and Willy's Pride [1:07:24]
Charley offers Willy a job, but Willy refuses, unable to accept help from someone he perceives as less successful. Charley expresses his frustration with Willy's pride and his inability to accept reality. Willy continues to cling to his delusions of grandeur, unable to see the truth about himself and his sons.
Act 2: Willy's Despair and Charley's Loan [1:09:04]
Willy reveals that he was fired and is unable to pay his insurance. Charley offers him money, but Willy is reluctant to accept it. Charley emphasizes that all that matters is what you can sell, but Willy clings to his belief that being well-liked is the key to success.
Act 2: Charley's Wisdom and Willy's Delusions [1:10:22]
Charley gives Willy money to pay his insurance, despite Willy's insults and delusions. Willy expresses his belief that he is worth more dead than alive, prompting Charley to vehemently disagree. Willy apologizes for arguing with Bernard and expresses his hope that his sons will be successful.
Act 2: Happy's Deception and the Restaurant [1:11:46]
Happy is at a restaurant with a woman, trying to impress her with his supposed success. He lies about his brother Biff being a famous football player. Willy arrives, and Happy introduces him to the woman.
Act 2: Biff's Confession and Happy's Denial [1:13:55]
Biff tells Happy that he did not get the loan from Oliver and that he stole Oliver's pen. He wants to tell Willy the truth, but Happy tries to dissuade him, fearing Willy's reaction. Happy suggests that Biff lie to Willy to keep him happy.
Act 2: The Confrontation and the Stolen Pen [1:15:47]
Biff attempts to tell Willy the truth about his meeting with Oliver, but Willy refuses to listen, clinging to his idealized version of Biff's success. Willy becomes increasingly agitated, and Biff reveals that he stole Oliver's pen. Willy is devastated, realizing that Biff's actions have ruined his chances of getting the loan.
Act 2: The Truth Revealed and the Ruined Dream [1:18:32]
Willy confronts Biff about his past failures and his inability to live up to his potential. Biff reveals that he failed math and did not graduate, shattering Willy's dreams of his success. Willy becomes increasingly distraught, unable to accept the truth about his son.
Act 2: The Hotel Room and the Broken Trust [1:21:57]
Biff and Happy leave Willy at the restaurant with two women. Biff confronts Willy about what happened in Boston, revealing that he went to see him after failing math and discovered him with another woman. Biff accuses Willy of ruining his life and shattering his trust.
Act 2: The Stockings and the Lost Ideal [1:24:37]
Biff confronts Willy about his affair, presenting the stockings as a symbol of his betrayal. Willy tries to justify his actions, but Biff refuses to listen, accusing him of being a fake and a liar. Biff declares that he is leaving and will no longer try to live up to Willy's expectations.
Act 2: The Garden and the Final Confrontation [1:28:33]
Linda confronts Happy about his treatment of Willy, accusing him and Biff of abandoning him in the restaurant. She reveals that Willy is planting a garden in the backyard, a futile attempt to create something tangible. Biff and Willy have a final confrontation, where Biff declares that he is a dime a dozen and that Willy is not a great man.
Act 2: The Truth and the Lost Dream [1:33:36]
Biff tries to make Willy understand that he is not meant for the business world and that he is content with a simple life. Willy refuses to accept this, clinging to his belief in the American Dream and his desire for Biff to be successful. Biff declares that he is leaving and will no longer try to live up to Willy's expectations.
Act 2: Willy's Decision and Ben's Temptation [1:37:12]
Willy is left alone, grappling with Biff's rejection and his own failures. He hallucinates a conversation with Ben, who tempts him with the promise of a $20,000 life insurance payout if he dies. Ben argues that Willy's death will make Biff magnificent and outstanding.
Act 2: The Car Crash and the Tragic End [1:41:12]
Willy, driven by his distorted vision of success and his desire to provide for his family, decides to take his own life. He gets into his car and drives away, crashing and killing himself.
Requiem: The Aftermath and the Unfulfilled Dream [1:41:12]
Linda, Biff, and Happy gather at Willy's grave. Linda is heartbroken and confused, unable to understand why Willy took his own life. Biff realizes that Willy had the wrong dreams, focusing on material success rather than genuine fulfillment. Happy, however, remains determined to prove Willy right and achieve success in the business world. Linda reveals that she has made the final payment on the house, but there is no one to share it with. She is free, but alone.