The chief value of this drama is its attempt to reveal those ultimate meanings which are resident in modern experience. GradeSaver, 6 June 2009 Web.Analysis of Arthur Miller’s Death of a SalesmanĪrthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman is, perhaps, to this time, the most mature example of a myth of Contemporary life. 'Death of a Salesman II.6 Summary and Analysis'.

Next Section II.7 Summary and Analysis Previous Section II.5 Summary and Analysis Buy Study Guide How To Cite in MLA Format Ross, Jeremy. Stockings serve as a symbol of what Willy can provide and as a measure of his success. This parallels Willy's earlier insistence that Linda should not mend stockings. Despite the promises that he has made to her, he denies and discards her. Willy has ruined the reputation of the Woman, but can offer nothing to her in return. Yet the revelation of this reason for Biff's bitterness is not the only example in this segment of how Willy has carelessly ruined the lives of those around him. It is Willy's infidelity that prompted the change in Biff, as he learned that his father was having an affair with the woman in Boston. Once again returning to the Loman family's past, Miller finally gives a full explanation for Biff's refusal to take a summer school course, the critical event that determined his chain of failures. Willy admits that he had a relationship with the woman, but claims that it means nothing to him, and that he was lonely. Willy tries to explain that the woman is a buyer, but Biff starts to cry. Willy throws the woman out, as she claims Willy promised to buy her a pair of stockings. Willy tells Biff that the woman is staying in the next room, which is being painted, so he let her take a shower in his room. Birnbaum, his teacher, to convince him to pass Biff.īiff hears the woman laugh, and she enters from the bathroom. It is Biff, who tells Willy that he flunked math. The knocking persists, and Willy tells the Woman to stay in the bathroom while he opens the door.

The Woman claims that Willy ruined her, and that whenever he comes to the office she will make sure that he goes right through to the buyers. Someone knocks on the door, but Willy says he is not expecting anybody.

Willy follows the Woman as he buttons his shirt.

Death of a salesman script act 2