According to Biff, "we weren't brought up to grub for money. Both of the boys have difficulty dealing with authority. Biff denies responsibility for his father's condition, but he is forced to acknowledge that he is linked to his father's guilt and irrational actions.īiff attempts to establish order in his life by encouraging Happy to join him in Texas. On the other hand, he is disturbed to learn that Willy talks to him or about him during his reveries. On one hand, Biff feels that Willy's conduct is a manifestation of well-deserved guilt. Biff hints that his father is troubled because of "other things" - namely Willy's affair - besides the fact that Biff is working as a lowly farmhand.
Biff resents Willy's antagonism toward him, but he is also driven by a desire to please his father - a desire that he denies and hides from himself.īiff is horrified by Happy's report of Willy's mumblings and imagined conversations. In fact, Biff is overwhelmed by his own contradictory desires: He enjoys working outside on a farm, but when spring comes, he becomes impatient and feels the need to return to New York and "make something of himself." Biff's instability stems not only from his inability to maintain a steady job but his conflicting emotions for his father. Biff is no longer governed by these beliefs. Happy believes that he is more like Biff used to be than Biff himself because Happy's own actions stem from the belief that all things are possible and all goals are obtainable. Now the audience has an opportunity to determine if Willy's opinion of Biff is justified.īiff has changed a great deal from the time he was in high school when he thought anything was possible. Scene 2 is important because it is the first time that the audience encounters Willy's sons firsthand. He cannot be promoted until the merchandise manager leaves or dies, and he realizes that if he is promoted, he will be too busy worrying about obtaining more money and material goods to enjoy what he has. Although Happy has obtained all of the material things he desires - an apartment, a car, and a seemingly unending supply of women - he is also dissatisfied with his current lifestyle. Happy becomes enthusiastic listening to Biff talk about the ranch and the possibility of working together. He contemplates asking Bill Oliver for financial support but is hesitant because he is afraid Bill will remember that he stole some basketballs from him as a teenager.
Biff dreams of owning his own ranch and working it with Happy. Because Biff enjoys outdoor labor, working on the farm is ideal however, Biff is discontent toiling for someone else. Biff explains that he has returned home because he is dissatisfied with his job and future prospects.
The boys reminisce about old times and women. According to Happy, Willy is usually talking to Biff during his private reveries. Happy tells Biff that Willy has started talking to himself nearly all of the time. Willy's sons, Biff and Happy, overhear him.
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