"Death of a Salesman" Quote & Question 1

Linda: "Why are you so hateful to each other?" (37)

In this scene, Linda is asking Biff about why him and his father (Willy) are hateful to each other. Why do you think they are? Does this change from when they were younger, why or why not? What does this say about the progression of their characters? 

New Year's Walk

          On my New Year’s walk, I started by reflecting on the past year of 2015, looking at where I am now, and thinking about what is to come in the future. Looking back, I realize that I was at a very different spot this time last year. I have changed a lot since then. Looking at some of my decisions, I found myself asking, “What was I even thinking?” As I thought over my decisions, I thought of what I have always been told, that actions speak louder than words. This is very true, especially in the sense that every decision and action that I have made this past year has made me who I am today, whether they were good or bad. Also, as I looked back on the past year, I can recall many great experiences with great people.

            As I pondered about where I am now, I realized that I accomplished some things I set out to do this past year, and I didn’t accomplish others. Everything I said I would do did not get done, but I realized that everything God needed to do in my life has been done. I am the person now that God intended me to be. I also realize that I have to set goals to become the person I want to be, because there is always room for improvement.

            Looking forward, it was weird to think that I will be writing the date “2016” as not only my graduating year, but the date on my papers. I used to think 2016 and graduation was so far away, and now that it is here, it feels so weird. I am excited to move forward to something new and different, but it is also scary. One obvious goal of mine is to get into college. I have been at Seattle Christian since first grade so it will definitely be weird to leave. Another one of my goals is to let God shape me more into the person He wants me to be and to do what His will is for me, not what I want. I am happy to start this new year and cannot wait to see what it brings!

 

To graduate, or not to graduate, that is the question:

To graduate, or not graduate, that is the question:

Whether it’s better to be educated

By doing all the work that is thrown out,

Or to rebel against the school system

And by doing so not meet the requirements. To flunk, to fail—

No more—and by failing to say we have no unwanted

Stress and late night study sessions

That students are born into. This is the wish

Every heart has. To flunk, to fail;

To fail, maybe to disappoint. You see, that’s the thing,

For if we fail, our parents would surely not approve,

When we bring home our report card,

We must stop. That’s what makes us want

To try our very best in school.

For who would deal with the several page packets and questions to go with,

The teacher’s constructive criticism, the student’s sarcastic remarks,

The growls of hungry stomachs, the bell’s ringing,

The complaints of many, and the insults

That get thrown around carelessly,

When we could just not show up to this

Building at all? Who would put up with school,

To work and write under close supervision,

But those who are scared of letting parents down,

The downcast looks from those who care most about you

That we can never forget, confuses our desires,

And makes us want to push through the hard work we have

Than give up and not accomplish anything at all?

So this is what makes all of us studious;

And so our natural tendencies of laziness

Are ignored because of our fear to disappoint.

This is what drives us to push away our instincts

And makes us want to go through school and graduate.