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?
I think Biff and Willy are hateful because they are too similar. Willy sees much of his own laziness in Biff and doesn't want his son to live with regrets. Its because Willy believes in Biff that he pushes him so much. Willy says to his wife "Certain men just don't get started till later in life... I'll put my money on Biff." This is a change from when they were younger because them, Willy wasn't concerned with Biff getting a job but now that he's older Willy wants what's best for his son. This demonstrates a progression of Willy and Biff's characters by showing how their relationship grew over time. It shows how Biff grew to be like a younger Willy and how Willy grew to use hindsight on his regrets.
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DeleteBiff wants to set out on his own path and be a farmer, which is not what Willy wants for him because he does not believe that Biff would be successful at it. This differs from their relationship in the past because both Willy and Biff were unsure about what they wantedfor Biff. Also, Biff was more successful and popular earlier which pleases his father. "Remember how they used to follow him around in high school?" (7). This shows the extent to which both characters have matured. Both Biff and Willy realize Biff will have to work hard if he is to make anything of himself. Tension results because of their differing viewpoints on what that success looks like.
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