In the last few days of discussion, the subject of how we, as readers, feel about Willy has repeatedly come up. On the surface, it is easy to judge this seemingly scattered, confused, and otherwise emotional man. His mood swings and reactions to various situations are sometimes annoying because “he just does not get it.” For example, after Willy was fired from his job, he continued to tell his boss that he will just take the old job back. His constant begging and lack of understanding about his being fired was frustrating to the readers: Why didn’t he get that he was not getting that job back? Likewise, his emotional roller coasters clearly affected his familial relationships. His children were raised in an environment where stealing was justified and no clear direction was given. As a result, Happy and Biff can be seen jumping from job to job, idea to idea in hope to figure out what they truly want. His wife, although composed and happy on the outside, struggled after knowing her husband was trying to kill himself. While chipper and supportive throughout the play, she showed in her closing remarks that she was upset over Willy. Her being carried off stage by her son sobbing, “we are free,” suggests that all she wanted was for her husband to be happy and alive.
However, despite these flaws and annoyances surrounding Willy, he stands for much more important ideals that relate to humanity. If we step back, we can see Willy as representing the so many people that strive toward their dreams, despite setbacks. Even though he was not a great salesman, he continued to pursue what he really wanted: to be successful ( which in his case, means being a great salesman, demonstrating that success is relative: but that is another blog topic). In addition, it was disheartening to see Willy struggle when he was losing his job. His bargaining and willingness to make less money showed that he really wanted to continue to be a salesman. While he was no longer beneficial to the company, it was sad to see Willy lose the thing that meant most to him in his life. This situation demonstrates that, as readers, it is often hard to remain completely objective. Business is business; however, loyalty and emotions often come intertwined in these situations. As a result, Willy deserves some pity and sympathy: he was fired from his job and the thing that meant most to him, what is he suppose to do now? No one deserves the agony and pain that Willy went through.
Overall, Willy represents more than just a scattered, annoying salesman. He represents the emotional and real sides that are present in humanity.
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3 comments:
Jessica--Great blog! I found your comments to be very thought provoking, as you discussed Willy's being a representation of all the people who strive to for dreams even when they seem unlikely or impossible. I really liked this comment: "This situation demonstrates that, as readers, it is often hard to remain completely objective. Business is business; however, loyalty and emotions often come intertwined in these situations." good job!
Jessica,
I completely agree with your comments about Willy being a despicable character. Willy embodies character traits that one would hope do not exist in abundance in reality. Yet as revolting as Willy is, at certain points in the story readers do feel empathy towards him. Great analysis of Willy’s impact on the readers!
Great work dear friend! I especially enjoyed your discussion of Willy's representation of the common man in the face of setbacks. It really gave me a new insight and you convinced me completely of such an argument. I also liked your point that Willy represents the emotional and real sides of life. Though I do believe for the most part Wily's mediocrity is self-induced, I do agree with you that he deserves some degree of pity. Great job!
With love,
Isabel
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