Death of a Salesman

Willy’s reverie focuses again on his conversation with Linda. She is unaware of the Woman’s interruption and continues praising Willy’s attractiveness. Acutely aware of the Woman’s responses, Willy promises Linda he will make it up to her. Linda fixes her stockings, unaware of what he is talking about. Disturbed by the sight of the stockings, Willy orders her to throw them away.

A frantic Bernard enters the scene, looking for Biff so he can help Biff study. When Willy demands that Bernard help Biff cheat, Bernard reveals that he already does but cannot do so on the Regents exam. An angered Willy threatens to beat Biff. Linda reminds Willy that Biff stole a football and drives without a license. Willy becomes increasingly disturbed and yells “Shut up!” (7) when he hears the Woman laugh. Willy orders Bernard to leave. Linda defends Bernard, and Willy contradicts his previous criticism of Biff, claiming that Biff has what Bernard doesn’t. He says, “There’s nothing the matter with him! You want him to be a worm like Bernard? He’s got spirit, personality…” (27).

Back in the present, Willy rambles about how Biff never stole anything. Happy descends to calm Willy down.