Willy and Linda By Kathleen and Nichola

Characteristics of Willy From our first introduction to the protagonist by Miller we can already see the in the character of Willy Loman. This is shown by the described in the stage directions at the opening of the play. Miller mentions how he has a mercurial nature, a possible side effect of his tiredness along with his mental state, a factor soon to be explored further at a later point in the play. Miller also mentions how he is carrying two large sample cases symbolic of the physical and metaphorical burden he is being subjected to throughout the play. The physical burden is the job he has to do as a salesman, and the metaphorical burden is the fact he feels that he has to support his family on his own in order not to let them down. It is also representative of the sins of his past which he is hiding from his caring wife, Linda. Past 60 years of age, dressed quietly, his exhaustion is apparent and he has mercurial nature, a temper, massive dreams and little cruelties. deterioration Physical aspects mercurial nature mental state carrying two large sample cases, Physical and metaphorical burden job support his family sins

Characteristics of Linda Already we can see Linda fits the persona of the 1940’s. From her stage directions we can see that she works hard to support her husband and keep him happy. is highlighting her, enhancing how she him. The fact she has to Willy’s behaviour indicates how she seems to have acknowledged the weakened mental state of her husband yet she doesn’t want to have to admit that she is close to losing him. Most often jovial, she has developed an iron repression of her exceptions to Willy’s behaviour, she more than loves him she admires him. stereotypical housewife caring nature (She is taking off his shoes) admires developed an iron repression

Their Relationship As already highlighted, Linda shows a towards her husband Willy. In return, Willy states how she is important to him yet he does not seem to have a consistent with her. shows how Linda is providing Willy with the he needs from the people around him at this time. However, this comes in the Act just before the with a lady in Boston. This shows that he is not the partner that he is appearing to be. ‘ is one of the many moments near the end of Act One in which Linda tries to contribute to the with her sons and Willy simply knocks her down and belittles her in front of her sons, showing he has for her in return for her love for him. You’re my foundation and my support Linda ‘I’ll make a big breakfast-’ ‘Will you let me finish?’ devoted love temper strength revelation of his affair truly devoted excited atmosphere little respect

Linda’s Contribution to Willy’s downfall As in most tragedies the downfall of the protagonist is caused by a fatal flaw, with Willy’s and belief in the slowly causing him to not only lose his sanity but also lose his. At the end of Act One Linda reveals to her sons that their father is, with Willy purposely trying to crash the car and attaches a Linda knows that he is not thinking of anyone but himself by trying to end his own life as he is not thinking of. He is trying to do this to be able to give his family the they need. Linda continues to stand by him and him even though she does not know his reasoning. She even argues with Biff and Happy about the fact that when she removes the rubber piping she continues to moral values Cult of Personality value of his own life suicidal the consequences to his family money support new little nipple on the gas pipe. put it back where it was.

The Death of Willy Loman The death of Willy Loman doesn’t seem to change Linda’s view on him as a man. Linda knows that he went to Charley each week for money and yet she still talks about him as though he was. She feels, and saying how ‘ She can’t cry, possibly indicating how she is so that Willy finally committed suicide that she is not sure how to feel at that very moment. However Miller highlights the in Willy’s death, as Linda states that she on the day of his funeral. Here we can see that the only way Willy could was to that he had. It Why didn’t anybody come, maybe they blame him, we were just about free and clear, I can’t understand it, I never had a chance to say goodbye, I can’t cry, We’re free…We’re free seems to me that you’re just on another trip.’ ‘made the last payment on the house’ a successful businessmanlost without him can’t seem to accept that he is dead overwhelmed irony get what he wanted give up everything