Identity Flashcards
How do tragedies traditionally end?
The hero recognises their flaws and new identity
What is similar between King Lear and Willy Loman?
“Who is it that can tell me who I am?”
Lear’s struggle in identity is likened to Willy in Act Two, as he clings to his identity as a salesman and his family name:
“I am not a dime a dozen! I am Willy Loman and you are Biff Loman!”
Who is it that reveals to the protagonist their true identity in both King Lear and Death of a Salesman?
In King Lear it is the Fool, in DOAS it is Biff:
“I am not a leader of men Willy and neither are you”
What quotation is used when Biff reveals Willy’s identity to him and shows that Biff is secure about his identity and not in denial or delusional like his father?
“I am not a leader of men Willy and neither are you”
How does Miller draw significance to names?
Loman can be seen as ‘low man’ emphasising Willy’s position towards the bottom end of society
What is the effect of Ben being the only character to refer to Willy as ‘William’?
‘Willy’ is a Childs diminutive which deprives him of his dignity and shows his failure to get an adult grip on life
In Act Two, why does Biff call Willy by his first name and not ‘pop’?
Biff may no longer see Willy as a father figure and sees him as equal in society
What quotation shows Willy has the need to be valued as unique, though shows that he fails to recognise his limits and the reality?
“Call out the name Willy Loman and see what happens”
What is the effect of Howard calling Willy “kid”?
It is insulting to Willy as Howard is young enough to be Willy’s son. Also Willy claims that he named Howard as a child so he deserves more respect
