Charley Flashcards
“I offered you a job. You can make fifty dollars a week. And I won’t send you on the road.”
Charley repeatedly offers Willy a job that would be more suitable for him than his current one, but is always turned down because of Willy’s hubris.
“The only thing you got in this world is what you can sell. And the funny thing is that you’re a salesman, and you don’t know that.”
Charley’s quote reflects the ideology of American consumerism and capitalism at the time
Act 2, Charley to Willy
Charley is Miller’s authorial voice: he points out that Willy’s life is shaped around sales and materialism, so his value is based off his literal monetary value. He could also mean that Willy doesn’t understand he’s a salesman and not something bigger.
“A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory.”
Charley in the requiem
“Charley is not - liked. He’s liked but he’s not - well liked.”
Act 1, Willy to Biff and Happy (flashback)Willy’s false feeling of superiority over Charley is passed down to Biff and Happy. Willy is under the impression that being liked is everything, which is something his upbringing with Ben and what is valued in society has taught him.
“What the hell are you offering me a job for?”
Act 1, Willy to Charley
Willy’s excessive pride means that he believes himself to be in a secure position. By refusing to stoop down below Charley, who he believes himself superior to, he disadvantages himself.
“A man who can’t handle tools is not a man. You’re disgusting.”
Act 1, Willy to Charley
He turns on Charley as a way of assuring himself he is still superior. All he proves is that he is insulting, and that Charley is tough for putting up with it.
“Willy, when are you going to grow up?”
Act 2, Charley to Willy (flashback)
Charley becomes the voice of reason, showing that Willy’s constant support of Biff is unfounded, and reveals a deeper insecurity about him.
