DOAS 2.1

Question 1

Summary

Answer 1

. Opens in celebratory mood
. Biff leaves in smart suit - professional intentions
. Senses suggest hope: coffee + shaving cream
. Music “gay and bright” family reconciled
. Thoughts of Willy’s mental state temporarily banished

Question 2

Symbols of Hope

Answer 2

. Seeds: new life, generate something from scratch
- Life currently barren + unfulfilled, Linda thinks it won’t succeed: “not even sun gets back there”
. Construction: “get a little place in the country”
- Trapped by the American Dream
- Willy wants to build from scratch, recurring ideal
- “all I’d need would be a little lumber and some peace of mind” values working with hands

Question 3

A New Determination

Answer 3

. Willy’s determined tone: “I’ll put it to him straight and simple.” Contradicts advise to Biff:
. “Start off with a couple of your good stories”
. Imperative: “He’ll just have to take me off the road.”
. Convinced of success: “I’ll come home with a New York job… I’m gonna do it!”

Question 4

Realism catches up

Answer 4

. Money needed: “I just finished paying for the car and its on its last legs.” Willy reps all men, common issue
. “race with the junk yard” to validate life before too late
. Dinner at Frank’s Chop House: bond w sons, unlikely
. “Will you stop mending stockings… It gets me nervous.” Fragmented lang, guilt of the woman
. Linda thought Willy removed the pipe, disappointed: “a little boat looking for harbour” Willy is lost