DOAS 2.6

Question 1

Atmosphere between Willy and Woman

Answer 1

. Tense: Willy commands her to stop laughing
. More tension as she accuses him of being self-centred - confirmed as he says he’s lonely
. Refuses to answer door - he’s seen the visitor
. its the “new room clerk”, wants the woman to hide
. Disappearance of music as young Biff appears removes all idealism, stark reality for Biff

Question 2

Sense of confusion at start of convo

Answer 2

. Neither father nor son listen: fire Qs at each other
. Both confused: Willy as to why he’s there, Biff as to why he has to wait at the door
. Dashes + ellipses: pauses + trailing off - highlight the conflict

Question 3

Biff’s impression of Willy in youth

Answer 3

. Idolises him: thinks he can solve all problems + intervene in any crisis (failing maths)
. Skilled orator “You know the way you could talk.”
. Feels father has influence + power: “I’m sure he’ll change it for you.”
. Sense of camaraderie: shares why his teacher hates him; Willy doesn’t mind him mocking his teacher

Question 4

Reactions to the Woman

Answer 4

. Inappropriate behaviour: doesn’t know B is W’s son
. Tries to joke w B about teacher: W is stunned
. She’s half naked: B is reduced to one word answers
. W pathetically tries to cover situation: lies about her
. Damning: he pushes her out half dressed
. She asks for stockings: explains haunting affect on W
. B cries when she leaves: disillusioned w Willy

Question 5

Biff and Willy’s relationship changed

Answer 5

. Gives B orders: “All right, get my suits” Biff doesn’t obey - balance changed
. W says he’ll “see Birnbaum first thing in the morning”
. B “he won’t listen to you” sees him realistically
. B has decided he’s not going to uni, no longer values Willy’s opinion
. Sees W as a “fake”, “phoney”, “liar” - clear distrust

Question 6

Biff’s insults

Answer 6

. Accuses W of hypocrisy: betrayed what he stood for
. W always acted as if family was first priority
. His excuse that he was “lonely” isn’t enough
. Repetition of “fake!” shows Biff’s shock + revulsion as he realises he’s been idolising a man unworthy
. “Liar!” Biff can no longer trust him

Question 7

How does this affect family unity?

Answer 7

. Creates unwanted + uncomfortable negative bond - they share knowledge of the woman that H+L don’t
. Anger + friction between them can’t be explained
. A barrier of silence is created around this bond
. W+B share hostile intimacy, tethered to each other by knowledge of the Woman

Question 8

Shift from past to the present

Answer 8

. “I gave you an order!” fits linguistically in past + pres
. Shocking, coupled w W falling to ground in restaurant, sense of fear + confusion he feels as he’s hurled from memory to actuality
. Stanley responds gently, signalling shift is complete

Question 9

Willy offers Stanley money

Answer 9

. “I don’t need it anymore”
. Willy is contemplating suicide again
. Or he’s given up on his ambitions and dreams

Question 10

Willy’s reference to seeds

Answer 10

. Links past + present: suggests hope which contrasts w giving his money away - signals confused state
. Poignant: “seed store” - planting is now futile, his desire echoes desire to do something w his life
. “I don’t have a thing in the ground” all effort came to nothing, nothing to look forward to

Question 11

Linda’s reaction to their Evening

Answer 11

. Fiercely protective of W, furious at the boys
. “You’re a pair of animals” Biff is a “bum”
. Tells them to “Get out!” they don’t listen
. Begs them to “leave him alone”

Question 12

Biff’s self deprecation

Answer 12

. Linda calls him “Louse!”
. Biff: “Now you hit it on the nose!… The scum of the earth, and you’re looking at him!”
. Determined to explain the truth about himself to Willy
. Calls Willy “the boss”