Death of a Salesman Deconstructive Criticism

If one examines Willy and his relationship with Biff, he will find that it is very
inconsistent. Through the eyes of a deconstructive critic, one can see that Willy’s feelings are
always changing and he can never be completely happy or angry with Biff. They appear to be on
good terms for awhile and then a few lines later, they are on bad terms. For example, in Willy’s
memory of Biff as a senior in high school, he brags to everyone about Biff’s success in football
and could not wait to tell of Biff’s touchdown passes in Boston (19). Willy is so proud of his son
and his accomplishments, which include “scholarships to three universities” (20). Biff and Willy
appear to have a strong father, son bond that will never be broken. Unfortunately, this bond is
clearly severed as time goes on because Willy is disappointed in Biff and where he is in life.
After Linda tells Willy that Biff is simply “finding himself” Willy responds by saying that “not
finding yourself at the age of thirty-four is a disgrace!” (6). Biff is not making much money and
in the eyes of his father is a failure. Moreover, Willy is angry with Biff and how he does not do
anything claiming that “Biff is a lazy bum!” (7). A few lines later, though, Willy says that “there’s
one thing about Biff — he’s not lazy” (7). Willy says one thing but then immediately contradicts
himself. It appear that he cannot make up his mind about how he wants to feel towards Biff and
how he views him. In addition, after Biff lies and tells Willy that he has a lunch appointment for
a business, Willy exclaims, “You got it! You got it!” (81). There is a clear sense of pride
expressed by Willy because of Biff’s advancements in the business world. However, after Willy
realizes that Biff was lying about the appointment, he becomes angry again. Biff says that he is
going to leave once and for all and Willy tells him to “rot in hell if you leave this house!” (95).
Willy goes back and forth on his feelings towards Biff and contradicts himself when he speaks
about his son.

Death of a Salesman

Quote: "Because the man who makes an appearance in the business world, the man who creates personal interest, is the man who gets ahead. Be liked and you will never want." - Willy Loman 

Question: What does this quote reveal about Willy and his personality and philosophy? Do you think his values are good and are ones to be lived by? 

 

New Year's Walk Reflection

As you can see I took pictures of many different sunsets from my deck over break. As for my walk I took pictures of some plants in the sun and some frost on a car window. I love the detail found in nature and am amazed at the artwork of God. As I walked, I reflected on this past year and how much I have learned and grown. I am amazed at what has happened in just a year. Something I really focused on was my growth as a softball player and the recent developments in my softball career. Softball has always been a huge part of my life and committing to Lewis & Clark this fall has been huge. I am so incredibly excited and am blessed that God has looked after me and my love for softball. I have stayed injury free and am so thankful for the talent that God has given me. Growing closer with the people in my life this past year has been amazing and I am looking forward to making new friendships in 2016. I have made the decision and resolution to journal everyday. I want to make my own prayer journal and look back on it at the beginning of 2017 to see how I have grown in my faith and to see what God has been doing in my life. I am excited to begin this new journey in this new year and though so many things are changing, I am so thankful that the Lord stays the same through it all and I will always have Him as my rock.