Biff in the opening scenes

1. Biff in the opening scenes • Not finding yourself at the age of 34 is a disgrace! [Willy says this to Linda in the opening scene. He is disappointed that Biff has no career] • In the greatest country in the world a young man with such – personal attractiveness, gets lost. • Again said by Willy. Shows two things • i) Willy believes that having an attractive personality is a key to success. He thinks Biff has this. He therefore does not understand why Biff is ‘lost’ i.e. does not have a settled life and has not become successful • ii) Willy refers to America as ‘the greatest country in the world. He believes in the American Dream. He believes that in America, a well liked person could become successful.

2. Biff in the opening scenes • I don’t know what the future is. I don’t know what I’m supposed to want. [Biff speaking to Happy in the opening dialogue between them, reveals how unsettled and unfulfilled he is] • Biff describes how much he enjoys the ranch work in Texas then: • Suddenly I get the feeling I’m not getting anywhere. What the hell am I doing playing with horses, twenty eight dollars a week. I’m thirty four years old, I oughta be making my future • As above, said by Biff to Happy. In the opening scene Biff is unable to settle for the simple work that makes him happy. He still is under the influence of his father’s dreams for him and thinks he should strive to become a successful businessman.

3. Biff in the flashbacks • Gee we were lonesome for you…missed you every minute • [Biff to Willy, showing the closeness of their relationship when Biff was a teenager] • Bernard is liked, but he’s not well liked • [Biff here echoes what Willy has said about Charley, showing he is absorbing Willy’s values and outlook on life] • For other essays or later in this one: • Later in the Boston flashback scene Biff discovers his father’s adultery. His idol has let him down: • You fake, you phoney little fake

4. Biff later in the play • I realised what a ridiculous lie my whole life has been. We’ve been talking in a dream for fifteen years • Said by Biff in the restaurant scene. This is a real turning point for him in his life. He realises that all the striving for success is pointless and the idea that he will be a success because of being well liked is a lie and a dream – not reality. • I’m a dime a dozen Pop and so are you • Said by Biff to Willy in the conflict scene at the end of Act 2. He is trying to convince his father that they are both ordinary men. • All I want is out there waiting for me the minute I say I know who I am. • Again said by Biff in the conflict scene. He has gained an awareness of who he is – an ordinary person who can enjoy an ordinary job and simple pleasures in life. • I know who I am kid • Said by Biff in the Requiem to Happy; again shows that he has gained self awareness and has changed from the Biff of the opening scenes.

5. Willy about himself/his life/his ideas • I still feel kind of temporary about myself • I’m vital in new England • Be liked and you will never want • The woods are burning…I was fired today • Nothing’ll grow any more • You can’t eat the orange and throw the peel away – a man is not a piece of fruit

6. Other characters about Willy • His name was never in the paper. He’s not the finest character who ever lived. But he’s a human being and a terrible thing is happening to him. So attention must be paid.. [Linda] • He had the wrong dreams. All all wrong [Biff about Willy] • He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine…A salesman is got to dream boy. [Charlie in the Requiem]