Journal #1 for Death of a Salesman

Complete the following assignment for Tuesday, March 8.

Willy's Character--Discuss how he's developed in the play and touch on several, if not all of the following:

  • What in particular seem to be Willy's most pressing needs? Are those needs only material and financial or also psychological? What does Willy really want?
  • What is the origin of his needs and desires? How does the figure of Willy's father function in the determination of his character and his desires? Are there any ironies in the "streak of self-reliance" (81) in Willy's father?
  • How does Willy expect to have his desires satisfied by the sales profession? What does he misunderstand concerning the sales profession and the business world in general?