11.2.8

Act Two: Key Events 3-4 Quotes

Test yourself

Act Two: Key Events 3-4

Here are two quotations showing key events in Act Two:

Illustrative background for Key quotation 3Illustrative background for Key quotation 3 ?? "content

Key quotation 3

  • Willy reaches out to Ben. He remembers the example of Dave Singleman, the salesman who died at 84 years old after a career of success, a man who was “remembered and loved and helped by so many people”.
    • “... and that’s the wonder, the wonder of this country, that a man can end with diamonds here on the basis of being liked!”
      • The metaphor “diamonds” is a deliberate reference to the source of Ben’s wealth. Willy is trying to tell Ben that he can equal his brother’s success.
Illustrative background for Key quotation 4Illustrative background for Key quotation 4 ?? "content

Key quotation 4

  • Willy asks Charley for money but turns down Charley’s offer of a job.
    • “Charley, you’re the only friend I got. Isn’t that a remarkable thing?”
      • Willy has a rare moment of self-discovery at the end of this ‘scene’, admitting how hollow his boasts of popularity have been.

Jump to other topics

1Introduction

2Act One

3Act Two

4Extended Passage Analysis

5Character Profiles

6Key Themes

7Writing Techniques

8Historical Context

9Literary Context

10Critical Debates

11Recap: Main Quotes

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium