2.2.4

Family

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Fathers and Sons

Willy's difficult relationship with his son and his own father are examined in the play.

Illustrative background for Willy and SonIllustrative background for Willy and Son ?? "content

Willy and Son

  • Death of a Salesman is structured around the conflict between father and son:
    • Willy’s dreams of a golden future for Biff.
    • Biff’s frustration at having to live up to an ideal.
Illustrative background for Willy and FatherIllustrative background for Willy and Father ?? "content

Willy and Father

  • Willy’s problematic relationship with his own father, a man he never knew but who he has always idealised, is symbolised in the sound of the flute which opens the play, and which will recur at key moments.
Illustrative background for _Richard II_Illustrative background for _Richard II_ ?? "content

Richard II

  • Richard II could also be argued to show a similar conflict in that Richard ignores the advice of the ‘father figures’ in the play, John of Gaunt (Richard’s uncle) & York.
  • Both attempt to guide and warn Richard (“You pluck a thousand dangers on your head”) but both are rejected, leading to tragedy.

Jump to other topics

1Introduction

2Act One

3Act Two

4Extended Passage Analysis

5Character Profiles

6Key Themes

7Writing Techniques

8Historical Context

9Literary Context

10Critical Debates

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