3.1.1

Key Events 1&2

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Act Two: Key Event One

Act 2 opens with a sense of optimism in the Loman household. The sons have already left the house and both Willy and Linda are convinced that Biff is “heading for a change”.

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Key event one

  • Linda tells Willy of their sons’ plan to take Willy out for “a big meal” at Frank’s Chop House at the end of the day.
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Significance

  • The news fills Willy with hope and a determination to “knock Howard for a loop”.
  • He is convinced he will be able to secure an advance and a job in New York.
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Quotation

  • “I will never get behind the wheel the rest of my life!”
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Explanation

  • Once again, Willy is quick to delude himself.
  • There is also a dark irony in the quote above as Act Two, and Willy’s life, will end with him behind the wheel again.

Act Two: Key Event Two

Act 2 opens with a sense of optimism in the Loman household. The sons have already left the house and both Willy and Linda are convinced that Biff is “heading for a change”.

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Key event two

  • Willy arrives in Howard’s office determined to make his case.
  • However he is put off his stride by Howard's demonstration of his new toy, the wire recorder.
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Significance

  • The power imbalance between Howard and Willy is shown in Howard’s shushing of Willy as he tries to argue for a salary and New York post.
  • Indeed, Howard gets frustrated at Willy’s attempts to take the lead in the conversation.
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Quotation

  • “HOWARD: You didn’t crack up again, did you?”
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Explanation

  • Howard’s line confirms that Willy’s psychological troubles have affected his work and are known about in the company.
  • However, the deeper significance of the line lies in its blunt and unsympathetic tone.
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Explanation cont.

  • Howard’s hard-headedness reveals the ruthless “business is business” mind-set of modern capitalism where “everybody’s gotta pull his own weight”.
  • There is no room for Willy’s values of “friendship” or “personality” in such an environment.

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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