5.3.3

Bernard

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Bernard

Bernard has been brought up very differently to the Loman boys and this is reflected in his values, deportment and his treatment of others.

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Depiction

  • Bernard, Charley’s son, is seen as a boy in Act One, but as a man in Act Two.
  • We perhaps share Willy’s “shock” at the sight of Bernard as a “self-assured, young man”, remembering him from Willy’s memories in Act One as the “anaemic” and earnest boy who Willy admonishes as a “pest” when he warns Biff that he may flunk Maths.
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Reflection of values

  • As a boy, Bernard is dismissed by the Loman father and sons in the same way that Willy dismisses Bernard: “He’s liked, but he’s not well-liked”.
  • However, Bernard is yet another sign that the Lomans have built their dreams of success on the wrong foundations.
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Upbringing

  • Bernard has clearly been brought differently to the Loman boys and is a much more secure and confident figure than either Happy or Biff.
  • However, Bernard does not boast of his success, seeing no need to tell Willy that he will be arguing as attorney in front of the Supreme Court.
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Respect

  • In contrast to Willy’s sons who abandon Willy in the restaurant that evening, Bernard treats Willy with care and respect: “Oh, the hell with the advice, Willy. I couldn’t advise you”.
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Paternal relationships

  • The relationship between Bernard and his father is less intense and, as a result, much healthier than the relationship between Willy and his sons.
  • Charley tells Willy that he “never took any interest” in Bernard but he has clearly instilled “worthwhile” values into his son.
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Bernard's modesty

  • In Act Two we learn that Bernard is now married and a father of two young boys.
  • However, we learn nothing of his sons.
  • Bernard has no need to make boasts for them, just as Charley had no need to follow Willy’s example and pin his dreams of success on his sons.

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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