7.5.4

Money

Test yourself

Money

References to money are repeated throughout the play, with characters assessing their value in ‘cash terms’.

Illustrative background for Willy's delusions Illustrative background for Willy's delusions  ?? "content

Willy's delusions

  • In Howard’s office, Willy insists that “I averaged a hundred and seventy dollars a week in the year of 1928”, measuring his value in a financial calculation.
  • However through previous scenes with Linda, audiences have probably learned not to take Willy at face value when he talks about how much money he has made.
Illustrative background for Biff's calculations Illustrative background for Biff's calculations  ?? "content

Biff's calculations

  • Biff, in assessing his and Willy’s lives in the final clash with his father, pleads with him to accept that he is only “one dollar an hour” and that they are both “a dime a dozen”.
  • Willy, tragically, rejects this valuation.
Illustrative background for Willy's worthIllustrative background for Willy's worth ?? "content

Willy's worth

  • Willy has measured his own worth and has a “guaranteed twenty-thousand-dollar proposition” to transform the Lomans’ fortunes.

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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