7.5.5
Mythological Figures
Mythological Figures
Mythological Figures
In his most optimistic (or deluded) moments, Willy borrows from Classical mythology in order to describe his sons.
"Adonises”
"Adonises”
- Willy is thrilled by the idea of the Loman Brothers partnership and assures his sons they are “both built like Adonises”, the ancient Greek symbol of male beauty.
“Hercules”
“Hercules”
- Elsewhere, he compares Biff to “Hercules”, the Roman God famed for his strength.
- Willy also uses cosmic imagery associated with the ancient Gods, calling Biff a “star”.
Irony
Irony
- These motifs help to elevate (raise up) these characters in order to give them a more heroic status (Biff himself uses similar language in calling his father a “prince”).
- However, they may have been used ironically by Miller as we, the audience, see Willy’s boys in a much more realistic light.
1Introduction
1.1Introductions
2Act One
3Act Two
4Extended Passage Analysis
5Character Profiles
5.1Willy & Linda Loman
5.2Biff & Happy Loman
5.3Other Characters
6Key Themes
7Writing Techniques
7.1Structure
7.3Expressionism
8Historical Context
8.1Historical Context
9Literary Context
9.1Tragedy
10Critical Debates
10.1Introduction
10.2The Marxist Reading
10.3The Feminist Reading
10.4The Eco-Critical Reading
10.5Other Debates
Jump to other topics
1Introduction
1.1Introductions
2Act One
3Act Two
4Extended Passage Analysis
5Character Profiles
5.1Willy & Linda Loman
5.2Biff & Happy Loman
5.3Other Characters
6Key Themes
7Writing Techniques
7.1Structure
7.3Expressionism
8Historical Context
8.1Historical Context
9Literary Context
9.1Tragedy
10Critical Debates
10.1Introduction
10.2The Marxist Reading
10.3The Feminist Reading
10.4The Eco-Critical Reading
10.5Other Debates
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