Act Two: Key Events 1-2 Quotes
English Lit: AQA A Level Death of a Salesman, topic 11.2.7
Act Two: Key Events 1-2
Here are two quotations showing key events in Act Two:
Key quotation 1
- Willy is convinced he will be able to secure an advance and a job in New York.
- “I will never get behind the wheel the rest of my life!”
- 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.
Key quotation 2
- 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.
- “HOWARD: You didn’t crack up again, did you?”
- Howard’s line confirms that Willy’s psychological troubles have affected his work and are known about in the company. Howard’s hard-headedness reveals the ruthless “business is business” mind-set of modern capitalism where “everybody’s gotta pull his own weight”.
Test yourself on Act Two: Key Events 1-2 Quotes
What does Howard ask Willy in Act Two?
Why does Willy say this?
“I will never get behind the wheel the rest of my life!”