Discussion on death-of-a-salesman-questions-p-21-30

[Antonio Fernandez]

Question 6: What does Happy do for a living?

The book doesn't specifically say what Happy does for a living, but he
is working under a merchandise manager that he is waiting for to die.
To others like his brother, he is a success (Miller 23), but really,
is lost, but in a different way (Miller 19). Happy does have dreams
moving ahead in his job and wants to prove that he is worth it to the
executives. He knows he can do it and continues to work towards it.
(Miller 24). Another thing is that Happy can't stand it when others
move ahead of him. He gets competitve and ends up ruining the women
that are with the guys in line for vice presidency. Its as if he wants
to get back at them for taking his chance away at getting that spot.

[alex]

Question 5: Write an initial character sketch for Biff and Happy and
indicate their goals and ambitions.

My initail character sketch for biff is that he's not proud of himself
and wants to make more out of his life.Throghout Biff's life he has
not been able to hold down a steady job. "Iv'e had twenty or thirty
differnt kinds of jobs since the war"(Miller22)."What the hell am i
doing, playing with horses, making 28 dollars a week! Im 34 years old,
i oughta be makin' my future"(Miller 22. Biff realizes that he doesnt
want to be making 28 dollars a week(Miller22)and really wants to
change his life. My initial character sketch of Happy is that he is
stuck in a job he doesnt really want.Happy is pretty much only working
so he can not be seen as a failure."I don't know what the hell im
workin' for. Sometimes I sit in my apartment- all alone"(Miller22) The
impression i got from Happy is that he is only working because he has
to and isn't doing what he loves, but he is adhering to his father's
expectations. That was my initail charactre sketch of biff and happy.

[James]

Hey guys, sorry I'm late..I hope this is the right thing to post. I
posted twice already.WOOPS. Ok, my quetsion is "what does Biff look
for in a wife?". This can be found on page 25, Biff wants to find
someone steady and somebody with substance. Biff agrees with happy
when he says he wants someone with character and resistance, like
there mom. It seems like Biff wants to find someone who accepts him
and someone who is unique.I hope all 7 posts didn't show up.

[Christina]

Question 8: Summarize what Biff describes as "a measly manner of
existence." (p.22)

“A measly manner of existence” according to Biff is, “To devote your
whole life to keeping stock…or selling or buying. To suffer fifty
weeks of the year for the sake of a two-week vacation….And always to
have to get ahead of the next fella….that’s how you build a
future” (Miller 22). It requires devoting life for achieving momentary
pleasure and the future consisting of luxury and status. This reflects
the corruption of American Dream. The unfortunate fact that the
society is composed of those who strive to attain status,
materialistic possessions and false pleasures through “get[ting] ahead
of the next fella”. In conclusion, Biff realizes the insincerity of
existence in American society and mentality.

[FJ]

Question 8: Describe Willy's relationship with his young sons?

Willy's relationship with the boys is very protective about school and
tells them to worry about girls later because there trouble and hes
very reminiscent about his boys for buying them a punching bag.