Death of A Salesman Blog 3

• Blog – Do you think Biff and Happy’s plan will work?

I don’t think that Biff and Happy’s plan of opening a new business will work. However, as soon as Biff and Happy mention their plan to Willy he becomes excited. Willy instructs Biff on how much money to ask for, what to wear, how to speak, and what to talk about when visiting Bill Oliver. In this scene Willy once again contradicts himself. First, he directs Biff to be serious and avoid telling jokes, and then advises Biff to assume a confident air and tell old stories. “…and talk as little as possible, and don’t crack any jokes. Walk in with a big laugh. Start off with a couple of your good stories to lighten things up.” (Pg. 64-65) Because of Willy’s input they may have heard some pointers on how to run a business. But I don’t think that their plan will work because Biff couldn’t keep a steady job before, how could he now? Biff also mentioned earlier in the book that he wanted to work outside on a farm because he hated working in an office. Biff also didn’t plan what he was going to talk about with Bill Oliver. When Willy asked him questions all he said was I don’t know. This to me says that Biff talks before he thinks. As a result, Linda expresses her disappointment by saying, “What’d you have to start that for? You see how sweet he was as soon as you talked hopefully?” (Pg. 65)