Open Prompt -- November 11

1990. Choose a novel or play that depicts a conflict between a parent (or a parental figure) and a son or daughter. Write an essay in which you analyze the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work. Avoid plot summary. 

Often called one of the greatest American plays, Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller revolves around Willy Loman, a 60 year old salesman from New York who is struggling under enormous pressure from himself.  His oldest son, Biff, is in conflict with himself and his father as he is trying to find himself even at 32 years of age.  The strained relationship between Willy and Biff was driven by their extreme differences in how they viewed the world: Biff was realistic while Willy lived in dreamland.  Miller's juxtaposition of these characters and their conflict with one another draws the audience towards the viewing life as it is.  

The father-son conflict escalated quickly after Biff discovered Willy having an affair.  While Willy talked it off, making excuses that he only did it because he was lonely and still loved his wife, Biff was devastated.  Biff saw his infidelity for what it was, while Willy refused to acknowledge the consequences his actions could have.  This is especially seen by the emotion displayed when Willy's affair is brought to light.  Biff breaks down sobbing, and while Willy becomes angry, his anger is targeted at Biff and his seemingly silly tears and not his own action.  The audience understands Biff's huge disappointment with Willy, and Willy's unfeeling reaction only helps solidify the idea that it is better to face the truth and reality than hide behind a outwardly positive curtain. 

Willy Loman is a firm believer in the power of a good handshake and a smile.  Anyone, according to Willy, can be successful, and he predicted amazing things for the popular Biff while he was still in high school.   For awhile, Biff believed in this ideal dream; that because he was good-looking, personable, and athletic, he could go far in life and in the business world.  However, Biff "grew up" and realized that the things Willy valued were worthless, and the reason he was never successful in business is because he had nothing beyond personality and looks.  Because the empty hopeful ideas of Willy led to Biff's failure in the business world (and Willy's eyes), the audience begins to come to the conclusion that having an overly positive outlook can have some serious negative effects.  

Throughout the play Biff is seen trying to amend things with his dad, but never can.  While not completely blameless, Biff tries to please his father after his mom begs him to try to help Willy.  Biff agrees to live in a city which he despises and do a job he hates in order to give his dad the positive outlook he thrives on, and does whatever he can to sway his father's understanding so that he will accept Biff as he is once again.  This dedication to Willy is contrasted by Willy's coldness back.  Willy thinks Biff blames him, and does what he does to spite him, and not to help him.  The audience is able to understand Biff while Willy's reaction seems childish, and can only wish that Willy would see life as it is.  

The conflict between the father and son is not just a serious disagreement, but also a deliberate act by Miller. Having two characters who should be similar in beliefs and attitudes be so different is a major red-flag for anyone looking to analyze the play, and a look into the causes of this conflict and how it relates to the character's outtakes can reveal much about an author's meaning.