Week 2
Attention must be paid (4/28-5/2)

Willy Loman, an aging traveling salesman, returns home exhausted and disoriented after a failed business trip. His wife, Linda, worries about his health and financial struggles. Their adult sons, Biff and Happy, are visiting. Willy’s mental state is unstable—he frequently slips into memories and hallucinations of the past, especially moments when Biff was a high school football star and Willy believed in his future success.

Tension arises as Biff admits he feels lost and unfulfilled, despite once having great promise. Willy becomes increasingly upset by Biff’s aimlessness and is haunted by guilt and regret, particularly over a past affair. Meanwhile, Happy, though seemingly successful, is also unhappy and seeks validation through shallow relationships.

After watching Act 1 of the 1985 film version of Death of a Salesman, what moment or interaction stood out to you the most—whether it was a specific line, a character’s performance, a time shift, or something else? How did seeing it performed on screen change or deepen your understanding compared to reading it?

• How do you understand the situation of the play so far?

• Who do you like, love, dislike, hate? Any hot takes?

• At this point, what do you think the play is addressing, criticizing, or commenting on about American life? 

"You blew me so full of hot air I could never stand taking orders from anybody!" (105)

Prompt

At the end of Act 2 of Death of a Salesman, Biff speaks truth to his father about how much the family lies about each other and themselves. He originally doesn't want to blame anyone, but Biff, when pushed to his limit, lets out the following, “You blew me so full of hot air I could never stand taking orders from anybody!”

In your notebook, write a one paragraph response in which you speak to who you believe is to blame, if anyone, for Biff's life. 

Things to consider

First, what does Biff mean when he states, "You blew me so full of hot air I could never stand taking orders from anybody"? What are some examples of how Willy or the family has done this throughout Biff’s life? Is Willy, Biff, or anyone else to blame? Is there a combination of a few aspects? Explain your reasoning!