Relationship Breakdown: Willy Louman

        Death of  Salesman is a novel about a simple man named Willy Louman trying to achieve what he thought was the American Dream. He failed to understand what this dream truly was and in some cases broke down the strong relationship bonds in which he had with his family. The relationship which perhaps was most affected would be the relation ships with his two sons, Biff and Happy. Willy often ridiculed them allot about not living up to his standards. He did not seem satisfied with the position in which both men had set for themselves. On the other hand, Willy to an extent created flaws in his relationship with his wife, Linda. Linda was a tremendously patient woman. Sometimes- not achieving the full on respect in which she deserved from her husband. The relationships between Willy and these three major characters will be analysed and the reasons for the breakdown of the bond will be identified.

       Willy Louman adored his elder son, Biff. He looked up to him often thinking of him as a younger version of himself. Biff could be described as a "manly" character; him being tall, hefty and handsome. In his high school days, he was the star athlete. His parents were proud of him and because of that he got a not so serious grasp on life. To Biff, life was sweet.  Willy wanted what he thought was best for Biff. He often encouraged Biff to "live the American Dream". Biff in a sense seemed like a lazy man, usually liking to do things the easy way and allowing people to get things done for him. In other words, Biff was looking for any means of getting a quick buck. This sadly reflected on the man he had become today. Willy loved his son but in some cases he felt ashamed of what he had become- nothing but a common 'bum'. It is clearly shown in the novel that Willy Louman was an arrogant man; a man which was very touchy when it came to his pride. Louman always wanted to be in the spotlight; always wanted to have some sort of great story to tell his employees and friends. He could not boast much about himself and so he had fit Biff into that category. Biff, now being a man did not have much to be proud about. Willy in a way felt angry with himself and did not know how to admit it to himself. Therefore, he lashed out at everyone around him and Biff mostly became his victim of ridicule.

       Willy's younger son, Happy looked up to his father greatly. Willy did not pay much mind to him. Biff was seen as his favourite son. Happy always tried to get into the good favours of his father. He tried his best to live his father's "American Dream". Happy became a womaniser since he thought that was what his father would have wanted. He focused on business also because his father was in that field. It seemed that all Happy wanted to do was to get some sort of loving attention from Willy. Unfortunately, Willy was too pre-occupied with gettting "highly liked" by others and not appreciating the few good things in which he had already. Happy did not disrespect his father like Biff did. He was recognised as the more ambitious son. It is unfortunate how Willy Put his time and effort into the son that did not love him the way in which he  loved his son. Happy was more dedicated to his father. The relationship breakdown between Willy and his son could be more be pointed to Willy. It being his fault and all since he chose to ignore Happy. Maybe if Biff was more like Happy it would have put Will at ease.

     Linda Louman was Willy's devoted wife. Often seen as a gracious lady. Usually speaking when spoken to at times. Mrs. Louman was too much of a good woman to be with Willy but then who is to judge that when it was obvious that the only reason she stayed was because she loved him. Willy was too less of a gentleman towards her. He enjoyed shouting at her even insulting her. Any average woman would have snapped back but Linda Louman stood her ground. Willy was an ungrateful man. This is said because any woman that is willing to put up with all that has been done to her negatively by her husband  and not show any sort of disagreement with that is a great woman. Linda was really one of a kind. Willy failed to give Linda the respect in which she more than deserved. This is evident when he cheated  on her. This relationship was the least bit affected negatively since both characters did not recognize the flaw in which it had.

      In conclusion, Willy Louman made his wanting for the American Dream affect his relationships.