Death of a Salesman, pp. 59 – 66 - questions.
1. on what happens in the "wire recorder scene", pp. 59 m. -61 m
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How does each of the characters behave?
The conversation between Willy and Howard is very awkward; Willy is being polite to Howard,
trying to show his interest in his wire recorder. Howard is so exited to tell someone about his new
precious hobby, that he ignores Willy when he tells that wants to talk with him. Willy has nothing
else to do but continuously showing interest to Howard and his recorder, discreetly trying to
change the subject. Finally when Willy has his attention, though Howard keeps interrupting him, he
seems a bit nervous about Willy’s presents when he was supposed to be in Boston.
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What the significance of the wire recorder to Howard - and to Willy?
Howard just received his new wire recorder and is very fascinated by its functions, in which all his
attention is drawn. Willy seems impressed, but he can’t concentrate about the recorder, his head is
filled with thoughts about the job.
2. What is your impression of Howard?
Well, Howard seems to be a real business man with a passion for modern gadgets. He cares for
Willy, but he just can’t deny the fact that Willy is getting old and unfit for work. He know that you
have to be good at you business, that’s properly why his son at the age of five learned the names
of the capitals in alphabetical order.
3. What strategy does Willy use to get through with his wish?
Willy starts out with sharing his interest in the wire recorder, later on he tries to catch Howard’s
compassion by telling him all the things he have done for him, his father and the company. Nothing
seems to have a great impression on Howard, so, Willy starts talking about what Howard’s father
promised, what made him a salesman and all the personal things that lie behind. When Willy starts
talking about that he can’t throw himself on the sons and be regarded as a cripple, Howard end the
dialog by telling that he is busy.
4. Comment on Willy's monologue on p. 63
In the monologue Willy tells Howard how he became a salesman, how he already at the age of
eighteen, nineteen, was on the road working for the company. How his considerations about
moving to Alaska digging gold with his father when he met the famous salesman: Dave Singleman.
The eighty four years old salesman and he were still going strong. Willy is very fascinated by this
mans personality: a lot of friends all around the country, being respected and earning good money.
Willy’s doubts about the future in being a salesman were refuted.
5. Try to formulate what is being said about American society in the meeting between
Willy and Howard, and try to find the author’s attitude to Willy's situation
At the meeting we see an example of the American society, when hardworking people grow old
and become unable to work and earn money, they are worth nothing. Illustrated by the society
eating the an orange and then throw away the peal. Many workers are left behind unable to pay
their rents when they retire, compared to the rich class who is capable of living from their fortune.
The author’s attitude to Willy is properly that even you have been a very good middleclass working
man, you can’t count on the upper class to feel compassion for you, they only have one thing in
mind: money!