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Death of a Salesman: A comparison essay between Willy and Biff

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A comparison essay between Willy and Biff

The play Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller is the story of a man who has lost his

identity and cannot accept change within him and the society at large. The play covers the last 24

hours of Willy Loman’s life and concludes with his death and funeral. Willy has been suffering

from depression and anxiety because of his dwindling career as a salesman and the estranged

relationship with his son, Biff. This essay seeks to address some of the similarities and

differences between Willy and Biff.

Despite their poor relationship, Willy and Biff have several similarities. Most of their

similarities are, however not positive. One thing about both of them is the lack of proper role

models in their lives. Throughout his life, no one has been there to guide Willy since his father

left him when he was young. Willy disregards all the advice Biff has ever told him after learning

about his adulterous relationship. Both of them seem to have given up in life. Another similarity

is that they both believe that you can only enjoy life if you are successful. Willy has been

involved in horticulture and woodworking and is very good at it. He, however, insists on

working as a salesman since he believes that only successful people are accorded respect. The

similarities between Willy and Biff may be why they hate each other so much and are always

arguing.

Both Willy and Biff like living outdoor, more like an upcountry life. The difference

between the two is that Willy does not accept this feeling because being a salesman has blinded

him from seeing that he is good in other things like farming, unlike Biff who is very comfortable

with that life. Another difference between Biff and Willy is the fact that in the end, Biff accepts

who he is and acknowledges the fact that he has been living a lie his entire life. He feels relieved
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when he realizes what he wants, unlike what Willy wants for him. Willy lives his life in denial

and, that’s why he ends up committing suicide.

This essay has analyzed of the differences and similarities between two characters in the

play Death of a Salesman. The two characters are Willy and his son Biff, living a life full of

misery because they live in denial. Their similarities and differences have been outlined clearly

in the essay.
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Reference

1. Miller, Arthur, 1915-2005. (1996). Death of a salesman. New York: Penguin Books