y tells her a Chevrolet is the ôgreatest car ever builtö (Miller, 1976, 76). Willy also scolds the boys for making their mother carry the wash.
In contrast to this flashback and the interactions between the boys and between Linda and Willy, we have scenes of reality later in the action. Once WillyÆs hopes and ambitions have been beaten to a pulp by debts, business failure, sons who failed to achieve his dreams for them, and material possessions that promised more than they delivered, WillyÆs world is drastically changed. For example, instead of sharing intimate, loving moments with his sons, his interactions with them usually end in anger, animosity, and disappointment. Instead of bragging about Biff in Act II, Willy can only make excuses for him, ôHeÆs heading for a change. ThereÆs no question, there simply are certain men that take longer to get solidifiedö (Miller, 1976, 72). Instead of taking pride in his material possessions, in Act II they
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