This is a draft cheat sheet. It is a work in progress and is not finished yet.
Definition of Capitalism
an economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state. |
Symbol - Seeds
Quote |
Explanation |
"The grass don't grow there anymore, you can't raise a carrot in the backyard... Remember those two beautiful elm trees out there? When I and Biff hung the swing from them?" |
The grass symbolizes Willy's hopes and dreams, dead and barren like the grass. The elm trees symbolize Biff and Willy's past strong bond. |
"On the way home tonight, I'd like to buy some seeds... Not enough sun gets back there. Nothing'll grow anymore." |
Willy's desire to buy seeds and grow them symbolizes his pursuit to redeem himself as a salesman and a father. |
Meaning |
The seeds symbolize Willy and his attempt to prove his worth as a salesman and a father. |
|
|
Symbol - Stockings
Quote |
Explanation |
"I won't have you mending stockings in this house! Now throw them out!" |
Willy is reminded of his lies and affair. He wants Linda to throw away her stockings, to get rid of this reminder. |
"She's nothing to me, Biff. I was lonely. I was terribly lonely... You-you gave her Mama's stockings!" |
Biff wanted to follow Willy's instructions to be liked. Willy blames himself for how Biff's life turned out. He is reminded of how he failed as a father. |
Meaning |
The stocking represents Willy's guilt of having an affair and inability to provide for his family. |
|
|
Quotes from the Commentary
Page |
Quote |
xxxix |
"Dream is likely to become nightmare for individuals caught in between the dualities of an encroaching materialism and the rampant consumerism it implies." |
xxxix |
"Happiness is equated with material success; anything less than being rich signifies failure." |
|
