Death Of A Salesman Conflict Analysis

At the heart of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, the central conflict occurs through the relationship of Willy Loman and his eldest son, Biff. Throughout the play, Miller uses the continuously building relationships to reveal the true themes of the play, as well as to create a character of hope and a tragic character. Through Willy Loman unrealistic expectations and unrealistic view of life, Miller is able to create a tragic character whom with the help of conflict results in the formation of a character of hope, Willy’s son Biff. The use of conflict between two characters, one the parental figure over the other, can be used to contribute to the works’ themes. The central issue which creates the tension between Willy and Biff is Willy’s
… he likes you. If someone else took that ball there’d be an uproar” (Miller 18). When Biff was in high school, he stole a football from the locker room, once Willy was made aware of his sons stealing he began creating excuses on how it was inconsequential. Willy also allowed his sons to steal wood from the construction site across the street from their house in Brooklyn, as well as allowing his son Biff to get away with stealing basketballs from Bill Oliver. Willy’s influence which also created tension between him and his son was the mishandling of women. “He’s too rough with the girls, Willy. All the mothers are afraid of him!” (Miller 26). Because of Biff’s arrogant demeanor, all the mother’s in Brooklyn are worried about their daughters being around Biff because he is too rough with them. Willy himself not only cheated on his wife Linda, but he also abuses the woman that he is cheating on his wife with infront of Biff. Willy’s verbal and physical abuse towards his wife as well as Miss Francis was a direct influence upon his sons. Along with cheating on