Character Analysis: Biff Loman in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman Essay

Biff the Hero?In Arthur Millers, dramatic play, Death of a Salesman the Loman family presents its self as being the perfect nuclear family as opposed to their dysfunctional nature. Even though Miller portrays Willy Loman as the main character of the story, his lack of praise worthy traits make it necessary for another to be the hero. This other character comes in the form of Willys son, Biff Loman, who may not succeed in regards to Willys dreams, but still deserves the honor of being called the hero of the play. Biff shows qualities describing a hero because he grows up with false ideals but later rejects them searching for his true identity. To analyze Biff Loman the most important aspect comes from his change in self-realization that represents his dynamic nature. This dynamic nature shows with his interaction in regards to other characters and with respects to underlying themes in the play.Even though many people have influenced Biff over his life, only his family has left a significant impact on it. Their presence and importance in his life make it necessary to view the motivating aspects of his interaction with them, whether it is positive or negative. The first character that we must analyze comes in the form of the overbearing but idolized father, who sets the foundation for Biffs beliefs and way of life. Many different aspects of this relationship can be portrayed in reference to Biffs ultimate and final realization at the end of the play. In Biffs youth, he accepts and adores everything that pertains to Willy because that is the nature of a small child. Even though we later realize the err in Willys ideology, his initial instincts to teach his son success held no faults. Willys hopes and goals were pure (Onger 154). On the other hand, Willys excessive need to promote vanity and unfulfilling popularity, sets the stage for Biffs eventual letdown. Willy provides Biff with an ego...

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