My Old Man, Dad, Daddy, Father, Pa

The father-son relationships and conflicts in “Death of a Salesman” are key elements to Arthur Miller’s play. The interaction between Willy Loman and his sons, Happy and Biff, illustrate Miller’s commentary on father-son relationships. Through the actions of Willy Loman, it becomes apparent there are certain times when a father strives to become more of a “player” in his son’s life than his son may like. For example, when Biff comes home to recollect himself, Willy sees his son’s return as a failure. Willy desperately wants his eldest son to succeed in every way, so he decides to take control. Willy states he will get Biff a job selling. Willy is certain that through his own actions, he can “fix” his son’s situation. Yet, Willy only further complicates Biff’s problem. Biff came home to reevaluate his life, and his father’s great concern only hurts Biff more.

Willy and Biff have conflicting views of the American dream. Willy believes hard work out on the road is the greatest job, but Biff is inspired by the outdoors. When these two ideals collide, Willy grows frustrated. Through this tension, Miller illustrates how the over-involvement of a father in his son’s life can cause conflict, not resolution. It is also clear Willy favors Biff over Happy. Miller shows how this favoritism has social affects on the neglected son through the character Happy. Since Willy almost lives through Biff and his dreams for his eldest son, Happy is often overlooked.

Throughout the play, Willy often comments on how remarkable Biff is …”You got greatness in you, Biff…” However, Happy is barely spoken to with this affection. Due to this neglect, Happy believes he must become Willy’s version of success by amassing wealth and popularity. Happy is convinced the only way he will be at peace with himself is by attaining the approval of his father through his wealth and social standing. Yet the more Happy strives to please his father, and the less results he gets, the more frustrated he grows. It becomes apparent Happy is more miserable trying to get his father’s attention, rather than following his own path. It is the father’s responsibility to instill sound values and leadership in his sons, yet with Willy’s favoritism he was unable to give these qualities to either of his sons. A father is one of the most important aspects in the maturation of a young boy. They relate to each other in a way that a son’s mother cannot. It is clear Willy cannot draw the live between active father and observer.