Act 2 of Death of a Salesman: The Loman Family's Web of Lies

TLDRIn Act 2 of Death of a Salesman, the Loman family meets at a restaurant where Biff confesses his humiliating encounter with Bill Oliver. Biff plans to come clean about stealing Oliver's pen but is discouraged by Happy. Willy arrives and Biff attempts to tell the truth, but Willy interrupts with the news that he was fired. Biff reluctantly goes along with the lies, exposing the family's history of deception and the facade of financial success.

Key insights

🕵️‍♂️Biff's humiliating encounter with Bill Oliver demonstrates the consequences of dishonesty and the need for accountability.

🤥The Loman family's web of lies reveals their desperate attempts to maintain the illusion of success and avoid facing reality.

💔Biff's admission of his theft and desire to confess highlights his struggle against the family's habit of deception.

💡Willy's firing disrupts Biff's plan to hold on to the truth, leading to the construction of new lies.

👨‍👨‍👦The power of family influence is evident as Willy actively blocks Biff's truth-telling, perpetuating the cycle of deception.

Q&A

What is the significance of Biff's encounter with Bill Oliver?

Biff's encounter with Bill Oliver exposes his dishonesty, the consequences of his actions, and his desire for redemption.

Why does Biff want to confess his theft to his father?

Biff wants to come clean and seek his father's understanding and forgiveness, hoping for a chance at redemption.

How does Happy discourage Biff from confessing?

Happy discourages Biff from telling the truth because it would shatter their illusion of success and disrupt their family dynamics.

What impact does Willy's firing have on Biff's plan?

Willy's firing undermines Biff's plan to hold on to the truth, forcing him to go along with the family's lies.

What does Act 2 reveal about the Loman family's behavior?

Act 2 exposes the Loman family's pattern of deception and their reliance on lies to preserve the facade of success.

Timestamped Summary

00:09In Act 2, the Loman family meets at a restaurant.

00:17Biff confesses his humiliating encounter with Bill Oliver.

00:31Biff admits to stealing Oliver's pen.

00:47Biff wants to come clean to his father.

01:00Willy arrives and disrupts Biff's confession.

01:08Biff reluctantly goes along with the lies.

01:26Biff and Willy struggle with telling the truth.

01:46Willy blocks Biff's truth-telling, perpetuating deception.