The Hope and Despair of Willy Loman: Act 2 Summary

TLDRIn Act 2 of Death of a Salesman, Willy Loman starts the day with hope and optimism, but his dreams quickly crumble as he faces rejection from his boss and gets fired. The act highlights Willy's self-deception, his struggles with reality, and the tension between his aspirations and the harsh truth.

Key insights

😌Willy Loman begins Act 2 with a cheerful and hopeful attitude.

😢Willy's dreams are shattered when he is ignored and ultimately fired by his boss.

🤥The act emphasizes Willy's self-deception and his habitual lies about his marriage and financial state.

💰Willy's struggle to get financially ahead is a recurring theme throughout Act 2.

👴The death of Dave Singleman, an elderly salesman, symbolizes Willy's failed aspirations of success and happiness in old age.

Q&A

What happens to Willy Loman in Act 2?

In Act 2, Willy Loman faces rejection from his boss and gets fired.

What is the main theme of Act 2 in Death of a Salesman?

The main theme of Act 2 is the contrast between Willy's hopes and dreams and the harsh reality of his life.

What does the death of Dave Singleman symbolize?

The death of Dave Singleman symbolizes Willy's failed aspirations of success and happiness in old age.

Why does Willy Loman struggle to get financially ahead?

Willy Loman struggles to get financially ahead due to his inability to secure a stable job and his habit of overspending.

How does Act 2 highlight Willy's self-deception?

Act 2 highlights Willy's self-deception through his constant lies about his marriage, financial state, and his belief in his own success.

Timestamped Summary

00:09Act 2 opens with Willy Loman feeling hopeful and cheerful after a good night's rest.

00:43Willy's hopes for a successful day are quickly dashed when he is ignored and easily dismissed by his boss, Howard.

02:16Willy passionately describes the death of Dave Singleman, an elderly salesman who symbolizes Willy's failed dreams of success and happiness in old age.

02:29Despite his struggles, Willy continues to deceive himself and believe in his own success.

02:59Act 2 concludes with Willy's ultimate defeat as he is fired by Howard and faces the harsh reality of his situation.