FREE ESSAY ON DEATH OF A SALESMAN ANALYSIS PROJECT

DEATH OF A SALESMAN ANALYSIS PROJECT

Character Analysis Assignment
All of the characters in the performance "Death of a Salesman" have special traits that
are indicative of their personality and literary purpose in the piece. Each serves a
particular purpose and symbolizes distinct goals, functions, or qualities. One by one,
the author places every character in a specific location to contrast, or emphasize
another character's shortcomings, mistakes, or areas of strength. For example, an author
might place the drama's antagonist in many scenes with the protagonist. This not only
creates the plot, but also makes the plot easier to understand. In the same way, Bernard,
a character in "Death of a Salesman", is placed next to Biff, the protagonist's son.
Biff, is lost in a world created by his dazed father, who instills in him a set of false
values, and eventually becomes a failure in his early age. In spite of the fact that
Bernard admires Biff and believes he is able to help him prosper, Biff is unable to
listen. Bernard also interacts with the protagonist himself, again showing the same
traits that are indicative of his character. Bernard, who is a successful student and
later a successful attorney, is opposite the characteristics Biff is taught makes a man
great. 
Our first example of Bernard's character is his interaction with Biff is in Act I, when
the reader infers Bernard is tutoring Biff: "Biff, Listen Biff, I heard Mr.Birnbaum say
that if you don't start studyin' math he's gonna flunk you and you won't graduate. I
heard him! These initial statements, spoken by Bernard, are indicative to the reader of
how helpful he tries to be to Biff. He is among the only characters with a sense of
reality; the only character that tries to help Biff take concrete, analytical steps to
helping him succeed. He understands the consequences of Biff's actions, and tries to
dissuade his directionless ambition towards a more solid goal. "He's gotta study Uncle
Willy. He's got regents next week." "Just because he printed University of Virginia on
his sneakers doesn't mean they've got to graduate him, Uncle Willy." Once again, this
illustrates Bernard is the one of the only characters in tune with reality. He cares for
Biff and wants to see him graduate. This is why he is constantly pushing Biff to complete
his work.
As Bernard matures, he continues his modest, responsible attitude towards life. The
protagonist himself is confronted with Bernard's character, and comes to terms with the
sudden insight his son is no where near as well off as Bernard, even though they were
initially given the same opportunities. Now, the reader infers Bernard is an attorney:
"Oh, just a case I've got there, [Washington] Willy." When Bernard describes his Supreme
Court case as "just a case", the reader sees how admirably modest he is. He has become a
great man, as inferred from his lines, without being well liked or extremely handsome. He
is a developed gentleman,which the protagonists admires, and confides in Bernard asking
him where did his son miscarry.
"But sometimes, Willy, it's better for a man just to walk away."
In this last line of advice, given by an adult Bernard to Willy, the protagonist, the
reader sees his basic foundation of caring for another person is not destroyed: he still
means for the best in what he does and says. He is concerned for the needs of both the
protagonist and his son, and proves this by telling Willy to continue with his life and
let his son find his own path.
In conclusion, the character traits of the players in "Death of a Salesman are evident.
It is also apparent that they are placed juxtapositionally with each other to highlight
the other's features. The characters' indicative qualities are what makes animates the
plot, and makes for a vibrant literary piece.