Where did Biff go early in the morning at the beginning of the Act?
Biff went to see Mr. Oliver.
What did Willy resolve to talk about with Howard?
He talked to him about the New York job and not wanting to travel anymore.
What is the result of Willy's conversation with Howard?
Willy is essentially fired.
What does Willy mean when he says, "You can't eat the orange and throw the peel away--a man isn't a piece of fruit!
He is talking about himself. The orange is a metaphor. He means that the company shouldn't work him to death when he is young and then just get rid of him when he is old.
This is no time for false pride, Willy...You've got two great boys, haven't you?" What is sadly ironic about this statement?
All Willy has is false pride--he is really disappointed in his boys.
Why didn't Willy go with Ben years ago when Ben offered him the job?
He is delusional even then. He falsely believes, and reports to Linda, that he is doing well as a salesman, so she talks him out of it.
Ben says, "What are you building? Lay your hands on it. Where is it?" What is the point of this line?
It draws attention to the fact that Willy has never created anything worthwhile in his life.
Where does Willy go after his conversation with Howard?
He goes to see Charley to get help to pay his life insurance premium.
What does Willy ask Bernard (about Biff)?
He wants to know if Bernard knows why Biff did not do anything with his life after age 17.
What was Bernard's reply?
Biff gave up on his summer math class after he returned from Boston. Bernard figured something must have happened in Boston.
Why can't Willy work for Charley?
Charley stands for the things that Willy does not believe in.
Biff says, "...I realized what a ridiculous lie my whole life has been." What does he mean?
Biff realized that his Dad has always glossed over Biff's faults, making him think that he is perfect, or at least talented, when he is really just a clerk and a thief.
What was the result of Biff's meeting with Bill Oliver?
Bill Oliver brushed him off.
What does Happy want Biff to tell Willy?
He wants Biff to lie about his meeting with Bill Oliver--tell him it went well and that they are meeting again.
Willy says, "the woods are burning, boys. Can't you understand? There's a big blaze going on all around." What does that mean?
Willy's world is falling apart. He is having trouble believing his own fantasies and is starting to see his life as it really is.
What does Willy do while Biff is trying to explain the facts of his meeting with Bill Oliver?
Willy daydreams about the time Biff flunked math.
What did Biff take from Bill Oliver?
A fountain pen.