One way that Bernard’s reaction to the situation could be analyzed is that he understands the implications of what will happen if Biff does poorly in school. Bernard is concerned enough to inform Biff about the consequences of not studying math, indicating that he recognizes the seriousness of Biff's academic situation and the potential impact on his future. This suggests that Bernard has a more realistic perspective on the importance of education and is trying to help Biff see the importance of his studies, while the Lomans remain dismissive of the implications.
Death of a Salesman
by Arthur Miller
BERNARD: Biff! (He gets away from Happy.) 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!
WILLY: You better study with him, Biff. Go ahead now.
BERNARD: I heard him!
BIFF: Oh, Pop, you didn’t see my sneakers! (He holds up a foot for Willy to look at.)
WILLY: Hey, that’s a beautiful job of printing!
BERNARD (wiping his glasses): Just because he printed University of Virginia on his sneakers doesn’t mean they’ve got to graduate him. Uncle Willy!
WILLY (angrily): What’re you talking about? With scholarships to three universities they’re gonna flunk him?
BERNARD: But I heard Mr. Birnbaum say...
WILLY: Don’t be a pest, Bernard! (To his boys.) What an anemic!
BERNARD: Okay, I’m waiting for you in my house, Biff.
(Bernard goes off. The Lomans laugh.)
Excerpt(s) from DEATH OF A SALESMAN by Arthur Miller, copyright © 1949, renewed copyright © 1977 by Arthur Miller. Used by permission of Viking Books, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. All rights reserved.
Question
Use the passage to answer the question.
What is one way that Bernard’s reaction to the situation could be analyzed when interpreting this passage from the play?
(1 point)
Responses
He does not understand the true relationship between hard work and success.
He does not understand the true relationship between hard work and success.
He believes that Willy is not being strict enough in disciplining Biff.
He believes that Willy is not being strict enough in disciplining Biff.
He understands the implications of what will happen if Biff does poorly in school.
He understands the implications of what will happen if Biff does poorly in school.
He lacks respect for Biff and for the other members of the Loman family.
He lacks respect for Biff and for the other members of the Loman family.
1 answer