In analyzing Bernard's reaction to the situation in this passage, one could argue that he understands the implications of what will happen if Biff does poorly in school. Bernard expresses genuine concern over Biff's academic performance and warns him about the potential consequences of failing math. This indicates that Bernard is aware of the importance of education for future success, especially in contrast to Willy's dismissive attitude towards academic achievement. His role as a character who prioritizes hard work and study highlights the theme of the relationship between effort and success in the play.
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 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. 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 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 believes that Willy is not being strict enough in disciplining Biff. He believes that Willy is not being strict enough in disciplining Biff.
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