One interpretation for why Willy is so secretive about starting a business is that he has no actual concrete plans for starting a business. This explanation suggests that Willy's aspiration to have his own business may be more of a dream or fantasy rather than a practical goal he is actively pursuing. His secretive nature points to his desire to maintain the illusion of having a grand plan for his future, even if he lacks the means or a realistic strategy to achieve it.
Death of a Salesman
by Arthur Miller
BIFF: Where’d you go this time, Dad? Gee we were lonesome for you.
WILLY (pleased, puts an arm around each boy and they come down to the apron): Lonesome, heh?
BIFF: Missed you every minute.
WILLY: Don’t say? Tell you a secret, boys. Don’t breathe it to a soul. Someday I’ll have my own business, and I’ll never have to leave home any more.
HAPPY: Like Uncle Charley, heh?
WILLY: Bigger than Uncle Charley! Because Charley is not — liked. He’s liked, but he’s not — well liked.
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.
In the present, it is revealed that Willy is still working as a traveling salesman. Based on this knowledge, what is one interpretation for why he is so secretive about starting a business?
(1 point)
Responses
He knows that the business he will start is going to fail.
He knows that the business he will start is going to fail.
He would much rather continue working as a salesman for the rest of his life.
He would much rather continue working as a salesman for the rest of his life.
He has no actual concrete plans for starting a business.
He has no actual concrete plans for starting a business.
He knows that his plans will lead to even more time away from his family.
1 answer
3 answers