for what they can give him. When I was seventeen I walked into the jungle, and when I was twenty-one I walked out. And by god I was rich (1268). The reader learns about the character of Willy because he completely believes that this is an excellent way to make money. He obviously does not believe that a person has to put in hard work to achieve success, and that, in fact, Bens way is the way to go. The flashback also illustrates a fight between Ben and Biff. Ben says, Never fight fair with a stranger (1267). This shows his morals and values, that people cannot trust other people, and that people should always take advantage of other people they do not know. This also demonstrates the essence of Bens character. He believes that people should take advantage of what they can and use it for their own good in any way possible. Since Willy feels that Ben is a good example of a success, he believes in what he says and believes that his boys should follow this. The reader can possibly interpret that there is prior evidence that Willy believes he should take advantage of people when he tells Biff not to worry about his math and that Bernard will let him cheat off of him. This flashback provides more then just basic character traits. It reinforces the readers view of Willy as someone who tends to stretch the truth. At first, the reader is told that Ben pleaded with Willy to go to Alaska with him; yet, the reader soon sees that this is the case. Miller uses Ben again in Willys mind as an archetype. He has just been fired, and Willy cannot deal with the truth. He remembers a flashback that never actually happened and, is in fact, talking to Ben as he might if Ben were actually there in the present. When Willy says Oh Ben, how did you do it? What is the answer? the reader can see that Willy is looking towards his brother for help and for advice on how to make it in life (1267). He is feeling desperate with his current situation. ...
