nce sees the tension between the two men in the following:When you write you’re coming, he’s all smiles, and talks about the future, and – he’s just wonderful. And then the closer you seem to come, the more shaky he gets, and then, by the time you get her, he’s arguing, and he seems angry at you. I think it’s just that maybe he can’t bring himself to- to open up to you. Why are you so hateful to each other? Why is that? (Miller 1712)Clearly, there is a struggle between the relationship of Willy and his son Biff. In Fences, Troy is also facing struggles with his son, Cory, and for many of the same reasons. Like Willy, Troy feels that his son is lazy and worthless because he does not have a real job. Cory loves football, and his dad will not let him play because of his attitude towards societies outlook on blacks and sports. Troy says, “[…] The white man ain’t gonna let you get nowhere with that football no way. You go on and get your book learning so you can work yourself up in that A&P or learn how to fix cars or build something, get you a trade […]” (Wilson 1851). Because Troy is bitter about his past, he takes it out on his son. Rich states that Troy’s “bitter, long-ago disappointment leads him to decree a different future for his son” (1991). Clearly, there is a struggle between the men and their sons in these plays.Obviously, many struggles are present in Death of a Salesman and Fences. First, Willy and Troy face struggles with society. Both men feel segregated from society and do not deal with these feeling very well. Second, Willy and Troy face struggles with their marriages. Both plays show examples of the husbands degrading and disrespecting their wives. Also, the men both commit adultery against their wives during the course of the play. Thirdly, Willy and Troy struggle in their relationships with their sons. Both men c...
