nships, etc.). Since Willy's world is closing in on him, he begins to build an aura of personality. One instance where Willy's yarns catch up to him is when he tells his wife (Linda) that he made $1,200 in gross sales in Boston and Providence. As she calculates the commission Willy has to confess to her that he made only $70. Linda then tells Willy they owe $120 in bills; even in Willy's illusions he cannot face the reality that he is not a good salesman despite his enthusiasm. It is this enthusiasm, coupled with Willy's obsession to be well-like that drove him to have an affair with Mrs. Frances in Boston. Willy's affair was not for the love of the matter, but for the egotism due his constant rejection during his daily sales routine. The steady rejection inherent in sales further undermines Willy's self confidence and respect. Therefore, the affair is the idea that Mrs. Frances wants Willy because he is such a good salesman by selling himself to her; in her company, Willy feels the importance that was denied him every day during his sales routine (I thought it was obvious that Mrs. Frances knew he was a loser. But she too had very little self worth and allowed herself too be picked up for the price of a pair of stockings).The idea of being well-liked began early in Willy's life. He often spoke to his sons about the notion. I believe Willy recognized early in his own life that he was a failure and he was living vicariously through his sons, particularly Biff; Biff exemplified the characteristics that Willy strove for, great promise and leadership in his callingfootball. Biff appeared consumed by Willy's well-liked theory, this was apparent when Biff went to Boston to tell Willy that he failed math in hopes that Willy would convince his teacher to reverse the grade.The scene in Boston, where Biff confronts Willy with Mrs. Frances, is the climax of the play. We can envision Willy's entire life having been lived according to the theory of...
