Act 2. Discuss the scene between Willy and Ben, consider what advice Willy is asking of Ben, note Bens reply "let me think about it." What might miller be suggesting by it? What importance does this scene have in the play? What themes are evoked in it?
Ben's relationship with his brother Willy throughout the play exemplifies Willy's longing for the success that never comes. Ben profits from diamond mines, while Willy dies an unremarkable salesman, valuable, Willy thinks, only for his life insurance policy. Unlike Willy, Ben seemed to care less for the opinion of others. He struck out on his own in Alaska in search of riches, while Willy was more attracted to the idea of being a well-liked salesman.
In this final scene with Ben, however, the viewer becomes aware of how much Willy's mind is unhinged. "A man has got to add up to something" he says (Miller 119). The "twenty thousand dollar proposition" is not a business deal, although it is phrased like one, but the money the family will get if Willy dies (Miller 119). Willy sees dying as his last chance to make money, which is why Ben appears in his consciousness. Ben represents money and success in Willy's mind. But Ben also represents the idea of fighting, noting that suicide is cowardly.
At this moment in the play, the only thing keeping Willy alive is the fear that his son will hate him if he commits suicide. By the end of the scene, Willy has not yet come to a decision about committing suicide, which is why the 'Ben' part of his brain that still has hope of some financial dreams says "I'll think about it." Willy is almost convinced that suicide is the best option, but he is still paralyzed by his fear that his son will dislike him.
This is why, after realizing that Biff does like him, Willy resolves to die, as he feels that he can die a happy man. Ultimately, his death does not bring happiness to his family, particularly Linda. Willy thought that his family wanted a rich and successful man but what all of them really wanted was for Willy to be an emotionally available father and husband. This was something Willy could not give to them.
Works Cited
Miller, Arthur. The Portable Arthur Miller. New York: Penguin, 1995.
