Write a short note on the character of Biff Loman.
Death of A Salesman is a notable literary work by Arthur Miller. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Death of A Salesman.
Answer
Write a short note on the character of Biff Loman. [2018]
Biff Loman is the elder son of Willy and Linda Loman in “Death of a Salesman” (1949) by Arthur Miller (1915–2005). He is thirty-four years old, confused, and searching for truth in life.
Biff was once full of promise. In high school, he was a popular football player and Willy’s pride. Willy believed Biff would be a great man. But his bright future ended when he discovered his father’s affair in Boston. This moment broke his trust and changed his life.
After that, Biff left home and worked on farms in the West. He loves outdoor work and feels free there. Willy wants Biff to become rich and famous. But Biff wants a simple life close to nature. He says,
“I don’t know what the future is… what I’m supposed to want.”
This shows his confusion and inner pain.
Biff is honest and realistic. He knows that he and Willy are ordinary men, not heroes. He says, “We never told the truth for ten minutes in this house!” Through this truth, Biff stands for reality against illusion. At the end, Biff feels sorrow for his father’s death but refuses to live by false dreams. He chooses a simple and truthful life.
Thus, Biff Loman is a symbol of honesty and self-realization. He represents the voice of truth in a world of lies and failed dreams.