What is biff and willys relationship like?

Answer 1

In the play The Death of a Salesman Willy Loman and Biff are father and son. Willy puts Biff on a pedestal always believing the impossible. When Biff was young Willy pushed him forwarded and was very proud of him. He was the son whom Willy had attached him dreams upon. When Biff got into trouble his father tried to bail him out. Willy carried a false sense of Biff's accomplishments and abilities which Biff covered nicely.

Willy and Biff got along fairly well until Biff caught Willy in a hotel room with another woman. Biff was in his teens and was devastated to see that his father had given the woman the stockings that he had always brought for his mother. It was a turning point in their relationship.

Biff feels like he can not live up to his father's expectations. It is easier for him to lie and give his father the stories that he wants to hear instead of the truth. When Biff finally comes to terms with his own behaviors and short comings he tries to tell his father the truth. Willy can not handle the truth. At first Biff is angry but as he sees his father's mental deterioration he tries to fix the situation. He feels pity for his father towards the end of Willy's life.

Answer 2

Biff and Willy's relationship is complex and strained. Biff is Willy's older son who struggles to live up to his father's expectations and dreams. They have a contentious relationship marked by unresolved conflicts, misunderstandings, and resentment. Despite their differences, there is also a strong emotional bond between them that surfaces at moments of vulnerability.