Death of a Salesman

What does Willy's reaction to Biff's theft of the football tell us about Willy? He says the boys look like Adonises. What other clues show that Willy believes in appearances?

Act One

Asked by
Last updated by Aslan
Answers 1
Add Yours

Adonis was a Greek demigod who was considered the most handsome of all the gods. He was a model of perfection and unattainability. In saying that his sons look like Adonises, he is saying that they are perfect models of, in his case and in the context of the themes of this play, the American Dream because they have reached such perfection through their abilities. Most parents would scold their sons for theft of any kind, but Willy’s reaction is quite the opposite, instead taking pride in his sons abilities and perfection.

Source(s)

http://www.enotes.com/death-of-a-salesman/q-and-a/what-does-willys-reaction-biffs-theft-football-182613