What happened to Ben in Africa?
He is in a rush to catch a train and repeatedly urges Willy to go with him to Alaska. Questioned by Willy, Ben explains that he tried to follow their father to Alaska, but somehow ended up in Africa. Despite missing his intended continent, he struck it big in diamond mines.
What was Ben and Willy’s father?
Willy was first abandoned by his father and later by his older brother, Ben. Willy’s father was a salesman as well, but he actually produced what he sold and was successful, according to Ben, at least. Ben presents their father as both an independent thinker and a masculine man skilled with his hands.
What does Ben’s character represent?
Ben is essentially a symbol of good fortune, success, and the American dream.
How did Ben become rich in Death of a Salesman?
Ben became rich in the diamond trade while he was in Africa. It is implied that he did this through immoral or illicit means. Ben is Willy’s brother,…
How was Ben successful in Death of a Salesman?
As was mentioned in the previous post, Ben Loman is Willy’s successful older brother. Ben Loman made a fortune discovering diamond mines in Africa and appears in Willy’s imagination throughout the play. Ironically, Ben’s success is a result of a lucky mistake.
What is the significance of Ben in death of a salesman?
Willy Loman’s brother Ben is a minor yet important character in Arthur Miller’s ”Death of a Salesman”. Ben represents success, something Willy desperately wants to achieve; he also is a force that propels Willy towards his end.
What does Ben mean to Willy in the story?
Willy’s wealthy older brother. Ben has recently died and appears only in Willy’s “daydreams.” Willy regards Ben as a symbol of the success that he so desperately craves for himself and his sons. Willy’s mistress when Happy and Biff were in high school. The Woman’s attention and admiration boost Willy’s fragile ego.
Who are the main characters in death of a salesman?
The characters of Death of a Salesman consist of the Loman family, comprised of Willy, Linda, Biff and Happy; their neighbor Charley and his successful son Bernard; Willy’s employer Howard Wagner; and the “Woman in Boston,” with whom Willy had an affair.
What role does Ben play in the story?
He plays a prominent role in Willy’s dreams, appearing as a memory at various times. Ben has achieved the success that Willy has always desired, and in a final attempt to produce something with his life, Willy commits suicide at Ben’s urging.