Happy’s real name is Harold, but it is his nickname that sticks. The dynamics of the Loman family leave him allied with Biff, both seeking to please their parents. But similar to Willy, his father is only present for the oldest son. Happy also mirrors Willy’s relationship with his older brother Ben, he feels dependent on going along with what his brother is doing to succeed. Happy waits all his life for Biff to show him the way. Happy’s dream of breaking free, of being outside lies in the dream of promoting “sporting good” exhibitions once Biff gets the funds. Happy is a doer not a thinker. Already Biff had drawn Happy into womanizing, as Happy says “You taught me everything I know about woman” and Happy still waits for Biff to show him what
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And just like Willy clings to his vision of the old 84-year-old salesman and rationalizes success as being able to pick up a phone and call anyone, Happy holds to his vision of the store manager walking into the store and “waves” of people parting at his entrance. Happy is truly Willy’s son, he sees only what is in front of him and serves his appetites, he does not have the imagination or the confidence to work outside social …show more content…
Happy is an echo of Willy’s definition of “the man who makes an appearance in the business world”. He seems to have Linda’s (his mothers) practicality, even perhaps is her echo of blind love and simple mindedness. His concern about Willy is closely ties to his embarrassment about how others will see him; his sexual appetite is to replace achievement with revenge at the workplace for being overlooked. He will exaggerate even will outright lie to other people to have immediate advantage over long term success. When Happy denies Willy “ No, that’s not my father. He’s just a guy” he is motivated by frustration and not necessarily real meanness. Happy abandoning Willy at the restaurant can be seen as defiant revenge of never being recognized. If anything the motivation is Happy’s strong anxiety about public image that is the result of years of Willy’s instructions. Remember those countless Happy “ I'm losing weight, you notice, Pop?” and notice the only reply by Willy is “Jumping rope is good too.” Willy has given Happy no praise and no acknowledgment other than increased pressure. Happy’s empty vow to be successful will be Happy’s still chasing the mirage set up by Willy. Happy is the new replicating generation of Willy as it is only Happy who promises in the end he will “ settle down, to get married.” Happy’s complaint about work “everyone around me is so false that I’m constantly
And just like Willy clings to his vision of the old 84-year-old salesman and rationalizes success as being able to pick up a phone and call anyone, Happy holds to his vision of the store manager walking into the store and “waves” of people parting at his entrance. Happy is truly Willy’s son, he sees only what is in front of him and serves his appetites, he does not have the imagination or the confidence to work outside social …show more content…
Happy is an echo of Willy’s definition of “the man who makes an appearance in the business world”. He seems to have Linda’s (his mothers) practicality, even perhaps is her echo of blind love and simple mindedness. His concern about Willy is closely ties to his embarrassment about how others will see him; his sexual appetite is to replace achievement with revenge at the workplace for being overlooked. He will exaggerate even will outright lie to other people to have immediate advantage over long term success. When Happy denies Willy “ No, that’s not my father. He’s just a guy” he is motivated by frustration and not necessarily real meanness. Happy abandoning Willy at the restaurant can be seen as defiant revenge of never being recognized. If anything the motivation is Happy’s strong anxiety about public image that is the result of years of Willy’s instructions. Remember those countless Happy “ I'm losing weight, you notice, Pop?” and notice the only reply by Willy is “Jumping rope is good too.” Willy has given Happy no praise and no acknowledgment other than increased pressure. Happy’s empty vow to be successful will be Happy’s still chasing the mirage set up by Willy. Happy is the new replicating generation of Willy as it is only Happy who promises in the end he will “ settle down, to get married.” Happy’s complaint about work “everyone around me is so false that I’m constantly