Willy Loman Symbolism

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The stockings portray an image of Willy Loman’s affair with The Woman. The stockings are a symbol that constantly haunts Willy for his past. In the play, Willy says to Linda, “I won’t have you mending stockings in this house! Now throw them out (Miller Act 1: 26)!” Willy’s change in tone from being serene to tense reveals a strange discontent towards Linda mending stockings. This reminds him of all the guilt for his betrayal. In addition to this, for Biff Loman the stockings represent the revealing of the truth. The scene where Biff yells, “You—you gave her Mama’s stockings (Miller Act 11: 95)!” exposes the infidelity of Willy.
The West symbolizes hope for Biff and Happy Loman. “Listen, why don’t you come out West with me (Millers Act1: 12).” The West represents a new life and success for the brothers. Their dream of the west is to be their own boss, and be successful as free men on the fields. In addition to this, the west also means prosperity, popularity, and power.
The car symbolizes all the traveling Willy Loman has to do as a salesman, which leaves him exhausted as he chases for success. In addition to this, Willy Loman has had multiple attempts in committing suicide, including car accidents. The car accidents have drawn attention to Willy Loman’s condition. In the play, Willy
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Ben became wealthy at Alaska off of diamond mines. Ben Loman is Willy’s hope of becoming successful. Willy regrets not accepting the job opportunity Ben offered him when heading to Alaska. Ben constantly gave advice to Willy that would better his life. “William, get out of these cities, they’re full of talk and time payments and courts of law…you can fight for a fortune up there (Miller Act 11: 64).” However, the conversations between Ben and Willy have occurred in Willy’s imaginations, where Willy interprets them how he wants. “Couple of weeks ago we got a letter from his wife in Africa. He died (Miller Act 1:

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