Read the following extract from Arthur Miller's prescribed Non-African drama, *Death of a Salesman*, and answer the question that follows:
"I don't say he's a great man. Willy Loman never made a lot of money. His name was never in the paper. He's not the finest character that ever lived. But he's a human being, and a terrible thing is happening to him. So attention must be paid. He's not to be allowed to fall into his grave like an old dog. Attention, attention must be finally paid to such a person."
Which of the following best identifies the speaker and the primary thematic significance of this speech?
- Linda Loman, appealing to her sons to acknowledge their father's inherent worth and human dignity despite his worldly failures.Answer
- BBiff Loman, expressing bitter remorse for failing to live up to his father's high expectations in the business world.
- CHappy Loman, attempting to convince potential investors of his father's past achievements in sales.
- DCharley, delivering a funeral eulogy to explain that Willy's downfall was solely caused by his personal hubris.
Answer
Linda Loman, appealing to her sons to acknowledge their father's inherent worth and human dignity despite his worldly failures.
The extract is Linda Loman's iconic speech in Act 1 of *Death of a Salesman*. She addresses her sons, Biff and Happy, insisting that despite Willy's lack of financial wealth or social renown, his struggle as a human being demands respect and empathy.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Thematic analysis and character speech attribution in modern Non-African drama