Willy Loman’s two sons in Arthur Miller’s play Death of a Salesman are Biff Loman and Happy Loman. Throughout the play, their relationship with their father plays a crucial role in the unfolding narrative.
Biff, the elder son, is a former star athlete who struggles with finding his own identity and purpose. He experiences significant disillusionment, particularly after realizing that the ambitious dreams his father had for him were built on unrealistic expectations. Biff’s journey represents a quest for authenticity and self-acceptance.
Happy, the younger son, is often portrayed as the lighter-hearted character, yet he mirrors many of Willy’s flaws, such as the pursuit of superficial success. Happy continually seeks his father’s approval and embodies a similar drive for the American Dream, despite the emptiness that follows it.
Together, Biff and Happy symbolize Willy’s conflicting hopes for success and the tragic consequences of unattainable dreams. Their dynamics with Willy serve as a poignant commentary on familial relationships and the pressures of societal expectations.