Happy In Death Of A Salesman Analysis

Question:How does Happy try to be exactly what Willy was In the play Death of a Salesman, by Arthur Miller the character “Happy” can be described as a suck-up and a mirror image of his father “Willy.” He tries too hard to appeal to his parents, especially his father, he manipulates women, and lastly weather or not he is trying to, is following in his father's rough footprints. He means the best but Happy is very much not happy, just like his father. Happy is at a constant battle for approval from both of his parents. He tries to gain approval by mostly boasting about himself or complimenting either of his parents. However it all ends in the same conclusion. His parents just brush off what he says and pays little attention to what he is saying.

He makes unrealistic goals and turns on Biff in no time at all just like Willy. They both criticize Biff frequently then change to be a friendly “pal.” For example, Happy came up to Biff asking him “Is there any future for him out there.” Then only a few lines he compliments Biff saying how he’s an Idealist and Poet. Biff then brings up his plans of going out West and seeing if Happy would consider going along with him. Happy then says “That’s what I dream about, Biff. Sometimes I want to just rip my clothes off in the middle of the store and outbox that goddam merchandise manager. I mean I can outbox, outrun, and outlift anybody in that store, and I have to take orders from those common, petty sons-of-bitches till I can’t stand it any more.” Happy’s goals are very unrealistic. Another extreme goal Happy had throughout the play starting on page 45. Happy thinks they could realistically form two teams for basketball and waterpolo and that they would play each other. He says that it’s a million dollar idea. This is obviously an extreme idea just to pop into his head. Biff always talks about the things he’ll do in the future for example, near the end of the play, Happy says “ I’m getting married, Pop, don’t forget it. I’m changing everything. I’m gonna run that department before the year is up. You’ll see, Mom.” Finally, in his last statement in the play. He says “All right, boy. I’m gonna show you and everybody else that Willy Loman did not die in vain. He had a good dream. It’s the only dream you can have — to come out number-one man. He fought it out here, and this is where I’m gonna win it for him.” He will most likely follow in his dad’s footsteps down into the ground. Even though Happy is all of these things, he means the best for everyone. He dreams about a better life for his family. He tries to make his parent scare more about him. He tries to make his