Tuesday, 31 January 2012

My first impressions of Happy and Biff.

First impressions of Biff:

  • Biff appears to be quite a defeated character, this is shown through stage directions as he 'seems less self-assured'. Additionally, Biff's defeated attitude is showed through a contrast between the brothers, 'never allowed himself to turn his face towards defeat'. This suggests that Biff has either accepted defeat or he has seen/experienced more rejection in his life. 
  • Biff also appears to be the most realistic character in the play due to his individual (and realistic) view on the American Dream 'its a measly manner of existence...and still that's how you build a future'.
  • However, at the same time, Biff appears to be quite the idealist, this is not only shown through Happy's own view of Biff 'You're a - you're an idealist!' but also through Biff's dream of  owning his own ranch and living in the symbolically free west (which was the dream for many during the Great Depression) - '...maybe we could buy a ranch. Raise cattle, use our muscles.' 
  • Additionally, his name appears to symbolic of who Biff might be/appears to be. From the stage directions we know that Biff has quite a defeated attitude/air to him and so, along with his name, suggests that he has experienced an event/action that has 'biffed' him, and made him less 'self-assured'. (We discover late that he has been symbolically/metaphorically punched by his father when Willy burns his trainers in a 'furnace' showing that his dream has been taken away etc.)
  • Biff also appears to be self-critical, ' I've always made a point of not wasting my life...and I know all I've done is waste my life'. Furthermore, Biff appears to receive the most criticism -especially from Willy- in the play so far. (could also argue this shows that he a realistic character as he can see his own faults and failings). 
  • Additionally, Biff appears to have a moral compass (appears to be a decent character) because he appears to be truly upset about his father's condition/deterioration '...a look of pain crossed Biff's face' whereas the character Happy (who places the blame of Willy's problems on Biff) appears more selfish. 
  • Furthermore, Biff appears to less materialistic character compared to Happy, as he appears to appreciate certain/natural beauty ' nothing more inspiring or beautiful than a new colt'.  
  • Appears to be the non-stereotypical character of the play as he is against or can see the problems of the American Dream - ' And still- that's how you build a future.'  

Also appears to be the possible antagonist of the play, but despite being the antagonist to his Dad (Willy), he still wants him to be proud of him and appears to be insecure at time about how his father feels about him, 'Why does Dad mock me all the time. Everything I say there's a twist of mockery on his face. I can't get near him.' "What happened Biff? Where's the old humour, the old confidence?' suggests that Biff has been affected by Willy's criticism.

First impression of Happy:

  • First impression of Happy is that he appears to be quite a selfish character as he places Willly's illness on his brother, 'I think the fact that you're not settled...still kind of up in the air', and appears to be more concerned about how it is affecting him 'it's getting embarrassing' and not Willy.
  • His name appears to be ironic and maybe symbolic as it suggests that Happy won't be happy because he seems to follow his dad's imposed idea's of a dream and therefore, may lose his mind/dementia and never feel truly content with life and so therefore won't be happy. 
  • Additionally, Happy, like many others, appears to have achieved some form of success, 'my own apartment, a car, and plenty of women...' but is not happy with what he has '...and still god dammit I'm lonely' - He wants more and therefore appears to be a stereotypical character of those who follow the American Dream.  
  • He believes (or follows) the American Dream, and therefore appears to be not as realistic as Biff is. (However, could argue he is more realistic through that fact that he is not chasing an idealist dream/world like Biff is.)
  • Like Biff, Happy is also unsure about his life and the direction he wants it to take. Shown through stage directions, 'like his brother, is lost but in a 'different way.' and so suggests that even the American Dream can't promise happiness.  

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