Death of a Salesman - End of Act 1.

Overall, I feel the end of Act 1 helps draw the play and connect certain aspects of the play together, such as Willy's impact on the family and himself. Additionally, I also feel the end of Act 1 not only helps cement certain idea's/characteristics of each of the 4 main characters but it also helps prepare the audience for what is to come (and in many ways what to expect) in Act 2.

Main points/impressions made at the end of Act 1:

• I personally feel the end of Act 1 shows how little Linda truly knows Willy as she claims or states to Biff that it "takes so little to make him happy" and that Biff can make Willy happy through just saying "good night". I feel this shows that Linda knows little about Willy and his problems as throughout Act 1 it appears that Willy is never really happy or grateful for anything in his life as he is always criticising himself and others.
• Additionally, the end of Act 1 in many ways presents Biff as the tragic hero of the play because despite being blamed by Linda and Happy for Willy's problems "What'd you have to start that for?"and "Biff, his life is in your hands." he actually acts and tries to prevent Willy from committing suicide "[Biff wraps the tubing around his hand and quickly goes up the stairs.]" whereas Linda is more scared about hurting his pride than saving Willy's life, "How can I insult him that way?" (also presents Linda as quite an unrealistic character).
• Another impression I made of Biff during the end of Act 1 was that he appears to be taking on the responsibility and role of Willy in the house and is trying to make everything right, this is also shown through the action of him taking the pipe. It is also shown through 
• Furthermore, Biff is also presented as the most realistic character out of the family, as he acknowledges that he is no good in business, "Mom, I don't fit in business" whereas characters like Happy believe Willy's views that popularity will get you far, "...you never tried to please people."
• The final words of Willy appear to be quite childlike to me, "Gee, look at the moon moving between the buildings" and I feel it might suggest that there is a further downfall of Willy's state of mind in Act 2. 
• Additionally, Willy says "Everything'll be alright." which will create suspense and a sense of unease as the audience will know that this statement is too good to be true. 
• Finally, Happy appears to be craving and wanting attention as he randomly tells his mother that he is going to "get married soon", and suggest that he may be slightly jealous of Biff as he holds the attention of both his parents.