Thought of one aspect of Death of a Salesman (page 83)

Biff burning his University of Virginia trainers 

One aspect that stood out to me whilst I was reading Death of a Salesman (up to page 83) was when Bernard tells Willy about Biff burning his University of Virginia trainers when he came back from Boston. This stood out to me because throughout the play Biff has appeared to be the antagonist and, despite Willy not actually knowing of this action, it appears that Biff has burnt his trainers to be spiteful to his father, especially since Bernard asks, "What happened in Boston Willy?". Furthermore, this point appears to be backed up by the fact that Bernard had mentioned earlier (a page before) about Biff not going to summer school, "Did you tell him not to go to summer school?", to which Willy replied, " I begged him to go, I ordered him to go!"
 thus suggesting that not only did Biff turn away from his dream (and Willy's) of being a successful man -in society's eyes- but he did it to anger and upset his father.

This also stood out because earlier in the play it appeared that Biff knew something about The Woman, "Biff [sharply contained] 'What woman?'" and therefore, along with the mention of Willy in Boston, suggests/implies that Biff may have found out about The Woman, or at least suggests that something Willy did affected and upset Biff enough to retaliate and become the antagonist of the play.

Additionally, it stood out to me because Biff's action of burning his University trainers appeared to be symbolic or a metaphor of Biff's dream . I believe it is meant to be representative of his feelings and how Biff feels his dreams have gone up in flames, thus the burning of his shoes. I also feel the burning of the shoes could be symbolic of the link between Willy and Biff and their relationship, almost as if Biff is burning his ties with his dad. This is because throughout the play is has appeared that the only connection Biff and Willy had was over sharing the dream and belief that Biff could succeed and be amazing, and so it appears that Biff's burning of the shoes is how he can disconnect himself from his Dad and his life before being the ranch man 'out West'.

Other points:

• Even though Willy has just lost his job his pride still stops/prevents/inhibits him from accepting the job from Charley, 'What's the matter with you? I've got a job', 'I'm strapped. I was just fired.'
• Happy's actions and treatment to the Girl - appeared to be bragging at time to Stanley, proud that he could get any girl he wants.
• Biff's action of stealing the fountain pen from Bill Oliver and then being told by Happy to lie to Willy.
• Willy being proud of Bernard, even though in his memories or flashbacks of when Biff was on the football team he mocked and hated Bernard and claimed he would be a failure.