Death of a Salesman

by Arthur Miller

Death of a Salesman: Foil 2 key examples

Foil
Explanation and Analysis—Biff vs. Bernard:

Through its portrayals of Biff and Bernard, Death of a Salesman stages a contest of brains and brawn to showcase America’s competing socioeconomic trends. Closely paired—and compared—against each other as foils, Biff and Bernard’s narrative arcs reveal the direction of America’s changing priorities.

Act 2
Explanation and Analysis—Like Father, Like Son:

A major conflict in Death of a Salesman is the long-running grudge between Willy and Biff. Miller plays the two off each other to express the frustration of their unmet longings and contrast the trajectories of their struggle. By revealing the parallels and differences between father and son, the character foils complicate the audience’s understanding of both.

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