Death of a Salesman
They all return to the house. The fully paid for house. The sight of it brings back a slight sob to Linda's throat, when she reaches the cement stoop her sobbing once again becomes full. Charley looks to her but is at a loss for words. Happy puts his arms around his mother and holds her. Biff only looks on at it all.
For a brief second he sees the Willy's fate in Happy's eyes as he holds Linda. Willy's death has brought Biff to know what he is more than ever. He's not a salesman and neither is Happy but Happy is just like is father and Biff fears nothing can be done to change the course of life Happy has chosen upon Willy's death.
The small grieving party enters the house and each takes a seat in the living room. Linda has gained control over herself again.
No one dares to say a word they each sit by themselves accompanied by their own thoughts.
Biff's mind is racing now. Thoughts of how his life will not end like Willy's. Biff has no master plan for his life he just wishes to begin his life. His real life. "Construction" Biff accidentally says allowed.
Everyone looks at him. What about construction. Happy says to Biff.
Tomorrow I'll look for a job in construction is Biff's reply. I'll start at the bottom and I'll gradually raise my position. Someday maybe architecture or engineering. By god I'm gonna do something with my life weather it's to my families approval or not.
Charley looks at Biff and says. Biff I don't know if this is the right time for this. It's sounds like a good idea to me but I honestly don't think this is the time to talk about it.
I'm sorry Charley you're right I'm going to bed now I'll see you all tomorrow. Biff stands up stretches his arms and back and goes off to bed.
Biff wakes up early the next morning. No one else has woken yet and Charley had gone home the night before. Despite the death of his father hanging over him like a dark, dreary cloud Biff is in an unexplainably great mood. He felt as if his life was just beginning on this day. He is wearing his blue suit, makes himself some eggs and toast, and has a cup of coffee. Then he was off to find an honest job.
Biff wanted to make a sort of amends with the old construction company him and Happy used to steal from. This was Biff's first choice. He arrived at the company building straitened himself out and went in. As he entered the lobby a young receptionist met him. Biff stated his business and asked if any job were open. The receptionist handed him an application to fill out. Biff took a seat by a window and started on the application. the first question he encountered was that of experience. Biff began to make up false places of employment for himself. When he noticed this was exactly what his father and happy would be doing he threw out the application and asked for another. If he didn't get the job honestly he didn't want the job at all. Biff put applications out for a few hours most places followed the basic routine as the first. Then he returned home.
Happy and Linda were in the kitchen eating lunch when he came in. Linda and happy ignored him so he made himself some lunch and sat down at the table with them.
What's with the "cold shoulder" you guys are giving me. Biff asked.
We aren't giving you a "cold shoulder" we simply don't have anything to say to you was Linda's reply.
Well would you like to hear about my day?
The phone rang just as he finished his question. Linda got up to answer it.
It's for you Biff. It's the Altec construction agency.
Biff took the phone and said thanks mom. Linda reproached Biff's thanks with an uh-huh and she sat down to her meal again.
Biff hung the phone and told Linda and Biff that they wanted him to come in for an interview right away. I just put the application in this morning and they want to interview me already. Isn't that great guys!
That's good was Linda's only reply.
You know what Mom, Happy I really don't care how you feel about me but I'm not going to let you two financially fade away just because you dislike me. If I get this job you are getting a portion of my paycheck whatever you need to keep yourselves afloat. I'll move out if that's what you want. The only thing you'll ever see from me is my money!
With all that said Biff left the house not waiting for a reply he didn't expect.
Biff arrived at the Altec company building still in his blue suit before he entered he looked at the suit and wished he hadn't worn it. the suit went along with his father's belief of image being foremost important. Biff no longer wanted a job simply for his image. Biff entered the building walked straight to the receptionist and stated his name. The receptionist told him that Mr. Lansing, the personnel manager was expecting him and she pointed towards the office door Labeled Personell Manager, Mr. Lansing. Biff thanked the receptionist and he walked over to the door. Before Biff knocked however he took the suit coat off and set it on a chair then he knocked on Mr. Lansing's office door.
A man dressed in a suit very similar to Biff's opened the door and said hello my name is Mr. Lansing please come in and take a seat. Biff followed Mr. Lansings instruction and sat down in a comfortable leather chair in front of Mr. lansing's fine Cherry desk. By the look of the personnel manager's office Biff thought to himself that this company must be quite successful and he was assured that he wasn't making a mistake with this business venture.
Okay Mr. Loman lets get started. Mr. lansing asked Biff a few simple questions. Then he asked Biff when the soonest he could start.
I could start today if you want me to Biff told him.
Great Biff you see a few of our workers have recently left the company to begin their own and we are in desperate need right now. I don't want to rush you into it. So we won't start you today but how's tomorrow sound around 12:00am at the Westmore Voice recording construction site on Philips street.
That would be great Mr. Lansing. The sooner I can make some money the better.
Please call me Charles I try and keep good relations with our employees and I want you to know that if you ever have any problems or comments to come to me with them. Okay.
Sure thing Mr.... Charles.
All right then you will be met by Bryan Acker tomorrow at the construction site. He's a fellow worker and he'll provide you with any training you need. Have a good day and good luck Biff
Thank you Charles I'll see you again.