Chapter Summary of Death of a Salesman - Study Guide by Arthur Miller

Act 2 Part 7 (c.1942)

Happy and Biff eat together. Biff’s meeting with Oliver was not a success. Oliver kept him waiting for six hours and then only spoke to him for one minute. Biff realized what a mess he had made of his life and how pointless it was trying to repair things. Biff wants to explain this to Willy, but Happy discourages him.

Act 2 Part 8 (c.1942)

Willy arrives at the restaurant. He is frantic to hear about Biff’s interview. Willy tells the boys that he has been fired. He then imagines with what fondness Bill Oliver would have greeted Biff. Biff becomes angry declaring, "I can’t talk to him!"

Act 2 Part 9 (c.1942)

The young Bernard appears in Willy’s mind and reminds him the Biff failed maths. Willy accuses Biff of this and Biff becomes more and more frustrated, wanting to tell Willy what happened today. Two girls come and pick up Happy, who, as his name suggests, is a hedonist, living only for the moment. Willy hears a woman calling to him to come and open the door. Biff leaves and the girls and Happy follow him.

Act 2 Part 10 (c.1928 - c.1942)

Willy and a woman are in a hotel room in Boston. A knock on the door. It is Biff, coming to tell his father that he failed maths. The woman comes out and demands the stockings that Willy promised her. Willy pleads with Biff for understanding when the waiter interrupts in the present. Willy asks where he can buy some seeds.

Act 2 Part 11 (c.1942)

Biff and Happy arrive home with flowers for Linda. She is angry at the way they treat their father. Willy is outside in the garden planting seeds.

Act 2 Part 12 (c.1942)

Willy is planting and discussing with Ben the prospect of killing himself and leaving Linda the insurance money. Like the seeds in the garden, Willy wants to leave something tangible to his family. Willy talks about how glorious his funeral will be - people will come from all over New England.

Act 2 Part 13 (c.1942)

Biff comes out to see Willy. Willy wants to know about Bill Oliver and they argue. Willy tries to make amends. Biff breaks down.

Act 2 Part 14 c.1942)

Willy is amazed that Biff has cried. He now has great faith in Biff. Ben and Willy talk long into the night about the proposal. Willy turns to go inside. Ben reminds Willy:

"Time William, time."

A car drives off into the night.

Requiem