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   mshurn Teacher
   College - Freshman

   eNotes Editor

   Willy's advice and guidance fairly guaranteed that Biff would fail not only in high school, but also in life. When Biff was growing up, Willy advised him, above all else, to be popular. Willy encouraged Biff to lie, cheat, and steal in order to get ahead and praised him when he succeeded in those endeavors. Willy did not hold Biff accountable for his actions; when Biff got himself into trouble, the fault always belonged to someone else. When Biff, for instance, failed a math test and would not graduate, Willy's first reaction was that Bernard had not given him the answers, as he usually did and as Willy expected him to do. Willy's advice in numerous situations led to Biff's ultimate failure. The most destructive advice Willy gave his son was the idea that appearances are more important than truth.

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   Posted by mshurn on Sunday October 25, 2009 at 1:35 PM