Discussion Topic
Bernard's transformation and professional achievements in Death of a Salesman
Summary:
In Death of a Salesman, Bernard undergoes a significant transformation, evolving from a diligent student to a successful lawyer. His professional achievements include arguing a case before the Supreme Court, demonstrating his dedication and hard work, in stark contrast to Willy Loman's failed dreams and misguided priorities.
In Death of a Salesman, how has Bernard changed since childhood and what is his current profession?
Bernard's dynamic character is on display in his father's office for Willy to observe. Willy would hardly call Bernard "anemic" at this juncture.
Bernard has become self-confident through education and experience. Perhaps Bernard shudders with disgust when he recalls begging to carry Biff's football equipment into the locker room. Bernard's intellect and dedication have paid off; two character traits that Biff and Happy seem to be allergic to.
Bernard has always known that something "wasn't quite right" with Willy Loman, but he never questioned an adult's authority during his adolescence. Now that he has reached maturity, he questions Willy regarding Biff's Boston trip, something the old Bernard would never have done.
Bernard has not changed too much from when he was a boy. We first meet Bernard as a "bookworm" who greatly admires Biff. He is worried that Biff will "flunk math" (Act One), which Biff does. Later,...
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in Act Two in the flashback scene, Bernard just wants to carry Biff's football helmet because he admires him so much. Then when we meet Bernard again in Act Two, he is described as a "quiet, earnest, but self-assured young man." Bernard is on his way to DC to argue a case in front of the Supreme Court; he is a successful lawyer. As Biff has failed and lost his way, Bernard has succeeded through perseverance and diligence.
In Death of a Salesman, how does Bernard's life dramatically change over the play's timeline?
Bernard is used as a foil to compare his success to the dismal failure of Biff and Happy's lives, which of course is indirectly a comment on Willy Loman's failure as a father to bring up his children. Bernard is the son of Charley, who in the play is Willy's only friend and someone who tries to help him. Bernard was always mocked by Willy as a child, as he was studious and hardworking, but not good at sports in the same way that Biff and Happy were. Thus he was an object of scorn for Willy, who thought he wasn't "manly" enough. However, as an adult, he has worked hard to become a very good attorney, and is even going to argue a case in front of the Supreme Court. He stands as a living rebuke to Willy for the way in which Bernard has achieved the success to which his own boys have always worked towards but never managed to gain. Perhaps one of the most telling remarks that offers a subtle commentary on the differences between Charley and his son and Willy and his boys is that when Willy remarks that Bernard didn't mention about his case in front of the Supreme Court, Charley says:
He don't have to--he's gonna do it.
This of course contrasts quiet, purposeful action with the endless, impractical dreaming of Willy and his boys, that never gets further than mere speech.
Thus Bernard represents a character who has quietly but diligently worked at making a success of himself, and has succeeded. His purpose is as a foil to Biff and Happy, who, like their father, have not achieved their dreams.