Willy shows that he is aware of her noble character when, at the beginning of the play, he says, “You’re my foundation and my support, Linda,” This is an important part of Linda’s character for without this support, Willy would be helpless.
Later on in the play, Willy tells Linda how much he respects and loves her when he says, “You’re the best there is, Linda, you’re a pal,” This is an important role that she must fulfil, for Willy’s character needs people to like him.
At the end of the book, when Willy is processing the idea of suicide, he says to the non-real Ben, “The woman has waited and the woman has suffered,” This shows how Linda has stood by Willy, even in times of great hardship and suffering.
When Biff and Happy are talking about their ideal woman, they give the characteristics of Linda herself. Happy says, “Somebody with character, with resistance! Like Mom, y’know?” This proves that her two sons know Linda is a resilient and loyal person.
At the end of Act 1, Happy also praises his mother, by saying, “They broke the mould when they made her,” This tells us that Linda is unique and unfaltering in the face of Willy’s problems i.e. when he got fired and put on commission.
A substantial role of Linda is to persist in making Willy see sense e.g. when he went outside with his slippers still on Linda kept shouting, “But Willy, with your slippers on?” Sometimes, however, Willy attempts to quieten her by shouting, “Will you stop!” This angers Biff greatly.
Biff seems amazed by how old Linda looks and that, even though she is nearing the end of her life, Linda still cares for and looks after Willy lovingly.
Biff calls Linda his “Pal” for he not only sees her as a mother, but also as a good friend.
When Ben comes to visit the Lomans, Linda begins to distrust him. This is because he represents the idea, to Willy, that there is a quick route to success when, in reality, Linda knows this is just false hope which is eluding and destroying her husband.
To conclude, it is my belief that the most important aspects to Linda’s role and character are that she is resistant and resilient to the pressures placed on both her, and on the family unit. Also the fact that she is critical to Willy as his foundation and support – without her he would crumble.
