Charley’s character in the play represents someone whom Willy had strived to be and had often times become quite jealous of. Despite this, Charley is Willy’s oldest friend and by the end of the play becomes his one and only financer, loaning him fifty dollars a week. Charley also represents someone who takes life easy, someone who is realistic and can determine the difference between fantasy and reality. This is the main difference between the two friends, and results in how one of them is a successful businessman and the other a struggling salesman. The text also suggests that Charley cares enough for his friend to offer him a job. Willy refuses emphatically as his pride will not allow him to work for his friend; notwithstanding the fact that Charley is frustrated over Willy’s delusions and unrealistic dreams. Charley was a great comrade, one that offered compassion and support throughout Willy’s toughest ordeals.
During Charley’s speech in the requiem, the text suggests that Charley valued Willy’s worth as a human being. The dialogue appears to be a semi-eulogy that is filled with much compassion and understanding of the struggle that his friend has encompassed in his lifetime. “Nobody dast blame this man... For a salesman, there is no rock bottom to the life. He don’t put a bolt to a nut, he don’t tell you the law or give you medicine. He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. And then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory.” (101). From this extract, Charley actually romanticizes Willy’s life and makes it sound as if it were one that was full of excitement, passion and adventure. This lasting tribute is one that signifies the respect that Charley has for his friend.
Within the confines of Charley’s speech, the mood is one of sadness and depression. The theme of loss is present as well. Charley’s dialogue masks his earlier exasperation towards Willy’s lack of direction and reality in life. The speech also contains repetition, in which Charley frequently says “Nobody dast blame this man.” (101). This was perhaps used by the author, to put across the idea and emphasize strongly that it was not Willy’s fault that he ended up in the unfortunate circumstance that he is in. One way or another, when Charley speaks it is as though Arthur Miller himself steps in and gives his crude view of the society; its flaws and how its victims suffer in the end. Miller believes that a man has to have self-respect and morals in order to save himself from this type of imperfect society.
Charley is the pillar of strength in the funeral; he gives advice to Linda, utters words of wisdom to Willy’s sons and at the same time speaks highly of his friend. The requiem is symbolic of the gift of friendship, from Charley to Willy. Were it not for Charley’s attendance, the whole funeral would have been insignificant due to the fact that no one else was there except Willy’s family. Charley’s importance in the play indicates Willy’s meaning and value as a human being that once strived for something he could never achieve. In the process of doing so, he has forgotten the most important values and morals in life. This is where Charley pities his friend, but he does so with respect. In the requiem, Charley regards Willy as thought he were a truly great person.
The requiem of the play is filled with sad emotions that show the sense of loss that Willy’s family and friends feel. Charley, a vital character to this part of the play, wraps up Willy’s legacy and admits that he was a hard worker that often deserved more than what he bargained for. The eulogy that Charley gives is unanticipated yet; it shows the compassion and care that he had for Willy, a lasting friendship that no one else offered.
Bibliography:
Miller, Arthur. Death of a Salesman. Dramatists Play Service, Inc., 1998.
