Examine the presentation of Linda in this part of the play.Extract -Page 38, Linda: No. You can't just come to see me Page 41, Linda: Shallowness of the water that saved him.

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Examine the presentation of Linda in this part of the play.

Extract -Page 38, Linda: No. You can't just come to see me

Page 41, Linda: Shallowness of the water that saved him.

When we first meet Linda, she appears to be a 'jovial' woman; content with her husband and accepting of his faults and behaviour. She is described as a doting, loving wife with little confidence and self esteem, which she requires to follow through with her own ambitions. Yet, she is adequately happy to live through Willy. It is this first impression that makes Linda's behaviour in the given extract so shocking, but touching. She is standing up for herself, having her voice heard on Willy's behalf, as if she is in debt to him because she has lived her life through him. She is acting completely out of character and is very open. This is the complete opposite to what we expect from Linda; normally a very quiet, caring, withdrawn woman. At this point, she is still showing total devotion to Willy, acting out and opening up for his sake. She is extremely loyal to him throughout the extract, even though he has wronged her in the past and failed to provide the American Dream for them both. This indicates a very focused, mentally strong and capable woman, acting with total altruism.

It is obvious from Linda's unexpected outburst and attitude that she is desperately worried for Willy because of his state of mind. The way she is seemingly pleading with her sons is a cry for help on Willy's behalf. As an adoring wife, Linda totally understands Willy and understands that he needs help and support to overcome his unstable position. Linda feels that Biff and Happy are being ungrateful towards their father's hardship after all he provided for them and the encouragement he gave them. Linda is now refusing to overlook the filial ingratitude Willy is experiencing like she once did. This implies that Linda's confidence and self esteem is rising. Linda's awareness of Willy's state of mind and her son's ingratitude is emphasized by the simile: 'He's not to be allowed to fall into his grave like an old dog'. This indicates that Linda still has great respect towards Willy, and wants his old age to be dignified, with the love and support of his family. The repetition of 'attention' implies that the boys are too self-focused and shows Linda's urgency and immediacy in obtaining help off Biff and Happy. This could also be interpreted, however, as Linda acting desperately because she no longer knows how to act or what to do in her present situation, or Linda taking charge and trying to change the circumstances her and Willy are currently.
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At the beginning of the extract, Linda tests her authority over Biff and Happy. She orders Biff to make up his mind, commanding him not to visit her unless he visits to see both Linda and Willy. This again indicates complete loyalty and faithfulness to Willy from Linda. Her speech is dominated with devotion and passion, implied mainly by the stage direction 'with a threat of tears'. This stage direction suggests Linda is desperate for help. She obviously loves Willy passionately and unconditionally to be so frantically worried, and by threatening tears, she is making her sons feel ...

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