A diamond is hard and rough to the touch.
Ben’s final mantra of “The jungle is
dark, but full of diamonds” in Act II turns Willy’s suicide into
a moral struggle and a matter of commerce. His final act, according
to Ben, is “not like an appointment at all” but like a “diamond . . . rough and hard to the touch.” As opposed to the fruitless, emotionally
ruinous meetings that Willy has had with Howard Wagner and Charley,
his death, Ben suggests, will actually yield something concrete
for Willy and his family. Willy latches onto this appealing idea,
relieved to be able finally to prove himself a success in business.
Additionally, he is certain that with the $