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Act I
Part 1
Willy Loman arrives home early from a sales trip one evening. His wife, Linda, suggests he get a job in the city. Meanwhile, their sons, Happy and Biff, reflect on their youth and their hopes for the future.
Read a full Summary & Analysis of Act I, Part 1.
Part 2
Willy recalls a memory of his sons from years ago, in which he says that they will be more successful than their neighbor Charley’s son, Bernard, even though Biff is on the verge of failing the math class he needs to pass in order to graduate. Linda reassures Willy that he is successful enough in business.
Read a full Summary & Analysis of Act I, Part 2.
Part 3
Willy has a daydream of him and his unnamed mistress in a hotel room. Still in the past, Linda and Willy argue about Biff’s unruly behavior toward women. In the present, Charley and Willy play cards, but Charley leaves disturbed as Willy seemingly speaks to his dead brother Ben.
Read a full Summary & Analysis of Act I, Part 3.
Part 4
In the present, the Lomans wake up to Willy shouting to himself outside. It is revealed that the family is not doing financially well, and Linda suggests that Willy has attempted suicide multiple times. Biff and Happy detail their plans for the future.
Read a full Summary & Analysis of Act I, Part 4.
Act II
Part 1
Willy asks his boss Howard for a non-traveling job in New York City. Willy is subsequently fired as he is unable to accept Howard’s rejection.
Read a full Summary & Analysis of Act II, Part 1.
Part 2
Willy has a conversation with Bernard in Charley’s office, which angers Willy as he believes that Bernard blames him for Biff’s failures in life. Charley offers Willy a job after learning that he was fired, but Willy refuses and takes Charley’s money. Before Willy leaves Charley’s office, Willy insists that the key to success is being well liked, an assertion that Charley rebukes.
Read a full Summary & Analysis of Act II, Part 2.
Part 3
At dinner, Willy has a nervous breakdown after learning that Biff’s “Florida Plan” has failed. Happy and Biff argue, ultimately rushing out the restaurant and leaving Willy alone in the restroom.
Read a full Summary & Analysis of Act II, Part 3.
Part 4
Willy recalls the memory of Biff discovering his affair with his mistress in Boston. Shocked by his father’s infidelity, Biff vows to forego asking for a passing grade in his math class and going to college. In the present, Stanley, the waiter at the restaurant, snaps Willy out of his day dream.
Read a full Summary & Analysis of Act II, Part 4.
Part 5
When the boys return home, Biff confronts Willy as he manically plants a garden, and the two have a heated argument. Though Biff is noticeably distressed, Willy becomes strangely happy because he believes that Biff likes him. Happy, Biff, and Linda hear Willy’s car drive off into the night.
Read a full Summary & Analysis of Act I, Part 5.
Requiem
At Willy’s funeral after his suicide, Biff and Charley discuss the importance of a salesman having a dream. Happy commits to achieving his father’s dream of becoming a successful businessman. Linda has a final moment in private with Willy and sobs while claiming that they are now free.
