The first part of Act II presents several different concepts of the path to success and measure of success in America, represented by the quotes below.

1. Do 2nd draft reading of these passages, thinking carefully about the pathway/route to success or measure of manhood/success represented by the quote.
2. Comment on this list as a whole or any of these individually. Consider writing about any of the following: In your opinion, which of these are true? Which of these are most prevalent in America today, most commonly used by people? Which do you believe in? Which matter to you? Which are lies, providing false hope? Who in your life do you see following these paths or using these measures? Are any of these more “honorable” than others? (400 words)

1. Willy: You wait, kid, before it’s all over we’re gonna get a little place out in the country, and I’ll raise some vegetables, a couple of chickens. . . (72)

2. Willy: And they’ll get married, and come for a weekend. I’d build a little guest house. ‘Cause I got so many fine tools, all I’d need would be a little lumber and some peace of mind. (72)

3. Linda: All told, about two hundred dollars would carry us, dear. But that includes the last payment on the mortgage. After this payment, Willy, the house belongs to us. . . It’s an accomplishment. (73)

4. Linda: Well, it (the house) served its purpose.

Willy: What purpose? Some stranger’ll come along, move in, and that’s that. If only Biff would take this house, and raise a family . .

5: Linda (to Biff): And be sweet to him tonight, dear. Be loving to him. Because he’s only a little boat looking for a harbor. (76)

6. Howard: I tell you Willy, I’m gonna take my camera, and my bandsaw, and all my hobbies, and out they go. This is the most fascinating relaxation I ever found. . . Sure, they’re only a hundred and a half. You can’t do without it.  (78)

7. Howard: “Cause you gotta admit, business is business. (80)

8. Willy: “And when I saw that, I realized that selling was the greatest career a man could want. ‘Cause what could be more satisfying than to be able to go, at the age of eighty-four, into twenty or thirty different cities, and pick up a phone, and be remembered and loved and helped by so many different people? (81)

9. Willy: “There were promises made across this desk! You mustn’t tell me you’ve got people to see – I put thirty-four years into this firm, Howard, and now I can’t pay my insurance! You can’t eat the orange and throw the peel away – a man is not a piece of fruit!” (82)

10. Willy: “I can’t throw myself on my sons. I’m not a cripple!” (84)

11. Willy to old Ben – “I am building something with this firm, Ben, and if a man is building something he must be on the right track, mustn’t he?” (85)

12. Willy to old Ben - “Without a penny to his name, three great universities are begging for him, and from there the sky’s the limit, because it’s not what you do, Ben. It’s who you know and the smile on your face! It’s contacts, Ben, contacts! The whole wealth of Alaska passes over the lunch table at the Commodore Hotel, and that’s the wonder, the wonder of this country, that a man can end with diamonds here on the basis of being liked! (To Biff) And that’s why when you get on that field today it’s important. Because thousands of people will be rooting for you and loving you.” (86)

13. Willy (to Charley): Who the hell do you think you are, better than everybody else? You don’t know everything, you big, ignorant, stupid. . . Put up your hands! (90)

14. Charley – “Willy, when’re you gonna realize that them things don’t mean anything? You named him Howard, but you can’t sell that. The only thing you got in this world is what you can sell. And the funny thing is that you’re a salesman, and you don’t know that.” (97)

15. Bernard (about Biff): “He never trained himself for anything.” (92)

16. Consider: Why is Howard successful? Why is he in the position he’s in? By what measure would people call him a success?

17. Consider: Why is Bernard successful? Why is he in the position he’s in? By what measure would people call him a success?