What a Simonizing Job!

Blog Post #3- 7/24/11  

    The phrase, "What a simonizing job," has been repeated many times so far. I wonder if this has any significance or if it simply a common phrase of the time. Another thing I noticed was that Willy says that Biff is too young to be "talking serious" to girls. This is quite ironic considering he appears to be in his thirties. I thought this was funny at first, but it is also a moment where Willy does not really understand how many years it has been since his sons were young.
     Willy talks to himself a lot. He says that Biff should do schooling when he is way past that point in his life. He has likely graduated by this time and schooling is usually completed by now. I understand after completing the book that Biff did not end up graduating. Also Willy is having flashbacks. Since I am reading this play rather than watching it, it took me a while to understand when the time would change from past to present. When it is in the past, Willy is much happier.
     He had big plans for his hot shot son Biff. At this time Biff is very concieted and very popular. He appears to be at the peak of his life in his high school days. He seems successful socially in high school which may be why Willy favors him over Happy. Ironically, the roles end up changing when the boys emerge into their adulthood. This is when Happy becomes the confident heartbreaker, and Biff is unsure of his next life move. Willy used to be so proud of Biff, and still expects this. Sadly Biff and thigns have changed and Willy cannot fully understand.
     I also notice that Biff seems to be living in a dream world. Popularity cannot get you good grades high enough to graduate. Biff is obviously the favorite child and frequently distracts Willy. He uses new sneakers and talking about sports to distract his father from his horrible academics. Instead of giving him a hard time about exceeding in school, Willy focuses on his athletic career. Biff uses his success in sports as a crutch to get by in school and attain scholarships.
     New character Bernard is trying to look out for him and his future. Willy assures him that his charisma and popularity will get him through high school and life. He also has this mindset for his own career and believes it is the best for him. Seeing how Willy turned out, and based on what I know in reality, is that this is not true. Popularity can only get you so far, because at some point you have to start putting in some hard work in order to really succeed. My prediction while reading was that this theory of success would not end up working out well for these Loman men.