In this extract, taken from the tragedy "Death of a Salesman", a social criticism on the American Dream by the Pulitzer Award winner playwright Arthur Miller, we are basically introduced to Willy's health problems and his complains about his son Biff via his conversation with Linda, at the beginning of Act1.

The author underlines the theme of dysfunctional families and Willy's characterization in this dialogue. Through Willy's tempered complains about the family's tramped relations, Arthur Miller acknowledges the reader about Willy's immoderate reactions and Biff's decision on the way of making a life, which seems to be in opposition to his father's approach. Willy clearly shows this opposition with the words; "How can he find himself on a farm? Is that a life"", whereas he doesn't talk specifically about his complains for Happy. The author is trying to make the difference...