In Death of a Salesman, it is evident that Linda's character is one that is sees reality and acts as Willy's one tie to that reality. She defends him when others attack (even her own sons) and at this particular section in the play, it shows that she may really know that he's despondent, lost his job, and has been trying to kill himself. She tries to save him from the downward spiral by being loving and supporting, but in the end, it doesn't work.
