Comparing Women In Fences And Death Of A Salesman

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Both Fences and Death of a Salesman occur in the late 1940’s to 1950’s. At this time after World War II, American women developed a role of homemakers. Many women acted as subordinate housewives within this time, and Linda and Rose are no exception. While the women do portray characters that are typical homemakers, they challenge this idea with each of their positions at the end of the plays. Each woman evolves from the stereotypical housewife to an independent, self relying woman throughout the story.
In Death of a Salesman, Linda spends the entirety of the play covering up for Willy and justifying his action to their sons. The play opens with a tired Willy confused and dazed after a long business trip. Linda wakes up and immediately starts assisting him because he is too dazed to …show more content…

Linda blames everyone but Willy for his insanity, including their son Biff. Linda is so loyal to Willy at the beginning of the play that she is willing to throw her own son under the bus if it means defending Willy. Linda states that Willy only becomes distraught when Biff is around because Happy has disappointed his father so much. Biff views his mother as very fragile but still respects her as the lady of the house. He comments on how grey her hair has gotten, adding to her frail image. Linda is a pacifist who is unable to defend herself. Linda is never seen anywhere other than the house in the play, adding to the “homemaker” idea of this time period. She is always waiting for Willy when he gets home and dutifully keeps the house in order. She is constantly folding laundry or cooking, stereotypical woman ideals. When she buys a new type of cheese, Willy gets honestly angry with her because he does not like change and this

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