The Function of Uncle Ben, Charley and Bernard in Death of a Salesman

The Function of Uncle Ben, Charley and Bernard in Death of a Salesman

In Death of a Salesman, we find Willy Loman to be influenced greatly

by other characters. His emotions and views are almost solely affected

by what others think, and how others treat him. Aside from his own

family members, there are three characters in particular that have a

large impact on Willy. Uncle Ben is Willy's deceased brother, who

Willy is very fond of, although perhaps secretly jealous of. Charley

is the Loman family's next door neighbour, a friend and a successful

salesman. Bernard is Charley's son. He worked hard at school and is

now a successful lawyer.

Uncle Ben, who we see alive in the flashbacks, travelled to the jungle

and came out a rich man. Uncle Ben is an emotionally and

intellectually free man. He is not confined by any psychological

restraints such as children or a wife, and is a ruthless business man.

When invited to venture to the jungle in one flashback we see, Willy

could of course not join him, and leave his family and job. Later he

regrets turning down the opportunity after seeing what a success Ben

was and how he had fulfilled the dream so perfectly. He is, for Willy,

a symbol of all that is "good in the land of opportunity".

"When I was seventeen I walked into the jungle, and when I was

twenty-one I walked out. And by god I was rich."

This statement is influential for Willy, because it is a prime example

of the American Dream which Willy longs to achieve. The American Dream

is to achieve success in a respectful career; gaining wealth,

popularity and social status through honest decent hard work. Ben has

achieved this in Willy...

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Bernard is a symbol for the hard work needed to achieve the American

dream. His presence clearly shows how differently Biff and Happy have

been brought up to Bernard.

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All of these three characters affect Willy greatly, whether it be his

dreams, parenting or morals. The function of these characters is to

enhance our background knowledge of willy which means we gain an

improved understanding of him and what has influenced him. They add

other outside opinions and views to a play very focused on one family

with all the same disillusions. Each of these men show wisdom,

intelligence and self-knowledge; all qualities Willy lacks, which

provides an interesting contrast. The great success of these

characters helps to highlight the tragic flaws that willy possesses,

and will cause his failure and downfall.