“I have such strange thoughts.” (Miller 1671). This line from Act I of the story gives us insight into Willy's struggle to face reality. We quickly see that something is going on in Willy's mental state as he describes to his wife Linda why he came home from his business trip. As the story continues, we see Willy have imaginary conversations with a woman that reveal a pivotal moment in his relationship with his son Biff. Another of the people he has an imaginary conversation with is his brother Ben which continues throughout the narrative and leads Willy to eventually commit suicide. The show opens with Willy explaining to his wife why he returned from his business trip to Maine. . He explains to her that “suddenly he could no longer drive” (1670), and that “I had absolutely forgotten that I was driving” (1671). Later in the first act, when Linda talks to her sons, Biff and Happy, we learn that there have been numerous car accidents and that the insurance adjuster felt they may have been intentional (1694). He believes Willy is trying to kill himself and further evidence shows the boys a pipe he found connected to a gas line in the basement which must have been placed there by Willy. As the night goes on the boys hear their father having one of his imaginary conversations which grows in volume. Biff asks his mother why she never wrote to him about his ramblings and she tells him “How could I write to you? For more than three months you had no address." (1691). It is later revealed that Biff was serving time in prison (1731). “I won't let you darn socks in this house!” (184), this exclamation of Willy connects to his imaginary conversations with an unknown woman with...... middle of paper ......nteen. When I left I was twenty-one. And, by God, I was rich!” (1691), this links to Willy's final moments when an imaginary Ben tells him "The jungle is dark, but full of diamonds, Willy" (1733). The play ends with the family at Willy's grave and Linda observing that no one else has come but Charley. Willy chooses to relive past glories rather than face the reality of the problems plaguing his family. This has resulted in the dysfunctional relationship he has with his children. The pain of his failures ultimately leads him to commit suicide. The story is a poignant reminder that all is not as it seems in our neighbors' homes and should serve as a reminder not to let appearances get to us. Works Cited Miller, Arthur. “Death of a Salesman”. Norton's introduction to literature. Ed. Kelly J. Mays. Shorter 11th ed. New York: Norton, 2013. 1669-1735. Press.