Biff’s Monologue from ‘Death of a Salesman ‘ by Arthur Miller
In Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, Biff Loman delivers a pivotal monologue beginning with "Now hear this, Willy, this is me." This speech marks a crucial moment in the play, as Biff confronts his father, Willy Loman, revealing painful truths about his own failures and the unrealistic expectations imposed upon him.
Synopsis
Biff, the elder son of Willy Loman, has struggled to find his path, burdened by his father's grandiose dreams and expectations. In this monologue, Biff confesses his past mistakes, including theft and imprisonment, and acknowledges how his father's inflated perceptions have hindered his ability to accept authority and find stability. This moment serves as a cathartic release for Biff, as he seeks to shatter the illusions that have plagued their family.
What’s Just Happened Before This Moment That’s Relevant to the Scene?
Prior to this monologue, Biff attempts to secure a business loan from Bill Oliver but is dismissed, leading him to realize the extent of his self-deception. Returning home, he confronts Willy, who remains entrenched in his delusions of success. Frustrated, Biff decides to confront both his father and himself with the unvarnished truth, leading to this heartfelt confession.
Original Text
"Now hear this, Willy, this is me. You know why I had no address for three months? I stole a suit in Kansas City and I was jailed. I stole myself out of every good job since high school! And I never got anywhere because you blew me so full of hot air I could never stand taking orders from anybody! That's whose fault it is! It's goddam time you heard that! I had to be boss big shot in two weeks, and I'm through with it! Willy! I ran down eleven flights with a pen in my hand today. And suddenly I stopped, you hear me? And in the middle of that office building, do you hear this? I stopped in the middle of that building and I saw—the sky. I saw the things that I love in this world. The work and the food and time to sit and smoke. And I looked at the pen and said to myself, what the hell am I grabbing this for? Why am I trying to become what I don't want to be? What am I doing in an office, making a contemptuous, begging fool of myself, when all I want is out there, waiting for me the minute I say I know who I am!"
Breakdown of Text into ‘New Thought’ Paragraphs
"Now hear this, Willy, this is me. You know why I had no address for three months? I stole a suit in Kansas City and I was jailed."
Biff begins by confessing his past wrongdoing and the consequences he faced, setting the stage for his candid revelation.
"I stole myself out of every good job since high school! And I never got anywhere because you blew me so full of hot air I could never stand taking orders from anybody! That's whose fault it is! It's goddam time you heard that!"
He acknowledges his pattern of self-sabotage and attributes it to his father's unrealistic expectations, expressing his pent-up frustration.
"I had to be boss big shot in two weeks, and I'm through with it!"
Biff rejects the pressure to achieve rapid success, indicating his desire to break free from these burdensome aspirations.
"Willy! I ran down eleven flights with a pen in my hand today. And suddenly I stopped, you hear me? And in the middle of that office building, do you hear this? I stopped in the middle of that building and I saw—the sky."
He recounts a moment of epiphany, where he realizes the futility of his actions and yearns for a simpler, more authentic life.
"I saw the things that I love in this world. The work and the food and time to sit and smoke."
Biff identifies the simple pleasures that truly matter to him, contrasting them with the hollow pursuit of success.
"And I looked at the pen and said to myself, what the hell am I grabbing this for? Why am I trying to become what I don't want to be?"
He questions his attempts to conform to societal expectations, recognizing his own desires.
"What am I doing in an office, making a contemptuous, begging fool of myself, when all I want is out there, waiting for me the minute I say I know who I am!"
Biff concludes by affirming his intent to pursue a life aligned with his true self, rejecting the false dreams imposed upon him.
About the Playwright: Arthur Miller
Arthur Miller (1915–2005) was a renowned American playwright and essayist, celebrated for his profound explorations of the human condition and social issues. His notable works include The Crucible, A View from the Bridge, and All My Sons. Death of a Salesman, one of his most acclaimed plays, delves into the complexities of the American Dream and its impact on individual identity and family dynamics.
Conclusion and
Biff's monologue is a powerful exploration of self-realization and the rejection of imposed dreams, offering actors a rich opportunity to delve into themes of identity and familial expectation. If you're preparing this monologue for an audition, Acting Coach Scotland can assist you in capturing the depth and nuance of Biff's journey. Contact us today to refine your performance and bring this compelling character to life!