Review of Drama Answer

Conflict 1) King Lear, the leading character of the play of the same name wanted to retire in his old age and have his daughters take turns caring for him. He also wanted to be loved by his daughters. The leading character in Death of a Salesman was Willy Loman. He wanted to achieve the American Dream. This included being successful and well liked without having to work very hard. He also wanted to start a business which he could pass on to his two sons. 2)

Baba's significance in 'Clear Light of Day'

In the novel 'Clear Light of Day', Anita Desai introduces readers to a new Das sibling. In the Das family, Baba is the youngest and most beautiful sibling. At first he is adored by everyone but then sparks their curiousty as they try to figure out why he was developing so slowly. His significance in the novel is to portray a state of sameness.

Baba's character experiences no change or growth throughout the book. This is due to the fact that he was born with a mental disability which makes him unable to develop mentaly. As a result he required constant care, first from Aunt Mira then from Bimla. Aunt Mira was brought to the Das home to care for Baba after the mother grew tired of caring for him. She taught him to use his hands by playing with pebbles. It is seen that even later in his life he is still playing with the pebbles, showing his inability to grasp other games. This is also seen by his attachment to the gramaphone, which he uses to play the same records that he's had from childhood.

Thus it's seen that Baba's character is to serve as a constant reminder of the the Das children's childhood and how things have not changed in the house. He also is used as excuse by Bim for her not being able to get married.

Comparison of Willy to King Lear

The character of Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman and Lear in King Lear can be seen to possess many similar characteristics and a few differences.

Factors which caused the relationship between Willy and his sons to breakdown

In the play, Death of a salesman, Willy Loman had two sons who adored him and aspired to be like him. Growing up both sons looked up to their father and followed whatever advice he gave them. However, the relationship between Willy and his sons, Biff and Happy eventually broke down. This was due to the fact that Willy constantly critisized them, that he was going mad, and also because Biff realized that everything his father told him was a lie.

It is seen throughout the play that Willy constantly critisizes his sons for their lack of success. For instance, when Happy offers to take care of him but he refuses saying that Happy does not make enough money to take care of him, and when he critisizes Biff for being a farmhand. This shows that Willy lacked respect for his sons and was disappointed in them for not achieving vast amounts of riches. As a result, Biff and Happy were less enthusiastic about visiting home which strained the relationship with their father because they were not as close as they used to be in their childhood.

Futhermore, the fact that Willy was slowly losing his mind added to the strained relationship with his sons. On the night that both Happy and Biff were visiting, they heard their father speaking to himself. Later in the play they discover that he has been attempting to kill himself. This strains their relationship because their father's outbursts further pushes them away.

Additionally, Biff came to the realization that everything his father told him was a lie. Biff first lost respect in his father when he found out that his father was cheating on his mother. Also, when he realized that his father had pumped unrealistic goals into the heads of his brother and him. This resuslted in him arguing with his father and was the final cause of the breakdown.

In conclusion, the relationship broke down because Willy had begun to go mad and his sons realized his lies.

Character sketch in Death of a Salesman

Willy Loman is the main character in the play. He is seen as a delusional man because he has big dreams but makes no real effort at pursuing them. His delusions are seen when he talks to Ben's ghost. Instead of having a strong work ethic, he believes that money and success should come easily once you are 'well liked'. He passes on these bad values to his sons Biff and Happy, who follow in his footsteps making the same mistakes. This is seen when he encourages them to steal lumber.
Willy can be seen to be one of the most significant characters within the play because he symbolises

Character analysis in Death of a Salesman

Willy
He is disrespectful to his wife, constantly shouting at her. He instills bad values to his kids, for instance he encourages them to steal and be womanizers. He also believes in getting rich quickly without putting in any hard work or effort.

Linda
She is calm and allows herself to be ruled by Willy. She also allows him to make ther children disillusioned.

Biff
Biff can be seen to be very athletic and popular. He idolizes his father and follows all his wrong philosophies about life.

Happy
Happy is desperate for approval from his father and follows in his footsteps by becoming a salesman also.

Ben
Ben is the symbol of what Wily wants to achieve in life; money and power.

Did King Lear's tragic flaw lead to his demise?

King Lear had many flaws which included being proud, gullible, and quick tempered. These tragic flaws all played a pivotal role in his demise. They led to his demise by causing him to give up his power and wealth, and to banish those loyal to him.

During the division of his kingdom, Lear shares out each of his daughter's portion according to how well they flattered him. The need for flattery is the first sign of his pride. His gullibility is shown when he believes Regan and Goneril's false praises, and his temper is seen when he banishes Kent for sticking up for Cordelia.

These characteristics can be seen as tragic flaws becauses they all had negative impacts. After dividing the kingdom between Goneril and Regan, Lear had no power left and was ill treated by both daughters, eventually being turned out during a storm. Thus his plan of giving up the kingdom to the daughters who loved him most backfired because, by letting his flaws overpower him, he banished the loyal daughter and rewarded the manipulative ones.

Also, his flaws caused the deaths of himself and his favourite daughter, Cordelia. By Lear relieving himself of all his powers, Edmund was able to take advantage of this and order that Lear and Cordelia be arrested.

In conclusion it can be seen that Lear's tragic flaws led not only to his demise but to Cordelia's as well. His gullibility led to him trusting Regan and Goneril. His pride and temper prevented him from listening to Cordelia's reasoning.