Charley attempts to be Willy's friend. He not only offers him a job when Willy loses his, but he also regularly "lends" Willy fifty dollars a week. Despite Willy's lack of appreciation for Charley's help and his downright rudeness to Charley on many occasions, Charley tries to offer guidance and support for his neighbor.
A man of great patience, Charley understands what makes Willy the man he is. Charley realizes that Willy wants respect, that he seeks success, but Charley also recognizes that Willy is human---he has flaws; he makes mistakes. Although Charley enjoys teasing Willy from time to time ("Ebbets Field just blew up!"), he cares for Willy. At his funeral in the Requiem, Charley is the one who describes Willy best: "...a salesman. ... He's a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. [He's] got to dream." Charley wanted to help Willy with his dream, but Willy just didn't know how to accept his help gracefully.
No comments:
Post a Comment