In Arthur Miller's classic play 'Death of a Salesman,' Biff Loman struggles to find his place in the world, grappling with feelings of inadequacy and failure. As a salesman, Willy Loman, Biff's father, is constantly comparing himself to others, measuring his success against that of his colleagues and family members.

Biff, on the other hand, is torn between his desire for independence and his need for approval from his father. He feels trapped in a life he doesn't want, stuck in a job he hates, and struggling to find his own identity. This conflict stems from Willy's warped sense of what it means to be successful.

Willy's obsession with social norms and expectations is rooted in his own failures and insecurities. He believes that success comes from being liked and respected by others, and that a man must be successful to prove himself as worthy. This warped philosophy has led him down a path of disappointment and failure, causing him to feel like he is constantly falling short.

As Biff navigates his own struggles, he begins to question the social norms that have been imposed upon him. He sees how his father's obsession with success has destroyed their relationship and caused him to become disillusioned with life. Biff realizes that true happiness and fulfillment come from being genuine and authentic, not from trying to conform to societal expectations.

Through Biff's journey, Miller highlights the dangers of adhering too closely to social norms. Willy's fixation on success has led him to sacrifice his relationships and his own well-being in pursuit of an unattainable ideal. In contrast, Biff is learning to find his own path, one that prioritizes authenticity and self-acceptance.

The play serves as a powerful commentary on the social norms of the 1940s and 1950s, highlighting the pressure to conform to traditional gender roles and expectations. Willy's struggles with identity and masculinity serve as a metaphor for the societal pressures faced by men during this era.

Ultimately, 'Death of a Salesman' is a poignant exploration of the human condition, delving into themes such as identity, failure, and the pursuit of happiness. Through Biff's story, Miller shows that true success comes from embracing one's individuality and rejecting societal expectations, rather than trying to conform to an unattainable ideal.

Biff loman and social norms