However, Willy contradicts his own willingness to accept reality as he continues to force Biff into a lie. For once he does not attempt to sugarcoat his job or his success for the boys.

Scene 8 is important for Willy because he is also truthful about his situation. He would rather deal with the facts, as strange and disturbing as they may be, than reinvent events to suit his purpose. He consciously chooses reality over fantasy. As a result, Scene 8 is a turning point for Biff. He too creates a favorable past for himself - or an unhappy childhood - in order to justify the course his life has taken. All this time, Biff has directed his anger and resentment toward Willy because he considers him a 'fake.' However, Biff is his father's son, just like Happy. Waiting for Oliver makes Biff realize he has been living a lie. Scene 8 is significant because it is begins to build the tension that erupts in Scene 9, ultimately leading to the final confrontation between Willy and Biff in Scene 13.įor the first time in his life, Biff attempts to address his life as it really is. Biff and Willy argue, and Willy accuses Biff of offending Oliver. Biff tries to explain what happened at Oliver's office, but Willy keeps interrupting him. Willy tells the boys that Howard fired him. Biff does not know who originally said he was a salesman for Bill Oliver, when he was actually just a shipping clerk. Biff says he wants to have a discussion based on facts only. Willy joins Happy and Biff in the restaurant.

Happy and biff death of a salesman