Biff's Childhood Friendship with Bernard

The emotional bond between Biff and Bernard, a friendship of contrasts where Bernard's loyalty remains despite Biff's taking advantage.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Study Session

An Unequal Friendship Bernard's Concern Bernard tries to help Biff study for the Regents exam. He is earnest and worried. Biff, however, is more interested in football and his father's approval. Willy's Dismissal Willy dismisses Bernard as not well-liked. He tells Biff that being well-liked is more important than grades. Bernard's intelligence is not valued by the Lomans. The Loyalty Despite the mockery, Bernard remains loyal to Biff. He carries his gear to the game and hopes for his success. The friendship is one-sided, but Bernard's affection is genuine.

The Basement Fight

A Friendship Tested The Burning Sneakers After the Boston discovery, Biff returns home and burns his University of Virginia sneakers. Bernard tries to stop him, and they fight in the cellar. The Emotional Release They punch each other and cry. Bernard understands that Biff has given up his life. The fight is a physical expression of the pain and confusion they both feel. The End of Innocence The friendship survives the fight, but it is never the same. Biff drifts away, and Bernard goes on to success. The bond is a memory of childhood lost.

The Reunion

A Changed Relationship Bernard's Success When Willy meets Bernard in Charley's office, Bernard is a successful lawyer. He is polite and kind, but the distance between them is clear. The Unanswered Question Bernard asks Willy what happened in Boston, still curious about the mystery of Biff's downfall. He cares about Biff, but he is no longer directly involved. The Fading Bond The friendship between Biff and Bernard is a thing of the past. Bernard has moved on, and Biff is still struggling. The emotional bond has dissipated, but the memory remains.

Past, high school

After Biff's return from Boston

Afternoon, present day