Willy's Idealized Bond with Uncle Ben

The emotional bond between Willy and his dead brother Ben, a fantasy of success and guidance that Willy uses to justify his decisions.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Memory of Ben

A Brother's Influence The Visit Ben visits the Loman home, a figure of success and adventure. He tells stories of the jungle and diamonds. Willy is mesmerized, seeing in Ben the life he could have had. The Boxing Match Ben spars with Biff, teaching him to fight dirty. Willy is proud of his son's toughness. He wants Ben's approval for his parenting. The Missed Opportunity Ben offers to take Willy to Alaska, but Willy refuses. The decision haunts him. Ben's success is a constant reminder of what might have been.

The Ghostly Guidance

A Phantom Advisor The Apparitions Ben appears to Willy at key moments: after the firing, during the garden scene. He is a projection of Willy's desire for a simple solution. The Conversations Willy asks Ben for advice. Ben tells him that the jungle is dark but full of diamonds. He rationalizes the suicide as a practical business decision. The Bond of Illusion Willy's bond with Ben is a bond of the imagination. Ben is not a real presence but a symbol of the ruthless success Willy admires. The emotional attachment is to an ideal, not a person.

The Final Embrace

A Last Goodbye The Encouragement Ben urges Willy to go through with the plan. He says it is a perfect proposition. Willy takes his final cue from his brother. The Imagined Success Willy imagines Ben's approval. He believes that his suicide will make him a success in Ben's eyes. The bond is fulfilled in death. The Tragic Irony Ben's advice leads to Willy's death. The brotherly bond, built on fantasy, becomes the final push over the edge. Willy dies seeking the approval of a ghost.

Past, Ben's visit

Throughout the present day

Moments before Willy's suicide