So money is what the real problem with the family is, and it is starting to cause other problems. .
Willy believes that to make it in the business world you have to be well liked, and he thinks that one day he will start his own business and it will be huge because he is well liked in the world, "Tell you a secret, boys. Don't breathe it to a soul. Someday I"ll have my own business, and I"ll never have to leave my home any more." " Bigger than Uncle Charley! Because Charley is not-liked. He's liked, but he's not - well liked." Willie also believes that you have to be able to make an apperance in the business world. "Because the man who makes an appearance in the business world, the man who creates personal interest, is the man who gets ahead. Be liked and you will never want. You take me, for instance. I never have to wait in line to see a buyer. "Willy Loman is here!" That's all they have to know, and I go right through.".
Happy and Bernard both looked up to Biff and thought the world of him when they were in high school. Biff was the all-american boy and Happy was just his brother who followed him around and wanted to be like him. When they get older Happy quickly gets a job and settles down, while Biff continues to wonder around and try to find himself. Bernard is Biff's cousin who is the opposite of Biff, he does not play sports and is very smart. He worries about everything and does not have the self confidence that Biff has. When Bernard grows up he becomes a lawyer and becomes very successful. Willie runs into Bernard while at Charley's business and Bernard is on his way to settle a case in front of the Supreme Court. Willie did not believe that Bernard was a well liked person, so it comes to show that Willie's ideas about how to become successful are not correct, or that Willie does not have a good sense for character.
Throughout the play Arthur Miller uses many symbols to represent ideas and concepts throughout the play.