Bernard

• Bernard has been brought up very differently to the Loman boys and this is reflected in his values, deportment and his treatment of others.
• Depiction

  • Bernard, Charley’s son, is seen as a boy in Act One, but as a man in Act Two.
  • We perhaps share Willy’s “shock” at the sight of Bernard as a “self-assured, young man”, remembering him from Willy’s memories in Act One as the “anaemic” and earnest boy who Willy admonishes as a “pest” when he warns Biff that he may flunk Maths.
• Reflection of values

  • As a boy, Bernard is dismissed by the Loman father and sons in the same way that Willy dismisses Bernard: “He’s liked, but he’s not well-liked”.
  • However, Bernard is yet another sign that the Lomans have built their dreams of success on the wrong foundations.
• Upbringing

  • Bernard has clearly been brought differently to the Loman boys and is a much more secure and confident figure than either Happy or Biff.
  • However, Bernard does not boast of his success, seeing no need to tell Willy that he will be arguing as attorney in front of the Supreme Court.
• Respect

  • In contrast to Willy’s sons who abandon Willy in the restaurant that evening, Bernard treats Willy with care and respect: “Oh, the hell with the advice, Willy. I couldn’t advise you”.
• Paternal relationships

  • The relationship between Bernard and his father is less intense and, as a result, much healthier than the relationship between Willy and his sons.
  • Charley tells Willy that he “never took any interest” in Bernard but he has clearly instilled “worthwhile” values into his son.
• Bernard's modesty

  • In Act Two we learn that Bernard is now married and a father of two young boys.
  • However, we learn nothing of his sons.
  • Bernard has no need to make boasts for them, just as Charley had no need to follow Willy’s example and pin his dreams of success on his sons.