Open Prompt #3 (11/11/12)

2010, Form B. “You can leave home all you want, but home will never leave you.” —Sonsyrea Tate

Sonsyrea Tate’s statement suggests that “home” may be conceived of as a dwelling, a place, or a state of mind. It may have positive or negative associations, but in either case, it may have a considerable influence on an individual. Choose a novel or play in which a central character leaves home yet finds that home remains significant. Write a well-developed essay in which you analyze the importance of “home” to this character and the reasons for its continuing influence. Explain how the character’s idea of home illuminates the larger meaning of the work. Do not merely summarize the plot.

   In Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller character Biff Lohman moves out West in an attempt to find himself, but ends up coming back home. Holding both negative and positive associations, his ties to his father and mother's home in Brooklyn are something he picks up from his father's mindset.Willy states, "Work a lifetime to pay off a house. You finally own it, and there's nobody to live in it." Although Biff living back at home is full of tension, it is vital for his development in financial drive, personal goals, and spiritual realization.

     The Lohman family is constantly struggling with money. Whether it's a broken refrigerator or the final down payment on a car, the Lohman's are always bringing up money. Happy and Biff, in their late twenties/early thirties, are not yet financially independent. One of the face value reasons Biff returns from his time out West is to live with his parents while he tries to find a job as a salesman. 

     One of Biff's main reasons for moving West and working on ranches and farms was to get away from his father's shadow and find himself. Although that's where he claims to be happiest, he returns home because he feels like he isn't accomplishing anything with his life. “And whenever spring comes to where I am, I suddenly get the feeling, my God, I’m not gettin’ anywhere!” Not trusting in himself enough to make his own decisions, feeling lost, he moves back home, hoping to find a purpose. Unfortunately he states "And now, I get here, and I don't know what to do with myself." He's lost, and sees home as an attempt to find himself again.

     Although Biff frequently reflects on, and talks about, his time in the West, Willy is ashamed of his son's venture away, stating "Tell him you were in the business in the West. Not farm work." This is only one small point in the tension between father and son. Very much alike in demeanor, the two have different mindsets - Willy strives to be the best in his business, while Biff is content being "a dime a dozen". Coming back home to his father's expectations and disappointments, although painful for both, was necessary for Biff to find himself. While trying to live up to his father's expectations he realizes "I even believed myself that I’d been a salesman for him! And he gave me one look and – I realized what a ridiculous lie my whole life has been!" A question of fiscal vs. personal success, their differences come to light with the two of them living in the same house.

   Biff's mixed feelings regarding his home are rooted in his past issues. Although he may move away, Biff's problems keep taking him back to his family's house in Brooklyn, N.Y., proving that no matter how far away you are, your home will always have an influence on you.