Acknowledging Depression

One day in class, Mr. Coon noted that depression is not reported in elders as much as in other age groups. This comment was inspired from my statement that Willy seems to be depressed. It is important to know that this observation was made when we were still only analyzing the first act of Death of a Salesman. Obviously by the end of the play we know that Willy is depressed and suicidal. As I was thinking about Mr. Coon’s comment in class, I started to think that not only is depression not reported in elders often but also, during the time period of Death of a Salesman, I do not believe that it was common to address those problems to a family member. In other words, even if a woman knew that a family member such as her father or husband were depressed, she probably would not have brought it up in discussion with him.

I think that Linda’s relationship with Willy is the perfect example of a woman who knows her husband is depressed but would not dream of addressing him with it. Linda puts up with Willy’s “crankiness” and whining in situations like when she buys a different cheese and Willy complains. She always supports him and tries to help him by encouraging him to change his job so that he does not have to drive as much. In addition to looking out for Willy’s best interests for his profession, it is clear that she also tries to help him because she knows it would be better for his health. Linda acknowledges that the “accidents” Willy has are instead attempts at suicide. Therefore we know that she knows Willy is depressed and suicidal yet she still does not outright confront him with it. Again, when Willy is gardening late at night, she does not go out to talk to him nor does she let her son Biff. She tells Biff, “You’re not going near him, “and, “Will you please leave him alone?” (pg.1825). In a way, Linda both protects and respects Willy by treating him this way. She protects her already emotionally weak husband from an attack from his son. At the same time, one could say that she respects her husband too much to tell him she knows he is depressed because it would consequently bring his weakness to the front. Unfortunately, because Linda does not confront Willy with his depression, Willy commits suicide and Linda is left to mourn. (414)