The stage directions given here clarify the relationship
between Willy and Linda. We see that Linda is an anxious and loving wife even although
Willy appears rather impatient and abrupt, when he answers her 'with casual irritation.'
She is worried about him but inquires after his health 'carefully', as she doesn't want
to annoy him. This suggests that Willy is rather of a volatile nature, and this is
certainly borne out in the course of the play. As for Linda, she is always thinking of
Willy and worrying about his state of mind, while doing everything she can think of to
support him. This is emphasized with the adverb, 'helpfully'; she tries to shift
responsibility for Willy's car trouble onto to the garage
mechanic.
The stage directions here also give an insight
into Willy's confused, wandering state of mind which becomes ever more obvious as the
play progresses. 'The flute has faded away. He sits on the bed beside her, a little
numb.' The flute, which Willy's dad used to play, functions as a symbol of Willy's
nostalgia for the past, and its music haunts him. When his memories 'fade' and he has to
pay attention to the present, he becomes lost, as underlined here with the reference to
him being 'numb'. It also appears something of an effort to him to gather his thoughts,
as seen when he replies 'after a pause'.
The stage
directions also show Willy and Linda sitting together on the bed. This shows us that
they really are a close and loving couple, although ultimately, and sadly, they are not
really able to help one another. Linda's well-meaning efforts to support her husband do
not prevent him from killing himself at the end of the play; and although grateful for
Linda's love, Willy also feels he has failed her and that she can't really appreciate
what he's going through. There is a certain gap in communication and understanding
between them which is evident even in this short extract.
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