Final answer:
Willy and Charley have a complex relationship marked by envy and competitiveness, while Willy treats his son Biff with a combination of high expectations and frustration. Linda is a stabilizing presence and a positive influence in the family despite enabling Willy's unrealistic aspirations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship between Willy and Charley in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman is complex. Charley is Willy's neighbor and, in many ways, his foil. Charley has experienced success in business, which contrasts with Willy's repeated failures. Although Charley offers support to Willy, their interactions are often strained due to Willy's envy and pride, leading to a sense of rivalry rather than friendship.
Willy treats his son Biff with a mixture of adoration and expectation. He projects his own failed ambitions onto Biff, heavily pressuring him to succeed and becoming frustrated when Biff struggles to meet these expectations. Willy's inability to recognize and accept his and Biff's limitations contributes to their tumultuous relationship.
Linda, Willy's wife, has a significant impact on her husband and sons. She often acts as a mediator and support system, trying to maintain peace within the family. While her intentions are to hold the family together, some might argue that she also enables Willy's delusions and does not hold him accountable for his actions. Nonetheless, Linda is seen as a positive influence, consistently showing love and loyalty to her family.