Question

In the given passage, why does Willy get angry?

BIFF: Let’s hold on to the facts tonight, Pop. We’re not going to get anywhere bulling’ around. I was a shipping clerk.

WILLY (angrily): All right, now listen to me...

BIFF: Why don’t you let me finish?

WILLY: I’m not interested in stories about the past or any cr*p of that kind because the woods are burning, boys, you understand? There’s a big blaze going on all around. I was fired today.

a) Willy is dr*nk.
b) Willy gets angry any time the truth is mentioned about Biff's actual life and lack of success.
c) Willy is just mad because he got fired.
d) None of the above.

Answer 1

Willy gets angry because he has just been fired and is overwhelmed by his own crisis, which makes discussing Biff's employment status seem trivial.

Step-by-step explanation:

The passage indicates that Willy gets angry because he is dealing with a significant personal crisis and is not interested in rehashing the past or focusing on Biff's lack of success. The correct answer is therefore option (c): Willy is just mad because he got fired. This revelation is a pivotal moment for Willy, causing him to react with anger when his son Biff tries to discuss his own employment status. Willy's outburst, "...because the woods are burning, boys, you understand? There’s a big blaze going on all around. I was fired today," metaphorically communicates the urgency and desperation of his situation, overshadowing any prior concerns he had about Biff's career or the truth of his past.