Charley had a huge impact on Willy in the play Death of a Salesman. Willy is jealous of Charley's success. Repeatedly, Willy would go to Charley's to borrow money to pay the bills. Biff and Happy were failures; Willy refuses to recognize this because Bernard, Charley's son was so successful. Charley's effect on Willy has caused him to become extremely spiteful.
At the end of every week, Mr. Loman found himself at Charley's feet, begging him for money. Charley continually gave him the money to keep him quiet. This is ironic because Willy thinks that he is so much better then Charley, when in fact he was just incredibly jealous. When Willy was fired from his job, his only friend Charley offered him a job. Willy reprimanded Charley for insulting him. This made a very clear assertion of Willy's jealousy.
In Willy's eyes, his children were remarkable. They were, popular, good at sports, and intelligent.
Actor Dustin Hoffman with Lee J. Cobb, who origina...
Where's Charley?
charley & mindyWhen in reality Biff and Happy were rapidly declining. Charley would try to tell Willy about his kids. Willy never listened because it pained him to see Bernard more successful then Biff and Happy.
Charley was content with his life. His son was happily married with two sons. His job was going great. Willy on the other hand was scared of life itself. He lied to his family and Charley about everything. Repeatedly he contradicted himself. He said that blue-collar workers were stupid and were not going anywhere. However, he would brag to Charley about all the work he did around the house. Willy was never happy with what he had. He always thought he could have better.
If Willy just listened to his family and his friends, then he might still be alive. Willy ignored reality. He was a jealous, selfish person.