All of Willy's family including Linda, Biff and Happy are aware of Willy's problem. When Willy learns of Biff's new attempt to start a new business and gain success, he gets excited again. Biff and everyone else; however, realize that this peace and order in the house is only temporary. We also learn that Linda is not oblivious to Willy's disorder, but that she is just choosing to play along with it and act like nothing is wrong. Biff, being the mature one, refuses to do that and removes the hose in which Willy had attempted suicide before with.

Willy is again exhibiting strange behavior by hallucinations. Willy refuses to acknowledge that certain opportunities no longer exist. He is re-creating his life by imagining what could have been. In Act I, Scene 9; however, we really understand Willy's insecurities and necessity of approval and recognition from everyone. He is constantly trying to prove to other that he is successful, as a salesman and a father. He denies the truth that he is actually a failure.