Essay on Contrasting Biff and Bernard in Death of a Salesman

â€Å"As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.† (Proverbs 27:17) Friends are an important part of life. Friends are useful to help one get through the hardships of life. In Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, we see the small (but present) friendship of Biff and Bernard. Biff is a football superstar, with scholarships lined up and friends galore. Bernard, his neighbour and childhood friend, is very much a book worm who decides to focus his time on his academics and unfortunately, doesn’t have many friends. Bernard had always idolized Biff throughout high school for his undeniable talent and charisma. On many occasions Bernard would offer to help Biff through his weaknesses by holding him accountable for his academics and help him†¦show more content†¦With Biff ignoring Bernard’s advice, it puts an end to his dream of becoming a successful college football star. The main reason for the pair’s performance in high school is their upbringing. Biff comes from a household which has placed popularity and social status as top priority. Biff takes his father’s insight of being well liked to get far in life and lives his life accordingly. Willy never forces Biff to work on academics because he doesn’t want him ending up being a nerd like Bernard: There’s nothing the matter with him! You want him to be a worm like Bernard? He’s got spirit, personality †¦ (Miller 40) Bernard was brought up knowing that hard work and effort will lead to success. With taking his father’s advice, Bernard makes sure that he is prepared for graduation. All of the time invested in school pays off when Bernard gains status as an important Lawyer later in life. The different talents that Biff and Bernard have lead them in different paths during their high school lives. With Biff’s natural talent for sports, he is more actively involved in after school activities and social outings. 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