1. Lack of Success: Both Biff and Happy struggle to achieve success in their respective careers. Biff dreams of becoming a successful businessman like his father, but he lacks the necessary drive and direction to make it happen. Happy, on the other hand, is content with his mediocre job as an assistant to a sports coach.
2. Disappointment and Frustration: Biff and Happy are deeply disappointed and frustrated by their inability to live up to their father's expectations. They feel overshadowed by Willy's constant praise of his older brother, Ben, who is portrayed as a successful and adventurous businessman.
3. Reliance on Willy: Biff and Happy have grown dependent on their father for financial and emotional support. They rely on him to provide for them and guide their lives. However, Willy's increasing instability and declining mental health make him an unreliable and ineffective source of support for his sons.
4. Lack of Purpose and Identity: Biff and Happy lack a clear sense of purpose and identity outside of their relationship with their father. They struggle to find their own paths in life and instead remain attached to the illusion of success that Willy has built around them.
5. Influence of Ben: Both Biff and Happy are influenced by their uncle, Ben, who represents the American dream of wealth and success. Ben's mysterious past and adventurous spirit capture their imagination, but they are unable to replicate his achievements.
6. Emotional Connection to Willy: Despite their frustrations and disappointments, Biff and Happy maintain a strong emotional connection to their father. They love him deeply, even though they recognize his flaws and limitations.
In essence, Biff and Happy share a sense of disappointment, lack of success, dependency on Willy, and confusion about their identities. They are both trapped in the shadow of their father's expectations and struggle to find their own paths to fulfillment and happiness.