The National Consequences of Enabling Behavior
From Arthur Miller’s Linda Loman to Jill Biden
I taught Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman for decades and have always been angry at Linda Loman, the supposed loyal and supportive wife who pretends her husband is not a depressive, suicidal, dementia patient living in the past. Linda’s enabling behavior towards her husband Willy’s self-destructive tendencies led to tragic consequences.
It’s sad, but part of me has always blamed her.
I seem to be reliving Miller’s play on today's tragic political stage. Jill Biden, the First Lady of the United States, has been scrutinized for her unwavering support of her husband, President Joe Biden, amidst concerns about his fitness for office. Will Jill be the Linda — the catalyst that leads to America’s death of a democracy?
Supportive Spouses and the Double-Edged Sword
Linda Loman stands as a quintessential supportive spouse in Death of a Salesman. Her life revolves around Willy, whom she defends and comforts despite his evident mental decline and suicidal tendencies. Linda’s support, however, borders on enabling as she turns a blind eye to Willy’s escalating issues.
