He can't let go of the idea that popularity and wealth are what are most important in a man.

In the second act, Willy receives a terrible blow. He explains to his boss, Howard, how he met a salesman when he was about 19, and admired the man's skills, and decided that sales was the very best job a man could have. But he tells Howard he's tired, and he wants to work in the store instead of on the road. Howard keeps telling him there's no opening for floor sales, and then finally tells him the truth: the company is going to let Willy go. Howard says:

HOWARD: I think you need a good long rest, Willy... And then when you feel better, come back, and we'll see if we can work something out.

He tells Willy that this is no time for false pride and that he should...
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