Arthur Miller

Why must everybody like you?

Though our own hearts break, we cannot flinch; these are new times, sir. There is a misty plot afoot so subtle we should be criminal to cling to old respect and ancient friendships. I have seen too many frightful proofs in court — the Devil is alive in Salem, and we dare not quail to follow wherever the accusing finger points!

We cannot look to superstition in this. The Devil is precise; the marks of his presence are definite as stone.

I don't say he's a great man. Willy Loman never made a lot of money. His name was never in the paper. He's not the finest character that ever lived. But he's a human being, and a terrible thing is happening to him. So attention must be paid. He's not to be allowed to fall into his grave like an old dog. Attention, attention must be finally paid to such a person.

Abby, I may think of you softly from time to time. But I'll cut off my hand before I ever reach for you again.

A child's spirit is like a child, you cannot catch it by running after it; you must stand still, and, for love, it will soon itself come back.