Death of A Salesman: At the end of the book, "why does Willy have the sudden urge to plant seeds after dinner?

Question

This happends after his sons leave him for the women.

Answer 1

More specifically, it's a metaphor for Willy's dreams for Biff's success. Just like the seeds never grow in the shaded back yard, Biff has never succeeded. But Willy hopes that his plan to leave Biff his life insurance money will finally make Biff a success in the business world - a dream that won't come true just like the seeds will never grow.

Answer 2

Did you ever help something grow? A plant, a puppy, a little sister?

Did it turn out exactly the way you wanted it to? If it didn't, did you feel like giving up? Maybe if you tried again, it would work . . . but maybe the problem is you. Maybe if you were a little better, it would have turned out right.

Maybe if you tried something easier to grow, you could get that right. Maybe then, you'd feel better about yourself.

Does thinking this way help with your question?

Answer 3

It's a metaphor for new beginnings and allowing life to take its course. Willy does this in order to purge his mind and to allow himself to begin the process of rebuilding and beginning all over again. It's a sign of dynamic life. In some ways it's a classic metaphor.