In those days there was personality in it, Howard. There was respect, and comradeship, and gratitude in it. Today, it’s all cut and dried, and there’s no chance for bringing friendship to bear – or personality. You see what I mean? They don’t know me any more.
– Arthur Miller
Death of a Salesman, Act 2. Willy is pleading for his job to his younger boss Howard, who is barely interested and doesn’t even look at Willy as he speaks. Willy cuts a very lonely figure, talking about how a sales environment based on friendship has changed and the clients he sells to no longer know him. Despite recalling the good old days under Howard’s father, when personality and respect and comradeship were the keys to success, Willy is still fired by Howard.