When the hell did I lose my temper? I simply asked him if he was making any money. Is that a criticism?

– Arthur Miller

Death of a Salesman, Act 1. Willy responds to his wife Linda after she rebukes him for losing his temper and criticizing their son Biff. Money is a touchy subject here for Willy, who is obsessed with the American Dream of success and prosperity. He puts pressure on Biff to follow a path to wealth, seeming to care more about this than his son having a happy life.