Comparing Cora Tucker and Willy Loman

Cora Tucker is strikingly different from Willy Loman. First off, Cora does not believe in Willy’s philosophy that success depends on who you know and being “well-liked.” In fact, many whites hate her for they have spit on her, slashed her tires, or soaked her bed with gasoline. This has not hurt her confidence nor stopped her from pursuing her dream. Cora’s philosophy is to work hard, learn as much as possible, and improve conditions for the blacks and the poor. Her actions and dedication have made her successful. She is respected both by whites and blacks as she has made a difference.

Next, it seems that Willy depends, not on himself, but on others for his success and for that of his sons. For example, he blames not being a better salesman on the fact that his first boss died. He believes Bill Oliver will help make Biff successful by giving him ten thousand dollars. In contrast, Cora does not depend on anyone to be successful and is self-motivated. She takes the initiative to get ahead by getting a job at a manufacturing company. Through her hard work at this job, she saves up enough money to buy her own land and build a house. In addition, Cora does not depend on others in the community of Halifax to change the poor treatment of blacks. She goes out and does it herself by getting involved. She lives by the saying, “the time doesn’t get right; you make it right” (359). Cora improves the conditions for the blacks and the poor (“the underdogs”) by fighting against racial discrimination, getting people to take an interest in voting, and lobbying for better healthcare. For example, she motivated the black people to write to their representatives in Washington about their voting rights. As a result of her efforts, five hundred letters were sent supporting the voting law. She even founded her own organization called Citizens for a Better America (CBA) which helps fight inequality.

Lastly, Cora Tucker had the courage to keep fighting and pursuing what she believed despite racial prejudices and lack of support from many family members. Willy, on the other hand, had given up. He realized he had failed as a salesman and his only last hope was to see if Biff truly liked him or not. The only thing left was for him to commit suicide so that Biff would get twenty thousand dollars from the insurance policy. Willy’s life did not amount to much, but maybe with this money Biff could get ahead. In contrast, Cora has much to show and to tell about her life. She has accomplished much and has improved the conditions for many in Halifax. Halifax is now hiring minorities, trying to solve discrimination in schools, and placing more blacks into school systems. Cora has persevered, and has “raised a little hell” to make a big difference.