Ben's influence upon WIlly

Ben appears to be Willy's idol. He looks up to him for business advice. Ben told Willy that if he wanted to make some money he and his boys should move up to Alaska. Willy got really excited about the idea. Willy seems to become really enticed about anything Ben talks about. And, for the most part, I think he's a good influence on him. Things would have been pretty different if he had moved to Alaska, but it could have been for the better. Ben encourages Willy to follow his dreams, which is becoming successful. Linda doesn't think he's a good influence on Willy, because she thinks Willy is fine where he is. She thinks they have a good life in their town. At one point, the book says that Linda is frightened of Ben. It's possible that either Linda just really doesn't like Ben, or she's afraid of change.