Hi, Turtle. I have much to say, but I will start with that I think it is rather ironic that you called this thread, "I don't get it." I think it is ironic because in Linda's last monologue (the last speaking part of the entire play), she states, ". . . I don't understand it." She says this a couple of times.
Perhaps, that is the point. It is hard to understand the motives of one person when it seems to us that an easier path exists. We don't get any inner dialogue for Willy, so his motives have to be speculated. I think that is part of the reason this play is so powerful and still has the potential to affect contemporary audiences. Another part is that it is very human. It is written in a plain language that allows the audience to identify with the characters/situations. Maybe it is also that no matter the era or generation, each seeks to understand its place in society. *shrugs* There is a lot of analysis out there on this play, but it is all speculation.