Recorder

Reflects Willy's insignificance
 * Howard interrupts and ignores Willy, focused on recorder
 * Recorder replaces Willy
 * Recorder: modern technology
 * Willy: old, ageing, "useless"

Recorder playing recordings of Howard's family
 * Contrast with Willy's family
 * Howard's peaceful and loving family, in contrast with Willy's dysfunctional relationships

Reflecting the past
 * Howard listening to recorder parallels with Willy thinking back to old times
 * Howard shows off his sons -> earlier version of Willy presented in front of him