Forshadowing of the stockings

"And thanks for the stockings. I love a lot of stockings." p.1564

Minuscule items, like stockings can often play a crucial role in the plot of a story. In something visual, like a play, the stockings might be easier to notice. In reading, it is only until it comes full-circle, does a reader notice a small item. Due to pride, Willy gets offended whenever Linda tries to repair her worn stockings. But, because of his monetary situation, he cannot provide her new stockings. The irony is that Willy is able to afford new stockings for the woman in his memory. It is also forshadowing and ironic that Biff is offended when Willy gives socks to his mistress.