Death of a Salesman

Definition

Death of a Salesman is a play by Arthur Miller that tells the story of Willy Loman, a struggling salesman who is facing the realities of his failures and the American Dream. The play explores themes such as disillusionment, identity, and the consequences of chasing unattainable success, making it a pivotal work in the context of American realism and symbolism in drama.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Willy Loman represents the everyman struggling against societal expectations, embodying the flaws and limitations of the American Dream.
2. The play uses flashbacks to convey Willy's memories and regrets, illustrating his psychological decline and inability to cope with reality.
3. Death of a Salesman critiques consumerism by highlighting Willy's obsession with material success and social status.
4. The character of Biff serves as a foil to Willy, showcasing the conflict between personal ambition and familial expectations.
5. Miller's work is often regarded as a landmark of American theater, influencing subsequent playwrights in their exploration of realism and complex characters.

Review Questions

• How does Willy Loman’s character reflect the themes of American realism in Death of a Salesman?
  • Willy Loman's character embodies the struggles of the common man in American society, showcasing how his dreams clash with harsh realities. His constant pursuit of success and validation through material wealth highlights the disillusionment that many individuals face in their quest for the American Dream. Through Willy's failures and emotional turmoil, Miller illustrates the impact of societal pressures on personal identity, making him a quintessential figure in American realism.
• Analyze how Miller uses flashbacks in Death of a Salesman to develop character depth and explore themes.
  • Miller employs flashbacks in Death of a Salesman to provide insight into Willy Loman's psyche, revealing his past ambitions and regrets. These memories contrast sharply with his present struggles, emphasizing his mental decline and disconnect from reality. The flashbacks not only deepen our understanding of Willy's character but also reinforce themes like nostalgia, regret, and the futility of his dreams, showcasing how his past continually haunts him.
• Evaluate the significance of Biff's character arc in relation to Willy’s beliefs about success and identity throughout Death of a Salesman.
  • Biff's character arc serves as a critical counterpoint to Willy’s relentless pursuit of success. Initially, Biff embodies Willy's dreams but eventually rejects them, seeking authenticity over societal expectations. This evolution signifies a clash between personal fulfillment and inherited aspirations, highlighting the flawed nature of Willy’s beliefs. Biff’s realization that success does not solely hinge on wealth ultimately challenges Willy’s identity and underscores Miller’s critique of the American Dream.

Related terms

American Dream: A national ethos of the United States that suggests success is achievable through hard work and determination, often critiqued in Death of a Salesman.

Tragedy: A dramatic genre that depicts the downfall of a protagonist due to a combination of personal flaws and societal pressures, as seen in Willy Loman's life.

Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, such as the seeds in Death of a Salesman symbolizing Willy's hopes for growth and success.