Death of a Salesman

Definition

Death of a Salesman is a play by Arthur Miller that portrays the life and struggles of Willy Loman, an aging salesman who grapples with the disillusionment of the American Dream. The play delves into themes of failure, identity, and societal expectations, raising significant moral and ethical questions about success, family dynamics, and personal responsibility.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Willy Loman believes wholeheartedly in the American Dream but ultimately becomes a tragic figure as he realizes he cannot achieve it despite his efforts.
2. The play critiques societal norms by showing how Willy's relentless pursuit of success leads to personal and familial destruction.
3. Miller uses flashbacks to illustrate Willy's memories, highlighting his past choices and relationships that contribute to his current state.
4. The character of Biff serves as a vehicle for exploring the impact of parental expectations on children, illustrating how Willy's dreams distort Biff's own identity.
5. The play's conclusion raises profound moral questions about the value of life and the lengths one should go to in order to provide for family.

Review Questions

• How does Willy Loman's understanding of the American Dream influence his actions and relationships throughout the play?
  • Willy Loman’s understanding of the American Dream drives him to pursue success at any cost, believing that popularity and personal charm are keys to achievement. This misguided belief leads him to neglect his family's emotional needs, especially his son Biff’s aspirations. His fixation on this dream ultimately results in alienation from his family, illustrating how unattainable ideals can have devastating consequences on personal relationships.
• Discuss the significance of tragedy in Death of a Salesman and how it affects Willy Loman's journey.
  • Death of a Salesman embodies the elements of tragedy as Willy Loman's character embodies both a relatable everyman and a tragic figure consumed by his flawed beliefs. His tragic downfall stems from his inability to adapt to reality, leading him to pursue unrealistic goals that ultimately result in his despair. This tragedy invites audiences to reflect on their own lives and societal pressures, examining the cost of ambition in a flawed system.
• Evaluate how Arthur Miller uses symbolism in Death of a Salesman to convey deeper moral and ethical questions regarding success and fulfillment.
  • Arthur Miller employs various symbols throughout Death of a Salesman to deepen the exploration of moral and ethical questions about success and fulfillment. For instance, the seeds that Willy plants symbolize his desire to leave behind a legacy and nurture growth for his family, yet they also reflect his failure to provide tangible success. Similarly, the recurring flute music evokes nostalgia for lost opportunities, prompting reflections on what true fulfillment means amidst societal expectations. These symbols challenge audiences to reconsider their definitions of success beyond material gain.

Related terms

American Dream: A cultural ethos that suggests success and prosperity are achievable through hard work and determination, often critiqued in the context of individual failure and societal pressures.

Tragedy: A dramatic genre that typically involves the downfall of a central character, often due to a tragic flaw or external circumstances, reflecting broader human experiences.

Symbolism:

The use of symbols to represent ideas or concepts, which in Death of a Salesman includes motifs like the flute music and the seeds representing growth and lost potential.