To what extent is ‘Death of a Salesman’ a criticism of the values of modern American society
Ed Daggett
LVth
5th March 2001
To what extent is 'Death of a Salesman' a criticism of the values of modern American society
Willy Loman is a true, patriotic American whose guiding philosophy is the American Dream. 'Death of a Salesman' shows how this dream does not always come true and what it can do to you. The American Dream is the base is the base on which the values of modern American society. It stems from Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence, which basically implies that as an American, there is the promise of a new and better life. No matter you have emerged from, hard work, honesty and certainly ambition will lead to success, wealth and ultimately power. This is what Willy does; he has ambition, works extremely hard for himself and his family, but it hasn't paid off.
'Death of a Salesman' takes a pessimistic view, all the way through, of this dream, and shows that it doesn't always come true. The American 'Dream' is all it really is, a dream.
But, the Americans who try to live out this dream become extremely competitive, greedy and selfish. This is the main criticism in the play. Willy is not greedy or selfish but doesn't get far. It is only those who are that get anywhere.
As the American Dream has grown amongst the workers, Willy has not adjusted to the changes, especially in the selling world.
Biff said:
"He had all the wrong dreams."
His dreams would have been appropriate many years ago, but he hasn't adjusted, as I said, and he still believes that loyalty and length of service should mean more success. Unfortunately in the selling business you need youth and charisma to sell a product. Willy's inspiration is a man called Dave Singleman. He started his career at eighty-four years old and sold across thirty-one states without having left a room, just over the phone.
LVth
5th March 2001
To what extent is 'Death of a Salesman' a criticism of the values of modern American society
Willy Loman is a true, patriotic American whose guiding philosophy is the American Dream. 'Death of a Salesman' shows how this dream does not always come true and what it can do to you. The American Dream is the base is the base on which the values of modern American society. It stems from Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence, which basically implies that as an American, there is the promise of a new and better life. No matter you have emerged from, hard work, honesty and certainly ambition will lead to success, wealth and ultimately power. This is what Willy does; he has ambition, works extremely hard for himself and his family, but it hasn't paid off.
'Death of a Salesman' takes a pessimistic view, all the way through, of this dream, and shows that it doesn't always come true. The American 'Dream' is all it really is, a dream.
But, the Americans who try to live out this dream become extremely competitive, greedy and selfish. This is the main criticism in the play. Willy is not greedy or selfish but doesn't get far. It is only those who are that get anywhere.
As the American Dream has grown amongst the workers, Willy has not adjusted to the changes, especially in the selling world.
Biff said:
"He had all the wrong dreams."
His dreams would have been appropriate many years ago, but he hasn't adjusted, as I said, and he still believes that loyalty and length of service should mean more success. Unfortunately in the selling business you need youth and charisma to sell a product. Willy's inspiration is a man called Dave Singleman. He started his career at eighty-four years old and sold across thirty-one states without having left a room, just over the phone.
