Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
All the principle character in the play are trying to understand what is driving Willy to suicide. What is your understanding of this? Usually suicide is the last measure a human being would take when he or she sees no way out of a situation. Willy Loman, the protagonist of the drama Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, appears to be attempting suicide several times before he succeeds at the end of the play. His family does not seem to understand what is driving him into suicide until very late, as there seem to be several reasons. Behind the word success Willy Loman does not seem to see anything more than material possession. Self-fulfillment is nothing else than earning a lot of money to provide a good standard of living for one's family. This ironically is Willy's ideology, even though he is a salesman with a low salary who can barely pay the upcoming installments. Willy's view of the world is based to a large extent based on two men. His brother Ben, who made a fortune by finding diamonds in the jungle, and an old salesman called David Singleman, the salesman he aspires to become. Willy desperately tries to believe that he is a success, something he always tried to tell his sons. But of course at the age of sixty-three, near retirement, he has to realize that he cannot achieve what he was longing for. He starts going back into his past and seeing his brother Ben, who he
Death of a Salesman
Angelina Baker October 1, 2007 Playwright Auther Miller's, Death of a Salesman, uses Willy Loman as a tragic figure. As Willy struggles to be a successful salesman and provide as the man of his house, he causes suffering to his family. His actions have his wife constantly worrying, his sons unsuccessful in life, and tension between his family. The life of Willy Loman is that of a salesman. In his desire to become an American success, he desperately tries to sell a productive image to his clients, his family, and society. Unfortunately, Willy's ambition to become prosperous and well-liked by his family and by society overrides his sense of morality when attempting to project a successful image. He uses a great emphasis on his supposed native charm and ability to make friends. He raises his two sons, Biff and Happy, teaching this way to success. He tells them stories of his work in New England, where he is well known and very much liked. The firm Willy had been working at for 32 years has taken him off of salary. Will ends up being fired when it should be his time of retirement. Now at the age of 63, he is unsuccessful, with two unsuccessful sons, living off dreams. Although Willy may not want to admit it, he has come to the realization he has failed at life. He is unable to provide for his family. He is very unhappy with the way his life has ended up. He makes several
Death of a Salesman.
Death of a Salesman As the title suggests Willy Loman is a salesman. However his life does not follow the American dream of wealth and prosperity, it is one of conflict and lies. Some of the complex issues contained in the play are introduced in the opening scene. The play opens 'in medias reys' which immediately captures the audience's attention. From Linda's trepid call of 'Willy!' it is clear that his return is somewhat unexpected. However rather than being pleased at his early homecoming she is worried. She asks Willy 'What happened?' and when he replies that 'nothing happened' it appears she does not trust him as she continues to question him. Linda is concerned that Willy has smashed the car which may initially lead the audience to believe that she is more concerned with material goods rather than her husband but, as we find out later in the play, Willy has crashed the car previously so this question is a justified one. Willy becomes irritated by this question and after repeating that 'nothing happened' questions Linda 'Didn't you hear me?' This introduces Willy's character, one who is easily annoyed and becomes angry. Because of Willy's temper Linda continues to speak more delicately, afraid to provoke a reaction. The issue of death is soon introduced into the play after Willy remarks 'I'm tired to the death.' Miller uses dramatic irony as it is his job that