Death of a Salesman

An Introduction to Arthur Miller’s acclaimed play, a

post-modern tragedy

““I am not a dime a dozen! I am Willy Loman, and I am not a dime a dozen! I am Willy Loman, and you are Biff Loman!” - Willy: Act II, pg. 132you are Biff Loman!” - Willy: Act II, pg. 132

© 2010 L.J. Perales www.apeng3.com

ARTHUR MILLER: Review

Arthur Miller was in 1915 in born in New York City. His play, Death of a Salesman, won the Pulitzer Prize. The nation responded with praise. However, critics have described the play as the first great American tragedy. Still, through all of his writing, Miller demonstrates a masterful grasp on the essence of the United States during his lifetime.

Death of a Salesman- Miller’s most well-known work- Represents the major issues within

the American value system.- Some argue the play lacks basic

human morals and principles.- Uses painful conflicts within an

average family to create a tragedy.- Setting: NYC, 1941- Focuses heavily on two things:

- Status and Success are earned privileges, not guaranteed human rights

- Blind faith in the American Dream* can result in drastic, negative consequences.

*American Dream: hard work + determination = the good life (with money!)

The Loman Family- Protagonist: Willy Loman, an

salesman later on in years who is beginning to lose his grip on reality.

- Willy’s wife tolerates him, but worries incessantly about his declining mental state.

- Willy’s sons, Biff and Happy, were his pride and joy in their youth because of their many accomplishments, but now he is disillusioned by their lack of career success.

- After working a hard life, Willy believes he deserves to retire with sufficient wealth with a sons that merit his desired “legacy”.

Miller’s Techniques- Miller uses episodes of flashbacks and

depersonalization in Willy’s character to highlight the most important aspect of this play: the internal struggle of an American.

- Willy is haunted by his older brother Ben, who has died. The memories explored demonstrate that Ben always out-did Willy, and Willy always wanted to be like him.

- In his mind, Willy believes that being well-liked is the only road to perfect success, so he relies on his supposed “charm” to make connections. He develops a master plan.

- Willy’s tragic flaw is that you fails to question whether the American Dream is valid.