Death Of A Salesman As A Tragic Examination Of The...

Since Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman first appeared on the Broadway stage in 1949, Willy Loman has become one of the most icon and over-analyzed characters in all of American literature. In the play, Loman is an aging New York salesman who is facing both personal and professional problems. In fact, when the play begins Loman is suicidal. On the surface this is due to his failure to make enough money to support his family in his old age. Yet as the play progresses the audience comes to understand that there are deep seated issues in Willy’s past and in his psychological makeup that have contributed to his current station in life. Many readings of the play have remarked that Death of a Salesman is a tragic examination of the American†¦show more content†¦For example, Willy has a pathological desire to be loved. This is what will result, Willy believes, from amassing great wealth. He articulates this when speaking to the imagined specter of his older brother. When Ben promises Willy riches, Willy believes that it will finally earn him the love of his son, Biff. â€Å"Isn’t that a remarkable thing?† Willy remarks in his reverie â€Å"Ben, he’ll worship me for it!† This is obviously an unhealthy and backwards attitude towards work. It also demonstrates why Willy has no few friends at the end of his life. At Willy’s funeral, Linda asks (without irony) â€Å"But where are all the people he knew?† It turns out Willy did not really know anyone. Willy is also undermined by the weight of his memories and may be suffering a psychological disorder. Miller demonstrates this by interjecting Willy’s memories of the past at various points throughout the play. These are not traditional flashbacks. Rather, they are depicted as literal memories triggered by the present-day events in Willy’s life. This creates something of a parallel narrative. At the same time, Willy’s also imagines or hallucinates scenes that have never happened, like the vision of Willy’s late-brother, Ben. Ben appears to entice Willy with the promise of wealth, but appears to be speaking to Willy in his youth rather than the present. These memories and hallucinations combine toShow MoreRelatedEssay about The American Dream in Death of a Salesman1371 Words   |  6 PagesArthur Miller’s ‘Death of a Salesman’ is an examination of American life and consumerism. It relates the story of a common man who portrays this life style. Other issues explored in the play include: materialism, procrastination and alienation. The play was set in 1948, in a time where The American Dream was highly regarded, despite the Depression. 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