Death of a Salesman Analysis 12/3

Author: Arthur Miller

• From New York City
• Studied at University of Michigan

Tone: kind, yet honest

• Takes the sensitive scenes into a kind, tender way
• Ensures that it is still honest

Symbols:

• Stockings-Linda versus Woman, main issue in the affair
• Rubber Hose-Willy is planning on committing suicide
• Diamonds-represents the materialistic view point in America

Setting: 

• 1940s with daydreams into Willy's past
• Loman Household
• Brooklyn, New York
• Trips to Boston

Plot:

Willy Loman is a salesman in New York, and he has two aspiring sons. One of his sons Biff, has been Willy's "favorite"and Willy has the greatest expectations for Biff. However, Biff doesn't always agree with his father, and therefore they argue a lot. Willy has many daydreams to his past, and the way he ideally thought life was going to go for him; he was caught in a dream. Biff discovers his father having an affair and loses trust. The book is centralized around materialism and the effects of materials on society. 

Significant Characters:

• Willy: salesman, father, husband, caught in a dream, suicidal
• Biff: son of Willy, trying to be independent, wants to be on his own, tries to get his point across to Willy

Quotes:

"Why is he crying"-Willy Loman

• He says this while Biff breaks down and cries to him because of the life he has lived, and he is trying to help Willy to see reality. Willy takes meaning to Biff's crying and feels almost complete and important to his son's life.

"Diamond is hard and rough to the touch."-Willy Loman

• A diamond is a symbol for money and the materials yearned for in society. There is difficult to reaching a diamond, as it is to earn money.

Theme: The American Dream

• "Well-liked", "attractive" people are successful. You can't get anywhere with out good looks and personality.
• Materialism is prominent in the dream. Money is yearned for, and items are prized.
• Hard work=success
• Willy's Dream vs. His own life