Death of a Salesman Essay Death of a Salesman

1. Death of a Salesman Essay
By: Raleigh Mullin
In the play, Death of a Salesman, the main character, Willy Loman's tragedy is due to both his own
flawed character and society's flaws. Advancements in science throughout this century have led to
tremendous advancements in industry. In this case however, advancements in industry have not
always led to advancements in living conditions. For some, society has created mass wealth. For
Willy Loman, however, mass society has created only tremendous grief and hardship, based on
endless promise. For these reasons, his tragedy is due both to societies flaws and to the flaws in his
own character. It was society who stripped him of his dignity, piece by piece. It was society who
stripped him of his lifestyle, and his own sons...show more content...
It would identify people who are a danger to themselves or to others and treat them. If such a net
had existed, Willy Loman might now have met his premature end. Instead, he could have received
psychiatric help and recovered from his condition. It was the direct result of the flaws on society,
which led to Will Loman's death. It was the greed that was so predominant around him that led to his
unhappiness. It was the lack of compassion from society, which allowed his unhappiness to flourish,
and which eventually consumed him. In the end, it was the lack of a social safety net, which failed to
save him from himself. Everyone has conflicts that they must face sooner or later. The way in
which people deal with these personal conflicts can differ as much as problem to get it out of the
way. Willy Lowman's technique in Arthur Miller's playDeath of a Salesman, leads to very severe
consequences. Willy never really does anything to help the situation, he just escapes into the past,
whether intentionally or not, to happier times were problems were scarce. The use of this escape
throughout the play can be compared to the use of a drug, because he uses his escapes as if they
were narcotics. As the play progressed, the reader learns that it can be a dangerous drug, because it
is addictive and deadly. The first time that Willy is seen lapsing off into the past is when he
encounters Biff after arriving home. The conversation between Willy and Linda reflects Willy's
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2. Death of a Salesman
Define "The American Dream". In what way does Death of a Salesman point out the
hopelessness of chasing this dream? Are there any rewards? The idea of the American Dream is
truly subjective. To some, it is living in the lap of luxury in all aspects. To others, it is a chance at
a better brighter opportunity for themselves or their families. Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman"
portrays the promise of the American Dream in the form of opportunity, freedom, success and
wealth; the ability to acquire all material comforts in American Life, and sacrifices one must make
in order to achieve it. For Willy Loman, hard work could not earn him everything that he wanted or
thought he deserved. Willy judged life in terms of material wealth....show more content...
Once again, Willy chooses his fixation on the American Dream, over his marriage and children.
Willie lived to pursue the American dream rather than just live it simplistically, and organically.
"Death of A Salesman" puts an immense amount of pressure on its main character. This dream,
this idea of true happiness and success is similar to dangling a carrot in the face or a horse. The
horse may give chase, running far and fast, but never reaches its intended goal. Willy Loman held
onto a dream, and did everything and anything to reach it; even at the expense of his marriage and
family. His demise was Rivera 4tragic and unfortunate, and a result of a consumer oriented
society in which he was never able to fit in. He has lost sight of achieving the true goal of the
American Dream; happiness and freedom. Willy has made quite an effort in attempt to achieve
this goal, such as having an affair, a life away from his family, all of which sent him on a crash
course headed for disaster. All of this is proof that living out this "American Dream", will never be a
reality, unless we live in reality. To chase a dream is hopeless; you must work hard and earn your
keep to achieve it, like everybody else. Upon doing so, it is possible to reap the benefits, and collect
your reward no matter how tangible or intangeable they may be.
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