Play Analysis

ARTHUR MILLER 'S DEATH OF A SALESMAN

2009

Arthur Miller 's play Death of a Salesman ' is recognized today as one of the most important dramas of our times and for our American culture Every fiber of Willy Loman 's being deals with his work as a salesman and becoming successful . His dream of success clearly shapes the form and intensity of his family relationships . The success that Willy Loman dreams of is derived from the almost stereotypical American Dream of success . From the critical perspective , Miller 's Death of a

Salesman ' is a story and a tragedy of an average man , Willy Loman pursuing his success in family and work , two fundamental parts of an elusive American Dream

A lifetime spent dreaming of success makes Willy 's American dream the most important part of his life - over and above the needs and desires of his family . Over time Willy 's values have become diminished - his family factors into his life only when it can increase his or his sons chances for success . His emphasis on his dream of success causes conflict with his sons . His dependence upon a success-oriented life leaves him floundering when he begins to fail . Every element of Willy 's life is expressed and linked to another as Willy 's illusions and reality are presented together with each event in Willy 's life showing the correlation between work and family as the past and present become one in Willy 's mind . As each person and event...