Play Death of a Salesman, Research Paper Example

Arthur Miller’s play Death of a Salesman premiered in 1949. In this play, Miller structures it as if it were a means of consciousness accounts.  The main character, “Willy sees a flawed society as an extension of a deeply fallible human nature.” (Bigsby 1995)  It is used to reflect dramatic reflections of principles and value.  In a 1996 interview, Miller says, “I can’t imagine a theatre that did not want to change the world.” (Miller 1996)  The play reflects a battle with one’s opinion of what greatness is, and his personal downfalls with what he feels that should be.

The main character, Willy Loman is a traveling salesman. His vision of success is based on popularity and charisma instead of the ability to sell.  A combination of past and present shows Willy’s values and rationalization with the supporting characters.   Biff and Happy, are Willy’s sons and the main supporting characters in this play. The other main supporting character is Linda, Willy’s wife.

The major elements of the play structure are the brilliant flash between past and current times.  In fact there are points where past events take place in modern times.  This is done by staging characters that only Willy can see and hear, showing a different time and place. The stage is set for time shifts as well, such as the boys dressed in their sports uniform and the leaves on the ground from the trees. His flash backs and talking to himself have others viewing Willy as being mentally deteriorating.

There are scenes that break away from Willy’s views and focuses on his family, Linda, Biff, and Happy. When this happens, the scenes stay current without flashbacks that happen. Willy sees Biff as being unproductive and when his sons come home to visit he pushes them to make more out of their life. Willy wanted Biff to be a salesman just like him. “A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory.” (Bigsby 1995)  Biff had different dreams than following in his fathers footsteps. However, when Willy kills himself to provide the insurance money for him to start his business, Biff is forced to make a difficult decision.  Reluctantly Biff takes the money and follows in his fathers footsteps. Willy dies self-deceived.

References

Arthur Miller, in an interview Oct. 16, 1996 at Princeton University.

Bigsby, Christopher. (1995) Arthur Miller, Death of a Salesman, in The Portable Arthur Miller. New York: Penguin Books.

Bigsby, Christopher. (1995) Introduction to The Portable Arthur Miller. New York: Penguin Books, 1995.