Death of a Salesman Analysis

Arthur Miller-

 Miller was a big name in the mid to late 20th century. He was a journalist prior to becoming a playwright, won many awards, has a theater named after him, and, most importantly, was married to Marilyn Monroe. Go get em, Arth. He actually went to the University of Michigan (also the location of his theater).

Setting-

The play is located in Brooklyn, but Willy finds himself on both Boston and Manhattan during his little dreams. In Brooklyn, the Loman house is set in the middle of  bunch of apartment houses. The buildings have blocked out the sun, indicating that the house is trapped and has been cut off from the sun/hope.

Summary- 

Willy comes home one night from a trip to Boston. He is met by Linda, who convinces him to talk to his boss to work in the city so he won't have to drive all day. In another room, Biff and Happy discuss their 'work' and Willy. In the kitchen, Willy flashes back to a young Biff and Happy, both of whom are very affectionate of Willy. Charley and Bernard make brief appearances- Biff is apparently struggling with math and Bernard is very smart and wants to help. Linda pops up, Willy talk about his trip, then Willy contradicts himself with the Chevy. Willy fades out and enters another dream with Woman. Woman and Willy briefly interact, then Willy finds himself in the kitchen with Linda. They talk about Biff and his popularity, then Willy returns to the present. He and his sons argue, then all go to bed. 

Next day, at breakfast. Biff tells Willy that he is going to see Bill Oliver, a past boss. He and Happy offer to take Willy to a nice dinner. Willy is very excited.

Willy appears with Howard. Howard and Willy listen the a recorded segment of Howard's family. Willy finally asks for a local job, Howard refuses and fires Willy. Willy leaves.

Willy goes to Charley's to borrow more money. He sees Bernard and the two talk about Biff's failures and how Willy affected them. Charley enters and gives Willy Money. Willy calls Charley his only friend.

Biff and Happy arrive at the restaurant. Happy flirts with some less than reputable females, Biff reveals that he was humiliated when Oliver didn't even recognize him. Needless to say, Biff did not get a job. 

Willy enters the scene and expects good news. He gets yelled at by Biff for being obstinate, and is taken back. He falls and Biff helps him to the washroom. Biff storms away, Happy following with the girls. They leave Willy in the washroom with his latest flashback. 

Biff basically walks in on Willy having an affair (at some point in the past). Biff is horrified, burns his U Virginia shoes (his dreams go up in flames), and runs away. Willy comes to and hurries to a seed store. 

Biff and Happy return home, where they are confronted by Linda. She yells at them. Willy is out planting a garden. Biff apologizes and cries on Willy's shoulder. Willy decides to kill himself so his family can have the insurance money. He crashes his car and dies. 

At the funeral only Linda, the boys, and Charley are present. Linda tells Willy that they are free. End.

Symbols-

Stockings (wealth/ease of life)

Seeds (hope)

The American Dream (why not)

Motifs-

Abandonment

The American Dream

Betrayal

Theme-

Entitlement for the idealized American Dream of financial and social prosperity can lead to tragedy.

Miller uses the city setting of a house surrounded by apartments to show how The American Dream has corrupted and choked out hope for a bright future. The entitlement is shown in characters' lack of effort to achieve their goals.

Quotes-

"I’ll see him in the morning; I’ll have a nice talk with him. I’ll get him a job selling. He could be big in no time."

"You've just seen a prince walk by. A fine, troubled prince. A hard-working, unappreciated prince. A pal, you understand? A good companion. Always for his boys."