In the play, Miller criticizes the American materialism, and the self-delusion that people were afflicted with. His critique is not directed at the American Dream as such; rather it
targets the greed that some people show in demonstrating their dreams for wealth and health
.
What does Death of a Salesman say about the American Dream?
He believes that
the American Dream is to work hard and gain something from putting everything into nothing
. Unfortunately for him, his way of thinking has made him ruthless. He will do anything to best anyone, as we see when he fights Biff.
How does Death of a Salesman critique today’s capitalist society the American Dream?
Death of a Salesman is a critique on the American Dream as
a capitalistic exploitation of the working class
. … Death of a Salesman is a striking commentary on the class struggle due to the exploitation of a lower social class by the higher ones, further accentuated with the American Dream used as bait.
What is the main message of Death of a Salesman?
The American Dream
is the dominant theme, or main idea, in Death of a Salesman. Willy Loman’s notions of the American Dream equate success with being well-liked. Likeability is an important quality for a salesman like Willy, yet he is unable to achieve the success he desires.
What is the irony in Death of a Salesman?
Situational irony is
when things turn out the opposite of what is expected
. Willy believed his suicide would provide money for his son, Biff, and prove his success and popularity. The reality of the situation couldn’t have been further from Willy’s beliefs.
What is Biff Loman’s American Dream?
Biff’s idea of the American Dream is
to own a ranch out west and farm
. He doesn’t want to follow his father’s path of trying to be a great salesman and (supposedly) end up rolling in easy money. To pursue his dream, Biff goes to ask his former employer, Mr. Oliver, for a loan.
What is the climax of Death of a Salesman?
In Death of a Salesman, the climax occurs
when Willy and Biff have their final confrontation in Frank’s Chop House
. At this point in the story, these two characters represent two different stances: Willy wants to continue with his self-deceptions about being successful, while Biff is exhausted with living a lie.
What is the point of view of Death of a Salesman?
Some people would argue that, because Death of a Salesman is a play, the point of view used is
that of the traditional narrative since we see everything that happens
. … However, since there are times when Willy is not on stage and we still see what is happening, external point of view is also used.
The purpose of this brief essay is to examine Arthur Miller’s
play, Death of a Salesman, with respect to its reflection of the impact of American values and mores as to what constitutes “success” upon individual lives
.
Why is Willy’s death ironic?
Willy’s death is ironic
because he fails to accomplish his cherished goals of domestic happiness and professional success
. At the end of the play, we learn that the only people who attend Willy’s funeral are his immediate family and Charley, his neighbor. No one else shows up, not even Willy’s boss Howard.
Why is Biff a failure?
Failure 3: Biff can’t seem to find a job that suits him, and although things were going well for him in Texas, he panicked because the job he had as a farmhand wasn’t the kind of job Willy expected him to have. …
Biff failed to fulfill Willy’s expectations
, and that makes him a complete failure in his father’s eyes.
What literary devices are used in Death of a Salesman?
On a local level, the play uses figures of speech, such as
simile, metaphor, and hyperbole
. One dramatic irony we can observe is that Willy, who is focused on financial success as a measure of worth, is far less successful financially than his friend Charley, who values compassion and kindness.
Is Biff Willy’s son?
Willy’s
thirty-four-year-old elder son
. Biff led a charmed life in high school as a football star with scholarship prospects, good male friends, and fawning female admirers.
Who said the jungle is dark but full of diamonds?
Quote by
Arthur Miller
: “The jungle is dark but full of diamonds, Willy.”
What is Happy Loman’s American Dream?
From the story, Happy Loman also believes in the
American dream of extreme martial possessions
. However, through his behavior, one can notice some shortcomings. The tragic flaws of Happy Loman include being almost like his father.
Who is responsible for Willy’s death?
There really isn’t one person who is to blame for Willy’s death
. There are a combination of factors that led Willy to kill himself. Willy was consumed with his own conception of the American dream; the play chronicles his sprialing downfall.
