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"Death of a Salesman", 2001.
The following paper critically examines Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" which, according to the author, is fundamentally inner-directed rather than outer-directed.
1,420 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 51.95
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Abstract
The following paper examines the fundamental distinction made between the two forms of American drama to emerge from the United States during the post-war period. These two trends are said to be represented by the authors Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller. This paper focuses on Arthur Miller, who takes a more Ibsen-like approach to drama. "Death of A Salesman" is made reference to throughout.
Table of Contents
Common Critical Opinions About Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman
This Paper's Thesis about Death of a Salesman
What is a Tragic Character?
Why Willy Loman is a Tragic Character.
Why Willy Loman is similar to other Tragic Heroes.
What is the Play's Thesis about American Society?
Why Willy Loman is not Just an American Everyman.
Arthur Miller's own view of Willy Loman.
Willy Loman outside of an American Context
The Play-text's View of Willy Loman
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Tragedy is defined as a form of drama that depicts the suffering of a heroic individual who is often overcome by the very obstacles he is struggling to remove. The protagonist may be brought low by a character flaw or, a the philosopher Hegel stated, caught in a "collision of equally justified ethical aims." (Encyclopedia.com) Miller himself commented that "Willy Loman has broken a law without whose protection life is insupportable if not incomprehensible to him and to many other; it is the law which says that a failure in society and in business has no right to live." (Drama for Students 71) At first Loman cannot accept his son Biff's life because Biff works on a ranch for a living, "like a boy." (31) But Biff shows him that the ideals of success Willy holds are simply untenable for Biff, at least now that the son has attained the age of thirty-four."
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Tragedy, Aristotle and "Death of a Salesman", 2007.
An analysis of how Aristotle defines tragedy and how it is portrayed by Arthur Miller in his play "Death of a Salesman".
4,224 words (approx. 16.9 pages), 9 sources, APA, AU$ 121.95
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Abstract
Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" has several strong literary and socially disturbing dimensions, but the one that stands most is its tragic dimension. This paper contends that "Death of a Salesman" is in fact tragic, and that within that tragic dimension there are several themes that are apparent and important: financial failure, emotional inadequacy, false pride, sports promise and sports failure, sexual confusion and impropriety, career stumbling, a dysfunctional family, death and madness. Tragedy to varying and diverse degrees is presented as a dynamic that is witnessed in Willy's family, in Willy's failed careers, and of course in his failed relationship with his son and in his marriage. Additionally there are tragic circumstances within the popular American contemporary vernacular of sports. The paper also examines Aristotle's stance on tragedy and how it compares to that of Arthur Miller.
Outline:
Introduction
What Is Tragedy? Miller's Philosophy on Tragedy and His Perspective on the Play
What Is Aristotle's Philosophy Regarding Tragedy?
The Death of a Salesman: The Literature and the Scholarship
Other Tragic Features of the Play
From the Paper
"After going to lengths to point out that Miller sees the central tragic figure in the play as Willy, Hagopian insists that it's Biff Loman, Willy's son, is the one who "ultimately makes things happen, who responds to the great trauma in his life with an emotional and moral paralysis..." That point could be rebutted effectively, but meantime a more pertinent point that Hagopian makes is that, after Biff finds his dad in a hotel room with another woman; "You fake!" he barks. "You phony little fake! You fake!" And now dad has been fired from his job, and Willy fears his son will expose his immoral deeds to mom. But Biff does not, he just wants to rage at his dad, and say "goodbye to you Pop...let's just wrap it up, heh?" The scene that Willy provokes has definite tragic consequences, Hagopian admits on page 40. "
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"Death of a Salesman" and Canadian Capitalism, 2008.
An analysis of Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" in relation to studies of Canadian capitalism.
1,705 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at how Arthur Miller's play of 1949, "Death of a Salesman", offers a strong commentary on capitalism's expectation that all persons can and will participate strongly in a capitalist environment. Related ideas are those of capitalism best serving 'human nature' in an assumption that all human beings are decisive; strongly motivated by acquiring success or belongings, and that conforming to a capitalist system will bring rewards. It discusses how, however, as Miller's "Death of a Salesman" indicates, some personalities are not at all suited to this range of activities and also, how capitalism will always leave behind some persons who for whatever reason cannot compete ably, or cannot summon all of their resources for the very competitive approach that is required. The paper discusses the myth of capitalism, as seen in the play, and looks at how it relates to what is happening in Canada.
Outline:
Introduction
Capitalism as a System and Culture
Capitalism's Dream
More on Markets and Opportunities
From the Paper
"In relation to Canadian capitalism, Phillips identified three ways in which the present system has not pleased or served Canadians in, first, the market's failure to provide a level of social services or other social infrastructure for the best or 'equal' welfare of the people, second, its production of social gaps so large that the cohesion of the society is threatened and may very well collapse in immense differences between the income levels and living experiences of the poor and the 'middle' classes, and third, no mechanism in the market system to guarantee or even just promote full employment and economic growth. (Political Economy 20) In short, Canadian capitalism has become rather like its American counterpart that so worships market forces while indiscriminately ostracizing or just leaving behind one sector and then another. "
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Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman".
This paper discusses the character Willy Loman from Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" as an Aristotelian tragic hero.
1,490 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Willy Loman from Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" is a salesman whose flawed thinking makes him associate success with a powerful personality instead of hard work, arousing pity and fear in the readers similar to Aristotle's tragic hero. The author points out that a prerequisite for being categorized a tragic hero includes a fall from grace; Willy Loman, a sensible, normal, loving father, who turned into a delusional character who couldn't separate reality from illusions, fits into this category. The paper relates that Willy commits suicide and becomes truly a tragic hero.
From the Paper
"The difference between Aristotle's bad man and a tragic hero is that while the former tries to harm people through his wrong action and is fully aware of his sins, the latter is completely ignorant of his actions being unproductive or them having a bad impact of his life. Secondly a tragic hero doesn't intend to harm anyone through his actions which the intentions of a wicked man are just the opposite. In short while the wicked man's actions are directed against another person, a tragic hero's actions are aimed at himself and eventually result in self-destruction."
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"Death of a Salesman", 2004.
A look at the portrayal of Willy Loman as the tragic hero in Arthur Miller's play, "Death of a Salesman".
1,655 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 8 sources, MLA, AU$ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how Arthur Miller's play, "Death of a Salesman", is an illustration that focuses on the theme of social and personal tragedy and, how, within this theme, the character of Willy Loman emerges as an individual who is misled by false values. It looks at how Willy's flaw is believing in grandiose dreams and allowing them to blind him to the realities of life. It also shows how the play is considered a success because Miller presents the story of Willy Loman in such a way that it is perceived as a common experience. In other words, Willie is a modern-day tragic hero.
From the Paper
"Biff is a realist that sees things for what they are. He antagonizes his father. Biff's anger forces Willy to come face to face with the lies with which he has been living. For instance, he places the rubber hose on the table and asks his father if that is supposed to make him feel sorry for Willy. He also forces him to admit that he was not salesman in the store but a clerk. Biff also reveals the lie that Happy was not an assistant manager. He tells his father, "I never got anywhere because you blew me so full of hot air that I could never stand taking orders from anybody!" (Miller 1108). He also tells Willy that the two of them are a "dime a dozen" (1109) and no leader for any men. To make it worse, he tells him that he was "nothing but a hard-working drummer who landed in the ash can like all the rest of them" (1109)."
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Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman".
This paper discusses the play, "Death of a Salesman," by Arthur Miller from the perspective of J. F. Clarke's statement, "The bravest of individuals is the one who obeys his or her conscience."
1,170 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that "Death of a Salesman" is a tragic story about a man who is anything but a success; he is a coward because he cannot face his faults and his failures. The author believes that Willy is a coward because he tries to end his life due to his belief that he had so many troubles, and he thinks his family will benefit if he kills himself. The paper concludes that Willy is not a good example of Clarke's statement; he is a liar, does not take charge of his life in a positive manner, is not brave, and does not follow his conscience.
From the Paper
"Clarke's statement about bravery does not apply to everyone, and Willy and his family are good examples of that. Not everyone can be brave, and not everyone can stand up to their failures and their faults. It takes a truly brave person to recognize they have been a failure, and to go on trying to better himself or herself. Willy could not do that, and he even tells Ben that. Ben says, "It's called a cowardly thing, William. Willy: Why? Does it take more guts to stand her the rest of my life ringing up a zero?" Yes, it does take more guts. It takes more guts to face your failures and learn from them. Willy did not have to guts to face his failures, and so, he thinks money is the answer for his family when really he was all they wanted."
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"Death of a Salesman", 2005.
This paper analyzes the ideology and beliefs apparent in "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 5 sources, AU$ 76.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a close look at the ideology of the American Dream which is behind both Arthur Miller's classic play, "Death of a Salesman" and its tragic protagonist, Willy Loman. The paper argues that the ideology is flawed, its flaws being Willy's wrong interpretation of it as a popularity contest, it not fitting the world in which he lives, it being destructive and it not being as easy as he believes it should be. Finally, the paper discusses the effect of Willy's ideology on his sons.
From the Paper
"When Arthur Miller's classic play came out in 1949, the United States were in the middle of another huge boom: a literal Baby Boom, a boom of housing, a boom of sufficient and well-paid employment, a boom of success, a boom of prosperity. I use the word "another" to qualify this particular "boom" because the country had just ended times of Depression and war, in the never-ending cycle of good times and bad times that had started from America's very independence, a cycle of war or poverty followed by riches, or at least financial stability."
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Maturation in "Death of a Salesman", 2005.
Examines the character, Biff's maturation from material values to spiritual values in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman".
875 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 34.95
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Abstract
In Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman", Willy Loman causes his son Biff to go through the three stages of an initiation and to learn that a person's worth is not based on material values but on spiritual values. This paper presents a brief analysis of Biff's maturation.
From the Paper
"Finally, in the third and final stage of Biff's initiation, Willy causes Biff to become enlightened. Biff looks up and sees "the sky" and asks himself, "what the hell am I grabbing this [pen] for? Why am I trying to become what I don't want to be? What am I doing in an office, making a contemptuous, begging fool of myself . . . ?" (1943). He understands that Willy's teachings and set of values will not work because he has tested them and they all fail. He realizes that he and Willy are both "a dime a dozen," that he is not "a leader of men," and that he is regu-lar and that is alright (1943-1944). He says, "I'm nothing!" and breaks down and cries to Willy (1944)."
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"Death of a Salesman", 2004.
An exploration of the theme of the American Dream in Arthur Miller's play, "Death of a Salesman".
1,564 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 11 sources, MLA, AU$ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Arthur Miller's play, "Death of a Salesman", and looks at how it deals with important aspects of American life and, in particular, the idea of the American Dream. It discusses how the play and its preliminary production set the tone for American drama for the rest of the century through its sociopolitical themes, its lyrical pragmatism, and its focus on the ordinary man. It examines how there are a number of central and noteworthy themes that are developed through the aid of Arthur Miller's skillful use of practices such as background, classification, and representation. It also analyzes how the theme of failure within an achievement-oriented society is something, which not only had significance for those who pursued the proverbial American Dream, but which still has great implication for our own modern society where achievement is considered more important than human dignity.
From the Paper
"The main character, Willy Loman is a salesman, who has lost his hold on reality. Willy, who has constantly placed high value on being admired, dreamed of dying the "death of a salesman". In his illusionary world, he was living a life of comfort and finishing deals through contractors on the phone. Instead, all of Willy's objectives seem to have failed: he is laid off from his job, nobody among his old friends remember him, his son Biff has not turn out the man he expected he would be, and he is forced to rely on loans from his former competitor. His other son, Happy, acts as if he is lucratively climbing the business ladder but is in fact lying to his father regarding the full measure of his achievement (Griffin, Alice.1996)."
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"Death of a Salesman", 2004.
An analysis of the theme of gender criticism in the play, "Death of a Salesman", by Arthur Miller.
1,190 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how, although Arthur Millers's "Death of a Salesman" is mainly about a salesman named Willy Loman, the almost hidden presence of the women in the play is all too often unnoticed. It looks at how Linda Loman seems to be the glue that holds the Loman clan together, as Willy, Biff, and Happy are all deluded in one way or another. It analyzes how Miller depicts Willy's wife in a very specific way and how he depicts the other women in the story in ways that complement Linda's distinct nature. Although Linda's role as a woman in society is extremely limited, she is a heroic character, being both wife and mother to some very sad and twisted characters.
From the Paper
"Linda then, is a character that we learn directly very little about. It is only through her interactions with her family that her nature is revealed, and this sense of mystery adds to the dramatic tension. The audience cannot fathom why she stays with Willy and her dysfunctional family. Is she accepting her subordinate position as part of the nuclear family in order to hold it together? Or is she limited by her own personal inadequacies that prevent her from standing independently? Miller's creation of a character shrouded in ambiguity allows extensive scope for dramatic tension. This indistinct character of Linda has an effect on her relationship with Willy."
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"Death of a Salesman" and "Lost Boy", 2004.
A comparison of Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" and Thomas Wolfe's "The Lost Boy".
2,157 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 72.95
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Abstract
In Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" and Thomas Wolfe's "The Lost Boy", the central characters of Willy Loman and Grover Gant share many similarities, such as a great determination to succeed and a focus on the past events of their lives. This paper discusses how both characters are apparently obsessed with dreams; with Willy Loman, the dream is obtaining what has come to be called the "American Dream," being a phenomenal success in his chosen profession as a salesma; with Grover Gant, the dream involves his proud and prescient mother, who always insisted that Grover was the brightest and best of her offspring. It shows how both characters realize much too late that their dreams are not based in reality, which inevitably leads to disillusionment and personal disaster, not to mention that Loman and Gant are "lost" in a world they cannot understand.
From the Paper
"Miller's American masterpiece Death of a Salesman, first presented on the stage in New York City in 1949, represents a successful attempt to blend the themes of social and personal tragedy within the same dramatic framework. Yet the story of Willy Loman is also one of false values sustained by almost every publicity agency in the national life of the U.S. Willy Loman accepts at face value the over-publicized ideals of material success and blatant optimism, and therein lies his own personal tragedy. His downfall and final
defeat illustrate not only the failure of a man but also the failure of a way of life, being a door-to-door salesman. Miller's ability to project this story of his tragic, lower middle-class hero into the common experience of so many Americans, who sustain themselves and their families with illusions and ignore realities, makes Death of a Salesman one of the most significant in American theater within the last fifty years."
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Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman", 2002.
Analyzes the theme of the American Dream in Miller's famous play, "Death of a Salesman".
2,530 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 82.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the notion of the American Dream as seen in Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman". The characters in the story are analyzed in terms of how they reflect attitudes about the American Dream, and scenes and dialogue are described to demonstrate how the story questions whether the American Dream is myth or reality.
From the Paper
"Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman was written in the 1940s, and it showed that Americans after the war were questioning certain values they had long held dear and were asking whether the new world in which they found themselves would be as optimistic as the old one. The play presents a sort of Everyman in Willy Loman, the salesman who has lived his whole life on the road and who has survived largely by creating an illusion of himself not unlike the wider illusion by which Americans viewed themselves as superior in the world. Now he is faced with the loss of his illusion as he is no longer needed, and this forces him to reassess his life. The play reflects many American's concerns about the Twentieth Century and their place in it, and most of these are concerns that are still cogent today. One of the issues underlying the action is the idea of the American Dream and whether that dream is real or an illusion. The concept had fueled American optimism for decades. The concept is still raised today, though just as often it is raised as a false hope given to people with little chance of succeeding. Willy Loman is a man who believed in the American Dream but who now sees it as an illusion that has given him false hope for a better future. He believes he has done everything he was supposed to do to achieve it, yet it remains elusive."
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"Death of a Salesman" and "The Glass Menagerie", 2006.
A discussion on the failure of the American dream , as described in "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller and "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams.
1,385 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the lives of the main families in the plays "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller and "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams. It describes the way in which the Loman family experienced tragedy because they hoped and depended too much on the belief that subsistence to the American dream would, inherently, be the catalyst that will propel them towards economic prosperity and success. It then contrasts this to the Wingfield family who experienced tragedy because they thrived in the culture of hopelessness, believing that the world in itself was too cruel and their life was an already tragic one.
From the Paper
"The Wingfield family of "Glass," meanwhile, suffered not from the hopefulness, but from the sheer lack of it. The pervasiveness of hopelessness in the family affected the lives and attitudes of Amanda and Tom. Like the Loman sons Biff and Happy, Tom failed to realize that hard work was the best recourse to take in alleviating his family's hardships and sufferings, taking them out of the tragic lives they led. From Tom's end, in fact, he showed no conscious effort to redeem himself from the fact that will always be poor and underprivileged, in the midst of the affluent lives of other people in the society they lived in."
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Production of "Death of a Salesman", 2005.
This paper is describes a mock production of "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller.
3,171 words (approx. 12.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 98.95
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Abstract
This paper talks about how things like the message, metaphor, setting, design specifics, performance space and a possible cast list for a mock performance of the play "Death of a Salesman."
From the Paper
"When considering different types of theatrical productions, one of the most popular and common types is the tragedy. Normally a tragedy involves the misfortunes and death surrounding a central character who is a very important person in society. Arthur Miller takes a different look at tragedy in his production of Death of a Salesman. Miller believes that the central character does not have to be of nobility or of any great importance at all, but rather that even the death of a common man can be tragic. When considering how to do a production in general there are many things that must be taken into account before the piece can move from just a script on paper to living production. Such examples of the criteria for a live production are the message, metaphor, setting, performance space, design specifics, and cast list. First, however, a brief of the plot of the story is necessary."
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"Death of a Salesman", 2006.
An analysis of the character of Willy Loman in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman".
920 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 34.95
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Abstract
In this analysis of Arthur Miller's drama "Death of a Salesman" the writer provides an assessment of the dual roles of Willy Loman. It looks at how on the one hand Willy is a victimizer who hurts others and on the other hand he is an individual who has been a victim. It also argues that his loss of belief in his illusions causes him to commit suicide.
From the Paper
" Arthur Miller's famous drama Death of a Salesman features protagonist Willy Loman, a washed up salesman whose delusions make him believe he is still highly skilled and in demand.Willy maintains a number of illusions that ..."
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"Death of a Salesman": The Destruction of American Values, 2004.
An exploration of the failures of Willy Loman in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman".
1,215 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 0 sources, MLA, AU$ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how Arthur Miller's "Death of Salesman" is a view into the very heart of America. It shows that, while the subject matter pertains directly to a family on the brink of destruction, it also represents themes and ideas that travel far beyond the tiny cramped walls of the set and into the minds and hearts of every American working and struggling to this day. It discusses the idea that Americans are married to their jobs, and work for material possessions in a monotonous existence, using money to buy happiness; it attempts to compare their failures to the failures of Willy Loman in the play.
From the Paper
"There are so many comparisons between death of a salesman and the real world. Miller's play simply is an example of one member of a failed life. The very waste of talent and ability, of mind and body, is exemplified to a white, crystalline pureness, almost if the horrible nature of it was somehow purified by some means in some sick and twisted paradox. Willie was no more than seventy years old, and from birth to the grave, he woke up every morning to fight for something that can not be defeated. His wife is so supportive of him that she refuses to allow him to give up, Hap is a fool who thinks he has a chance of beating the system, and perhaps the one that is best off is Biff, but he is a vagrant bum who has no skills or trade going for him."
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