Death of a Salesman: American Dream

• Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman critiques the American Dream through the tragic life of Willy Loman
• The play explores themes of identity, success, and the disillusionment of chasing an unattainable ideal

The American Dream

• The American Dream is traditionally defined as the belief that through hard work, determination, and individual initiative, anyone can achieve success and upward mobility, regardless of their origins
• This concept suggests that America is a land of opportunity where prosperity is available to all
• In Death of a Salesman, Miller challenges the conventional interpretation of the American Dream, portraying it as a destructive myth
• Willy Loman's blind pursuit of a superficial, materialistic version of success leads to his downfall

Willy Loman's Character

• Willy Loman is a flawed, aging salesman struggling to come to terms with his failures
• He is obsessed with the idea of being "well-liked" and believes that personal charisma is the key to success
• Willy's values are superficial, prioritizing popularity over genuine skill and hard work
• He deludes himself with grandiose visions of his sons' futures, reflecting his own unfulfilled aspirations
• Willy's mental state deteriorates throughout the play, blurring the lines between reality and illusion
• He frequently retreats into nostalgic memories of the past, attempting to recapture moments of perceived success

Distorted Values

• The play critiques the distorted values that prioritize material wealth and social status over personal integrity and genuine relationships
• Willy's obsession with being "well-liked" reflects a society that values superficial charm over substance
• The Loman family's financial struggles highlight the economic pressures and insecurities that undermine the pursuit of happiness
• The play suggests that the American Dream has become corrupted, promoting ruthless competition and a shallow pursuit of success

Family Dynamics

• The strained relationships within the Loman family reflect the pressures and disappointments of Willy's failed pursuit of the American Dream
• Biff, Willy's eldest son, struggles to reconcile his father's expectations with his own desires
• Biff's disillusionment with the business world leads him to reject his father's values and seek a more authentic existence
• Happy, Willy's younger son, embraces his father's flawed ideals, seeking success through superficial means
• Linda, Willy's wife, embodies unwavering loyalty and support, but her efforts to keep the family together are ultimately futile

Illusion vs. Reality

• Death of a Salesman explores the contrast between Willy's idealized vision of the world and the harsh realities of his life
• Willy's tendency to distort reality and create illusions reflects his desperate attempt to maintain a sense of self-worth
• His memories of the past are often romanticized and exaggerated, highlighting his inability to accept the present
• The play uses flashbacks and dreamlike sequences to blur the lines between Willy's subjective experience and objective reality

Tragedy of the Common Man

• Miller's play is considered a modern tragedy, focusing on the struggles of an ordinary individual rather than a noble figure
• Willy Loman's tragic flaw is his unwavering belief in a flawed version of the American Dream
• His inability to adapt to changing times and his refusal to confront his failures lead to his ultimate downfall
• The play evokes pity and empathy for Willy, highlighting the human cost of chasing an unattainable ideal

The Role of the Business World

• Death of a Salesman critiques the cutthroat and dehumanizing aspects of the business world
• Willy's experiences as a traveling salesman expose the pressures of competition and the lack of job security
• The play suggests that the pursuit of success in the corporate world can lead to alienation and a loss of identity
• The younger generation of businessmen, represented by Howard Wagner, embodies a ruthless and pragmatic approach to success

Symbols

• Stockings: Symbolize Willy's infidelity and his betrayal of Linda. They also represent the lost opportunities and broken promises within the Loman family
• Seeds: Represent Willy's desire to leave a tangible legacy for his sons, symbolizing his failure to achieve lasting success
• The Rubber Hose: Represents Willy's suicidal tendencies and his deteriorating mental state, symbolizing the hidden despair beneath the surface of his life
• Alaska, Africa, and the West: Locations that symbolize the opportunity for success and a fresh start, contrasting with Willy's stagnation in his current life

Miller's Social Commentary

• Through Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller offers a powerful critique of American society and its values
• The play challenges the notion that success is solely defined by material wealth and social status
• Miller emphasizes the importance of personal integrity, genuine relationships, and a realistic understanding of one's own capabilities
• The play's enduring relevance lies in its exploration of universal themes such as identity, family, and the pursuit of happiness in a materialistic world