Death of a Salesman Themes and Characters

Study Notes

Opening Description

The setting conveys a dreamlike quality intertwined with the reality of life.
Willy's physical and emotional exhaustion is prominently depicted.
Linda's love for Willy is characterized by admiration, suggesting a deep emotional connection.
Willy's nature is complex, marked by a fluctuating temperament and grand ambitions that lead to small cruelties.

Willy's Struggles and Delusions

Willy expresses extreme fatigue, hinting at the toll of his long career and travel.
Stage directions emphasize Linda's delicate care for Willy's well-being.
Willy feels superfluous in New York, believing he is more essential to the New England area.
Reflecting on a career shift, Willy reminisces about the past, longing for recognition and success.
He articulates frustration with the American capitalist system, questioning the value of owning a house when it feels empty.

Biff's Choices and Identity

Willy struggles to comprehend Biff's preference for sincere work over monetary gain, indicating a generational clash.
Willy holds conflicting views about Biff, labeling him a "lazy bum" despite acknowledging his potential.
Willy's nostalgia for a more natural environment contrasts with Biff's aspirations, highlighting his inner turmoil.

Family Dynamics and Support

Willy relies heavily on Linda, viewing her as his emotional pillar.
Biff's dreams are seen as outdated, showcasing a generational disconnect regarding aspirations and values.
Happy expresses concern over Willy's mental state, indicating a fear of his father's breakdown.

Themes of the American Dream

Biff articulates disillusionment with the capitalist dream, longing for a simpler life connected to nature.
Both brothers share ambitions to reclaim a traditional American ideal, yearning for authenticity over material success.
Happy desires recognition and success, aspiring to emulate figures of authority and wealth.

Reflections on Life and Realization

Biff acknowledges feelings of wasted potential, confronting the emptiness in his existence.
Despite their dreams, both brothers struggle to find meaning in their lives and relationships.
Willy's introspection reveals his struggle with identity and acceptance in the face of societal expectations.

Description

Explore the intricate themes and character dynamics in 'Death of a Salesman'. This quiz delves into Willy's struggles, Biff's identity crisis, and the emotional connections within the Loman family. Test your understanding of how the American Dream and personal ambitions affect their lives.