Quotes and Context from Death of a Salesman

Study Notes

Quotes and Context from "Death of a Salesman"

Stage Direction: 'We are aware of towering, angular shapes behind it, surrounding it on all sides.'
- Symbolizes the oppressive capitalist society and American Dream ideologies that obscure Willy's perception of reality.
Willy's Desire: 'It's so beautiful up there, Linda, the trees are so thick, and the sun is warm.'
- Reflects Willy's true longing for a simple, rural life, contrasted with the pressures to conform to a capitalist lifestyle.
Biff's Conflict: 'How can he find himself on a farm? Is that a life? A farmhand?'
- Illustrates Willy's contradictory beliefs; he dismisses the beauty of rural life when it comes to evaluating Biff's future, emphasizing a focus on capitalist values.
Failure to Self-Identify: 'Not finding yourself at the age of thirty-four is a disgrace!'
- Highlights the societal pressure imposed by capitalism, leading Willy to criticize Biff for not achieving success early in life, despite Willy himself lacking identity at retirement.
Memory and Setting: 'Remember those two beautiful elm trees out there? When I and Biff hung the swing between them?'
- Establishes the Loman house as a site of cherished memories, showcasing Willy's humanity and family orientation.
Willy’s Tragic Flaw: 'That is the most remarkable thing...I was thinking of the chevy.'
- Signals Willy's declining mental state and his tendency to see Biff as a reflection of his self-worth, linking personal relationships to material values.
Character of Happy: [Sexuality is like a visible colour on him...]
- Depicts Happy’s sexual allure as a compensation for his lack of professional success, contrasting with Willy's more traditional view of masculinity.
Biff's Rejection of Capitalism: 'It's a measly manner of existence...'
- Expresses Biff's disdain for a life dedicated to cyclical business practices, indicating his struggles with the imposed capitalist lifestyle.
Self-Reflection by Biff: 'I've always made a point of not wasting my life...'
- Acknowledges the weight of Willy's expectations, which contribute to Biff's feelings of inadequacy and the perception that he has not lived up to potential.
Happy’s Competitive Nature: 'I don't know what gets into me...'
- Reveals Happy’s internal conflict about competition, shaped by Willy’s favoritism towards Biff and his obsession with societal approval.
Willy's Lesson on Relationships: 'You're well liked, Biff...'
- Reflects Willy's belief in the importance of being well-liked, showcasing Happy’s shift in measuring success through sexual conquest instead of professional achievements.
Troubling Wisdom: 'No promises of any kind. Because a girl, y'know, they always believe what you tell 'em.'
- Highlights Willy's flawed teachings that endorse manipulation, foreshadowing his dishonest behavior towards Linda.
Value of Commitment: 'Never leave a job till you're finished - remember that.'
- Exposes dramatic irony in Willy’s life; despite preaching dedication, he remains stuck in a cycle of unfulfilled ambition as he is ultimately fired from his job.

Description

Explore key quotes from Arthur Miller's 'Death of a Salesman' and their profound meanings. This quiz examines themes of capitalism, the American Dream, and personal conflict faced by the characters. Test your understanding of how Miller critiques societal pressures through Willy and Biff's journeys.