Since the existence of life on earth there has been the struggle between the stronger and the weaker of all creatures. The species that had adapted best obtained the greatest chance to prevail in this “combat”. In exactly the same way we can consider the history of mankind as a surviving of the fittest.
Nowadays it is not the physique alone that decides if somebody gets above the others or not. It’s more or less the right combination of certain abilities, ambitions and values that make up the secret of success. Nevertheless we can still talk about a kind of natural selection. Although skills and knowledge can be trained, and abilities and competences can be improved by means of special learning methods, somebody who wants to be at the top must already have a certain biological and genetic qualification.
Willy Loman, the main character of the play Death of a Salesman, is a salesman past sixty years of age. In his youth he believes that he has found the secret to success .Willy is convinced that he will make it if he tries his luck in the business and starts his career in a selling firm. He never has any doubt about achieving his aim as he is of the opinion to have all traits of character and competences he needs. But in reality Willy can be considered as a looser and a poor guy who only claims himself to be at the top. He brings up his two boys in these illusions and is assured of having chosen the right way.
The paper deals on the one hand with the main character of the play himself, his dreams, illusions and wrong values that finally lead to his failure and suicide. On the other hand it treats the influence that these illusions exert on his two boys and their wrong upbringing.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Willy Loman
- Willy's idols
- Willy's future plans
- Biff and Happy
- Charley and Bernard
- The rough reality
- Linda
- Willy's suicide
- Is Death of a Salesman a tragedy?
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper analyzes Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, focusing on the character of Willy Loman and his impact on his family. The analysis explores Willy's illusions, flawed values, and ultimate failure, examining how these factors contribute to his downfall and the misguided upbringing of his sons.
- The American Dream and its unattainability
- The destructive nature of illusions and false values
- The intergenerational impact of parental failures
- The themes of aging, senility, and societal pressures
- The exploration of tragedy in the context of modern drama
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section sets the stage by drawing a parallel between the historical struggle for survival among species and the contemporary pursuit of success. It posits that while physical strength once held the key, modern success hinges on a combination of abilities, ambitions, and values. The introduction introduces Willy Loman, the play's protagonist, as a man who believes he possesses the formula for success but ultimately fails, impacting his family's lives. The paper's objective is to examine Willy's character, his dreams, and the consequences of his flawed values.
Willy Loman: This chapter delves into the character of Willy Loman, a sixty-three-year-old salesman struggling to make ends meet. It portrays his financial difficulties, his reliance on borrowed money, and his deceptive behavior toward his wife. The chapter highlights Willy's idealized memories of past successes juxtaposed with his current reality. His strong belief in the importance of manual skills and his admiration for nature, contrasting with his urban environment, are also explored. His declining mental state, marked by hallucinations and confusion between past and present, is established, revealing his senility and the underlying psychological strain of his life.
Willy's idols: This section examines Willy's aspirations and the influences shaping his life. The chapter centers on his encounter with Dave Singleman, an eighty-four-year-old successful salesman, who became Willy’s idol, solidifying his desire for a business career. This choice contrasts with the alternative of a simpler life close to nature, represented by his father and brother Ben. Ben’s recurring presence in Willy's daydreams underscores this conflict and the missed opportunities that shaped Willy's life.
Keywords
Death of a Salesman, Willy Loman, American Dream, illusion, failure, family, intergenerational trauma, senility, tragedy, success, values.
Death of a Salesman: A Comprehensive Language Preview - FAQ
What is this document?
This document is a comprehensive language preview of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman. It provides a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords for academic analysis.
What are the main themes explored in this analysis of Death of a Salesman?
The analysis focuses on the character of Willy Loman and his impact on his family. Key themes include the unattainability of the American Dream, the destructive nature of illusions and false values, the intergenerational impact of parental failures, aging, senility, societal pressures, and the exploration of tragedy in modern drama.
What is the main objective of this analysis?
The main objective is to examine Willy Loman's character, his dreams, and the consequences of his flawed values, highlighting how his illusions and failures impact his family.
Who are the key characters discussed in the analysis?
The analysis centers on Willy Loman, his sons Biff and Happy, his wife Linda, and other supporting characters like Charley and Bernard. It also explores the influence of Willy's idealized figures, particularly Dave Singleman and his brother Ben.
What are the chapter summaries included in this preview?
The preview includes summaries of an introduction setting the stage and contextualizing Willy's struggles; a chapter on Willy Loman himself, detailing his character and struggles; a chapter focusing on Willy's idols and the influences shaping his life; and further chapters on other characters and themes.
What are the key words associated with this analysis?
Key words include: Death of a Salesman, Willy Loman, American Dream, illusion, failure, family, intergenerational trauma, senility, tragedy, success, and values.
What is the structure of the analysis presented?
The structure is organized into sections, including a table of contents, a statement of objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and a list of keywords. This allows for a structured and professional analysis of the play's themes.
For what purpose is this preview intended?
This preview is intended for academic use, facilitating a structured and professional analysis of the themes in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman.
What is the intended audience for this document?
The intended audience is primarily academics and students interested in analyzing the play's themes in a structured and professional manner.
- Quote paper
- Sarah Breitkopf (Author), 2004, Willy Loman in Miller’s "Death of a Salesman": An analysis of character portrayal, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/116436
