He wants to live on through something - and in his case, his masterpiece is his son. I think all of us want that, and it gets more poignant as we get more anonymous in this world.
This quote, said by the author of Death of a Salesman Arthur Miller in 1984, provides just a slight insight into the father-son relationship of Willy and Biff Loman which I will analyze in the present term paper in depth. Moreover, I will have a closer look at the Loman family and how they interact. Firstly, the author will be briefly introduced and the background and the reasons for writing the play are pointed out. Furthermore I will give an overview of the drama and its structure and formal aspects. After this my attention will be directed on the Loman family and I will initially focus on its members and characterize them. Then I will analyze how the relationship between Willy and Biff has developed and why it fails during the play. Finally, I will give a conclusion which will sum up the most important findings which I figured out during my analysis.
Table of Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman
- 2.1 The Author Arthur Miller
- 2.2 Brief Summary of Death of a Salesman
- 2.3 Structure and Formal Aspects
- 3 Characterization of the Loman Family
- 3.1 Willy Loman
- 3.2 Linda Loman
- 3.3 Biff Loman
- 3.4 Happy Loman
- 4 The Relationship Between Willy and Biff and Its Failure
- 4.1 The Relationship Between Willy and Biff
- 4.2 Reasons for the Failure of Their Relationship
- 5 Conclusion
- 6 Bibliography
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to analyze the complex father-son relationship between Willy and Biff Loman in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, exploring its development and ultimate failure. The analysis will also examine the Loman family dynamics and their interactions. The paper will begin with a brief introduction to Arthur Miller and the play's context, followed by a discussion of the play's structure and formal aspects. The core of the paper focuses on the characterization of the Loman family members and a detailed exploration of the central relationship.
- The strained father-son relationship between Willy and Biff Loman.
- The impact of societal pressures and the American Dream on the Loman family.
- The individual characterizations of Willy, Linda, Biff, and Happy Loman and their roles in the family dynamic.
- The theme of illusion versus reality in Willy Loman's life.
- The exploration of failure and the consequences of unattainable goals.
Chapter Summaries
1 Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the analysis of the father-son relationship between Willy and Biff Loman in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman. It begins with a poignant quote from Arthur Miller himself, highlighting the universal desire for legacy and the increasing anonymity of modern life, which serves as a thematic introduction to the central conflict of the play. The chapter then outlines the paper's structure, previewing the subsequent exploration of Arthur Miller's life and work, character analysis of the Loman family, and a deep dive into the central relationship between Willy and Biff and the reasons for its failure.
2 Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman: This chapter provides background information on Arthur Miller, the author of Death of a Salesman, highlighting his personal experiences during the Great Depression and their influence on his writing. It summarizes the plot, focusing on Willy Loman's final days and his ultimate suicide. The chapter also details the play's structure, emphasizing its two-act format without scene divisions, and its use of flashbacks and present-day action to create a complex portrayal of Willy's mental state and the family's reality. The chapter establishes the play's setting and the symbolism of the Loman home, contrasting it with the impersonal apartment buildings surrounding it.
3 Characterization of the Loman Family: This chapter delves into the individual characterizations of the Loman family members – Willy, Linda, Biff, and Happy. Each family member's personality, motivations, and interactions with others within the family unit will be examined. The chapter analyzes how each character contributes to the overall themes of the play, such as the pursuit of the American Dream, the complexities of family relationships, and the consequences of societal pressures.
4 The Relationship Between Willy and Biff and Its Failure: This chapter provides a detailed analysis of the relationship between Willy and Biff Loman, exploring its evolution from a seemingly strong bond to a state of irreparable breakdown. The chapter examines the factors contributing to the failure of their relationship, exploring how Willy's unrealistic expectations, Biff's disillusionment, and their communication breakdown play into their conflict. This section will likely delve into specific instances within the play to illuminate the complexities of their dynamic and the ultimately tragic consequences of their failure to connect.
Keywords
Arthur Miller, Death of a Salesman, father-son relationship, American Dream, family dynamics, societal pressures, illusion versus reality, failure, legacy, suicide.
Death of a Salesman: A Comprehensive Analysis - FAQ
What is the purpose of this paper?
This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, focusing on the complex and ultimately failing father-son relationship between Willy and Biff Loman. It explores the family dynamics, societal pressures, and the pursuit of the American Dream as contributing factors to the tragedy.
What topics are covered in the analysis?
The analysis covers a range of topics, including: a biography of Arthur Miller; a plot summary of Death of a Salesman; detailed character analyses of Willy, Linda, Biff, and Happy Loman; an in-depth examination of the Willy-Biff relationship and its breakdown; and an exploration of overarching themes such as the American Dream, illusion versus reality, and the consequences of failure.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured logically, beginning with an introduction that sets the stage and outlines the objectives. It then provides background information on Arthur Miller and the play itself. The core of the paper focuses on character analysis and the detailed exploration of the central father-son relationship. The paper concludes with a summary and a bibliography.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes explored include the strained father-son relationship between Willy and Biff; the impact of societal pressures and the American Dream on the Loman family; individual characterizations and their roles in the family dynamic; the contrast between illusion and reality in Willy's life; and the exploration of failure and the consequences of unattainable goals.
What is included in the "Table of Contents"?
The table of contents provides a detailed overview of the paper's structure, including chapters on the introduction, Arthur Miller and Death of a Salesman, characterization of the Loman family, the relationship between Willy and Biff, a conclusion, and a bibliography.
What kind of information is provided in the chapter summaries?
Each chapter summary offers a concise overview of the content and focus of the corresponding chapter. For instance, the summary for Chapter 2 (Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman) provides background on Miller, summarizes the plot, and discusses the play's structure and symbolism. Other summaries similarly preview the content of their respective chapters.
What are the key words associated with this analysis?
Key words associated with this analysis include: Arthur Miller, Death of a Salesman, father-son relationship, American Dream, family dynamics, societal pressures, illusion versus reality, failure, legacy, and suicide.
Who is the intended audience for this paper?
While not explicitly stated, the structured and professional approach suggests that the intended audience is likely academic, perhaps students or researchers interested in American drama, family dynamics, or the works of Arthur Miller.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2008, Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" - The Loman Family and the Father-Son Relationship Between Willy and Biff, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/172418
