Author's Argument - Death of A Salesman by Arthur Miller

In Arthur Miller's American play "Death of A Salesman" (1949), the author delivers a story about a poor spirited  salesman who struggles with his finances along with his son Biff, and whose modern family is not Brady Bunch charming. The author first articulates the first scenes by introducing the main characters, the salesman is Willy, husband to Linda and father to Happy and Biff. Through dialogue of the characters, the audience learns that Willy is not a a gifted salesman, Biff is having difficulties with being what his father calls "successful" and the relationship between this father and his sons is fragile.
Next, the author depicts the 1940's in American history - a time when the U.S. economy survived the Great Depression and stood in World War II. Through monologue of  Willy speaking, who tells his boss Howard- who fires him this day-  about sales, the author depicts the average American salesman who suffers with the impossibility of the American Dream. Willy also has multiple flashbacks, where he has illusions to past events of business trips and the old relationship with his son Biff- who used to love him more before he discovered Willy's unfaithfulness to Linda. Miller continues using the metaphor of life as the jungle, as Willy's brother Ben calls it.
 The metaphor once again depicts the time setting as American's whole-heartedly believe like Ben that "The jungle is dark but full of diamonds." (Act II). Willy's hopelessness of ever becoming as prosperous as his brother Ben - who traveled to Africa in search of gold and became rich and famous affects him tragically, as he commits suicide- leaving his son Ben his life-insurance. Arthur Miller's purpose for this play may to depict the themes of the American Dream, American modern families, human nature, and self destruction in a new bold, honest light in order to expose the false hopes of Americans and human flaws as husbands, fathers, family members and even business men and women. Miller seems to target Americans in the late 1900's and early 20th century and following because the setting takes place in the U.S. and reveals American views.

Vocab.
1. ignoramus - (n) an utterly ignorant person
2. agonized - (adj) characterized by suffering or expressing agony
3. fob - (v) archaic
4. poised - (adj) marked by easy composure of manner of bearing
5. trepidation - (n) a nervous or fearful feeling of uncertain agitation

Tone: tragic and frank.

Rhetorical Strategies:

1. Parody or Characterization : " HAPPY :Yeah, that was my first time - I think. Boy, there was a pig! They laugh, almost crudely. You taught me everything I know about women. Don't forget that. " (21)

2.  Imagery: " Happy in pajamas has come down the stairs; Willy suddenly becomes aware of Happy's presence. " (41)

3. Oxymoron: "LINDA: It was so thrilling to see them leaving together. I can't get over the shaving lotion in this house!" (71)

4. Foreshadowing or Hyperbole: " WILLY, moving to the right: Funny, y' know? After all the highways, and the trains, and the appointments, and the years, you end up worth more dead than alive." (98)

5. Paradox: " HAPPY: Don't try, honey, try hard." (103)

Discussion Questions:

1. Despite his financial needs, why is Willy prideful in not taking the job offer from Charley - a man who seems like a savvy businessman?

2.  What purpose do the continuous flashbacks of Willy serve to the climax or resolution?

3. Another theme may be human flaws of stubbornness, pridefulness, foolishness and untrustworthiness; did the author hope to illuminate these flaws of human characteristics?

Memorable Quote:

" WILLY: I never in my life whistled in an elevator! And who in the business world thinks I'm crazy?" (61)

Death of a Salesman

The play "Death of a Salesman" written by Arthur Miller, was first published in 1949 and first performed in the Morosco Theatre (February 10, 1949). The setting seems to be in the late 1900's and because the play was written during World War II, after the Great Depression, one can imagine the  impact it had on the author who fashioned the play to depict a particular time period in American history. My opening impressions of the play are that business and finances will be a major theme, also modern life and perhaps family life. The play seems to be about family, business and issues regarding both. The salesman may be the father or son and the purpose of the play may lie in his death.