Importance of Self-Image in the Loman Family - 1483 Words

Published in 1949, Arthur Miller’s Death of Salesman is a post Second World War American drama that highlights the plight of isolation and desolation experienced by the common man, as symbolized by Willy. The play deals with the society, life’s absurdity, various internal and external conflicts, death and above all, the tragedy of existence. It is located in the industrial society of the twentieth century where the pressure to succeed and the financial difficulties seem insurmountable. The play depicts America as the land of opportunity as well as a place where the society has acquired a new set of values that threatens to destroy those who cannot abide by new changes. This paper discusses the importance of self-image in the Loman†¦show more content†¦The best characterization of Linda is in these words: â€Å"Linda, as the eternal wife and mother, the fixed point of affection both given and received, the woman who suffers and endures, is in many ways, the ear th mother who embodies the plays ultimate moral value, love. But in the beautiful, ironic complexity of her creation, she is also Willys and their sons destroyer. In her love Linda has accepted Willys Greatness and his dream, but while in her admiration for Willy her love is powerful and moving, in her admiration for his dreams, it is lethal. She encourages Willys dream, yet she will not let him leave her for the New Continent, the only realm where the dream can be fulfilled. She wants to reconcile father and son, but she attempts this in the context of Willys false values. She cannot allow her sons to achieve that selfhood that involves denial of these values† (Gordon 312). Furthermore, the Loman family lives in a society where the monetary status of residents determines their value. It is a consumer-based materialistic society which measures the worth of people on the basis of wealth owner. Clearly, being a part of this society and finding himself a complete ‘failure’, Willy’s sense of self image suffers drastically, which worsen when he sees his sons doing nothing about their life. Willy tries to, in fact, he knows that he wants to live in this society but at the same time, his idealism makes him imagine aShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Death Of A Salesman By Arthur Miller1235 Words   |  5 Pagestheir accountability, it often leads to inner battles with hypocrisy. This self-deception involves a lot of confusion regarding the nature of ones beliefs, ideals, and principles. Such situations can lead to two very different, yet life changing conclusions, self-realization or misconception of reality. Death of a Salesman, a tragic play b y Arthur Miller, explores the effects of such deception through the character Willy Loman and the consequences of his decisions. It does so by addressing the mentalRead MoreAnalysis of Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman1581 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿Arthur Millers play Death of a Salesman was a hit nearly from its debut, and its importance to American literature and theater has not diminished in the over half a century since its first performance in 1949. However, the specific areas of the play that have most intrigued critics have changed over time, as different historical, social, and literary concerns lead critics to come up with different interpretations. By analyzing three different critical responses to Death of a Salesman, it will beRead MoreArthur Miller ´s Death of A Salesman: A Commentary1170 Words   |  5 Pages Arthur Miller Born on October 17, 1915 in Harlem, New York. 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Because of his failed outlook, he believes his self worth is better offRead More Reality and Illusion in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman Essay1088 Words   |  5 PagesReality and Illusion in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman In Arthur Miller’s play, Death of a Salesman, a major theme and source of conflict is the Loman family’s inability to distinguish between reality and illusion.   This is particularly evident in the father, Willy Loman.   Willy has created a fantasy world of himself and his family.   In this world, he and his sons are men of greatness that â€Å"have what it takes† to make it in the business environment.   In reality, none of them can achieveRead More Tragic Heroes in Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman and Henrik Ibsens A Dolls House1709 Words   |  7 Pagesfor example, Arthur Millers Death of Salesman and Henrik Ibsens A Dolls House. Death of Salesman shows the downfall of the modern tragic hero, Willy Loman, a middle class working man. Nora, in A Dolls House displays that characteristics of a tragic hero, in that she shows potential for greatness, but is stifled by her society. Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman and Nora in A Dolls House are two perfec t examples that illustrate a tragic hero. In Tragedy and the Common Man, ArthurRead More Illusion Verses Reality in Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller 972 Words   |  4 PagesIllusion Verses Reality in Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Death of A Salesman, by Arthur Miller, is a play that tells the story of a traveling salesman, Willy Loman, who encounters frustration and failure as he reflects on and experiences his own life. Willys quest for the American Dream leads to his failure because throughout his life, he pursues the illusion of the American Dream and not the reality of it. His mindset on perfection, his obsession with success, and his constantRead MoreEssay on The Failure of the American Dream in Death of a Salesman1480 Words   |  6 Pagesknown as a land of opportunity. Out of that thinking comes the American Dream, the idea that anyone can ultimately achieve success, even if he or she began with nothing.  In The Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller uses the characterization of Willy Loman to represent the failure of his ideal of the American Dream.  Willy’s quest for the American Dream leads to his failure because throughout his life he pursues the illusion of the American Dream and not the reality of it. His mindset on perfection, obsessionRead MoreArthur Miller s Death Of A Salesman1159 Words   |  5 Pagesform their identities. People go through life trying to recognize their character traits, the act of which leads them to their identities, but over time can lose the identities they have through society, through a marriage, or through one’s own self. Willy Loman, a delusional salesman, in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman; Minnie Wright, an unhappy and lonely housewife, in Susan Glaspell’s Trifles; and Oedipus, a king with excessive pride and determination, in Sophocles’ Oedipus the King illustrateRead More A Psychological Reading of Death of A Salesman Essay3503 Words   |  15 Pagesbring his family into grace.  Ã‚   Miller does, however, also uses this play to express underlying themes and ideas.   Reading Death of a Salesman from the starting point of a Marxist results in the perception that miller uses his play as a means to demonstrate the effects of a changing capitalist society.   On the other hand, a psychological reading of Death of a Salesman allows the play to be seen as one mans flight from shame and his own weakened self image.   The Marxist