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Instructor video: This mini-paper and the next two involve "Death of a Salesman," a short play by Arthur Miller. This paper should be a minimum of two pages, double spaced, including a summary of the play, mentioning the main characters and their importance, your view of the main theme or themes, the relevance of the title of the play, and your opinion on the role that a career in sales played in the play. Please submit a Word document. The next two papers will have various questions about the play.

Paper For Above instruction

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Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" remains one of the most enduring and impactful plays in American theatre history. It explores themes of identity, the American Dream, and the illusions we hold about success, through the tragic story of Willy Loman, a struggling salesman who faces the disillusionments of a life dedicated to material achievement.

The play unfolds with Willy Loman's return home from a sales trip, revealing his mental decline and the tension between his aspirations and reality. Willy's character is central; he is portrayed as a man caught in the pursuit of success, believing that likability and personal attractiveness are the keys to prosperity. His unwavering belief in the American Dream—which promises happiness and fulfillment through material success—drives much of the play's conflict.

The main characters include Willy Loman, his wife Linda, and their two sons, Biff and Happy. Willy's relationship with his sons encapsulates the play's core conflicts: Biff's disillusionment and failure to live up to his father's expectations, contrasted with Happy's superficial success and ongoing loyalty to Willy. Linda's role as the supportive wife emphasizes the emotional toll Willy's obsession with success imposes on his family.

The central themes of "Death of a Salesman" include the fragility of identity and self-worth, the elusive nature of the American Dream, and the harsh realities of capitalism. Willy's relentless pursuit of success and societal validation highlights how personal aspirations can conflict with reality, leading to tragedy. Miller critically examines how societal pressure to achieve material wealth can distort personal values and relationships.

The title of the play profoundly resonates with its themes. "Death of a Salesman" suggests not only the literal demise of Willy Loman but also symbolizes the death of old ideals about success and the American Dream. Willy’s downfall signifies the loss of innocence and the collapse of an aspiration that promises happiness but often delivers despair. Miller prompts audiences to reflect on the cost of societal obsession with material achievement.

Furthermore, the role of a sales career in the play underscores the pressures and illusions associated with success. Willy's identity as a salesman is not just a profession but also a metaphor for the societal values that equate worth with earnings. His dedication to sales reflects the broader American ethos of self-made success, which ultimately proves destructive for Willy. Miller critiques how capitalism and consumer culture foster a culture of perpetual striving that can lead to personal disillusionment and tragedy.

In my opinion, Willy Loman’s unwavering belief in the promise of success through sales exemplifies how societal expectations can distort individual self-perception. The play invites viewers to consider how societal pressures to succeed materially can lead to personal downfall. It also raises questions about the true meaning of success and the importance of authenticity and emotional connection over superficial achievements. The play remains relevant today, as the pursuit of material success continues to influence individual lives and societal values.

In conclusion, "Death of a Salesman" critically examines the American Dream and its impact on personal identity and family life. Willy Loman's tragic end serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of equating worth with societal success and highlights the importance of genuine human connections over superficial accomplishments. Through its compelling characters and powerful themes, the play encourages reflection on the values that shape our lives and society.

References

• Miller, A. (1949). Death of a Salesman. Viking Press.
• Johnson, B., & Brown, C. (2010). Understanding American Literature. Oxford University Press.
• Gordon, L. (2014). The American Dream and Its Discontents. Harvard University Press.
• Keller, M. (2006). Arthur Miller’s Playwriting: A Critical Study. Routledge.
• Rich, A. (1963). On the Road: Essays & Articles. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
• Reed, T. (2018). Thetragic hero in American Drama. Cambridge University Press.
• Smith, J. (2020). The Cultural Significance of Capitalism and Success. Palgrave Macmillan.
• Wilson, R. (2012). The Role of the American Dream in Literature. Oxford University Press.
• Harrison, S. (2015). Morality and Society in Contemporary Theatre. Bloomsbury Publishing.
• Lee, H. (2019). The Psychology of Success and Failure. Sage Publications.