In this paper I will try analyze the reasons for Willy’s failure. Is it his own fault that he is not able to succeed in his life? Or is the society he lives in to blame as well? As Miller is known for his critical views on modern society , I will try to find out if it is not society that is responsible for Willy’s failure.
At first, I am going to examine how Miller describes society in his play. Next , I will analyse Willy’s dream and what he thinks is most important to achieve success. At last, I will compare those conceptions in order to find out what leads Willy to his failure.
2 Characterization of the society Willy lives in
The house Willy and his wife Linda live in is described as a “small, fragile- seeming home with a “solid vault of apartment houses around (Miller 5)
This description at the beginning of the play already reveals a feeling of threat. It seems as if those tall apartment houses menace the home of
Willy and Linda. Those tall buildings could stand for progress and change within society as they are now built everywhere, whereas Willy’s house could represent isolation and former times. Miller emphasizes these images by saying that Willy’s house stands amidst those tall buildings like “a dream rising out of reality” (Miller 5). While reading this threatening image at the beginning of the play, the reader already starts to fear that Willy’s house will be swallowed by those apartment houses, as there seems no escaping. At the end of the play, this presentiment becomes real as Miller describes that “over the house the hard towers of the apartment buildings rise into sharp focus” (Miller 151). As the house does not only stand for itself but also for its inhabitants, those passages could be interpreted in the way that people who do not follow the ever-changing and progressive society will be excluded from and even destroyed by it. Apparently, in this society one has no other choice than to follow the progress or be left behind. If one is not able to do so - for whatever reasons - one will not be able to resist for long, he is condemned to lose against this reckless society. In another scene, Willy tells his wife Linda:
The street is lined with cars. There’s not a breath of fresh air in the neighborhood. The grass don’t grow any more, you can’t raise a carrot in the back yard. They should’ve had a law against apartment houses (Miller 13).
Table of Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Characterization of the society Willy lives in
- 3 Willy's idea of a successful salesman
- 4 Does Willy fail because of society or does society let him fail?
- 5 Conclusion
- 6 List of works cited
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper analyzes the reasons for Willy Loman's failure in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman." It investigates whether his downfall is a result of his own flaws or a consequence of the societal pressures he faces. The analysis examines Miller's portrayal of society within the play and compares it to Willy's personal aspirations for success to determine the contributing factors to his failure.
- The portrayal of 1940s American society and its impact on individuals.
- Willy Loman's definition of success and its unattainability.
- The conflict between individual ambition and societal expectations.
- The destructive nature of unchecked competition and materialism.
- The theme of disillusionment and the American Dream's failure.
Chapter Summaries
1 Introduction: This introductory chapter lays out the central question of the paper: Is Willy Loman's failure solely his own fault, or is society also to blame? It previews the methodology, outlining a plan to examine Miller's depiction of society, Willy's personal definition of success, and a final comparison of these elements to determine the causes of his failure. The chapter sets the stage for a nuanced exploration of individual responsibility versus societal influence in shaping Willy's fate.
2 Characterization of the society Willy lives in: This chapter vividly portrays the oppressive and materialistic society in which Willy lives. Miller's descriptions of Willy's "small, fragile-seeming home" surrounded by "solid vault of apartment houses" immediately establish a sense of threat and confinement. The towering apartment buildings symbolize progress and societal change, while Willy's house represents isolation and the past. The imagery suggests that those who don't adapt to this relentless, progressive society risk being excluded or destroyed. The chapter further emphasizes the destructive impact of progress on nature and human connection, using examples like the lack of sunlight and Willy's feeling of being "boxed in" by bricks and windows. The competitive, success-driven nature of society is also highlighted, where individuals are valued solely on their achievements, creating immense pressure and a lack of empathy.
3 Willy's idea of a successful salesman: This chapter delves into Willy's personal vision of success, which centers around his fervent desire to be a well-liked and celebrated salesman. His admiration for Dave Singleman, a successful salesman, reveals his yearning for recognition and popularity. Willy believes that physical attractiveness, charisma, and strong interpersonal skills are crucial for achieving success in the business world. However, his relentless pursuit of being "well-liked" also reveals underlying self-doubt and a need for external validation, highlighting a potentially flawed approach to achieving his goals. The chapter contrasts Willy’s personal definition of success with the harsh realities of a materialistic and competitive society.
Keywords
Arthur Miller, Death of a Salesman, Willy Loman, American Dream, societal pressure, success, materialism, competition, disillusionment, isolation, family dynamics.
Death of a Salesman: A Comprehensive Analysis - FAQ
What is this document about?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of an academic paper analyzing Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman." It covers the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The central question explored is whether Willy Loman's failure is due to his own flaws or societal pressures.
What are the main themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores several key themes, including the portrayal of 1940s American society and its impact on individuals, Willy Loman's definition of success and its unattainability, the conflict between individual ambition and societal expectations, the destructive nature of unchecked competition and materialism, and the theme of disillusionment and the American Dream's failure.
What is the central research question of the paper?
The central research question is whether Willy Loman's failure is solely his own fault or if society is also to blame. The paper aims to determine the contributing factors to his downfall by examining Miller's portrayal of society and comparing it to Willy's personal aspirations.
What are the key chapters and their focus?
The paper includes chapters on: an introduction outlining the research question and methodology; a characterization of the materialistic and oppressive society Willy inhabits; an examination of Willy's personal definition of success as a well-liked salesman; and a conclusion that synthesizes the findings to answer the central research question. A final chapter includes a list of cited works.
How does the paper characterize the society Willy lives in?
The paper portrays Willy's society as materialistic, competitive, and oppressive. Imagery of towering apartment buildings contrasting with Willy's small home symbolizes the isolating effects of progress and societal change. The competitive nature of society emphasizes the pressure to achieve success, leading to a lack of empathy and human connection.
How does the paper define Willy Loman's idea of success?
Willy's idea of success centers around being a well-liked and celebrated salesman. His admiration for Dave Singleman reveals his desire for recognition and popularity. However, his relentless pursuit of being liked also reveals underlying self-doubt and a need for external validation, indicating a potentially flawed approach to achieving his goals.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include: Arthur Miller, Death of a Salesman, Willy Loman, American Dream, societal pressure, success, materialism, competition, disillusionment, isolation, and family dynamics.
What is the overall goal of this analysis?
The overall goal is to provide a nuanced analysis of Willy Loman's failure in "Death of a Salesman," examining the interplay between individual responsibility and societal influences in shaping his fate. The paper aims to determine the extent to which Willy's flaws contributed to his downfall versus the pressures and limitations imposed by his society.
- Quote paper
- Andreas Kirchmann (Author), 2003, What are the reasons for Willy's failure in "Death of a salesman"?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/25066
