Analysis of the passage in the text (Penguin: page 25, “Willy: Bernard is not well liked, is he?” – page 27, “Willy: “What do we owe?”)
This passage from the first act of Arthur Miller’s drama “Death of a Salesman” displays one of the numerous flashbacks of Willy Loman, who represents the main character and moreover a complex round character. With this reflection of the past the reader or spectator is able to share in Willy’s and his former family life; a family life that is harmonious, easy, joyful or simply all in all perfect.
For Willy this ideal world is very important as ideals are in general. He places special value on a good image, which can be seen in the very first question of the passage “Bernard is not well liked, is he?” , which he addresses to his sons Biff and Happy. With the simile “you’re both built like Adonoises”1, which Willy is thankful for and moreover very proud of, and the statement that his sons “are going to be five times ahead of [Bernard]”1 because of their appearance, it becomes clear that he is of the opinion that attractiveness which results in “personal interest”1 and popularity is the only way to become big in business – which is pretty unrealistic already because good grades are necessary to enrol in college, and contents taught in college are in the majority of cases necessary to become big in business. It is furthermore visible that Willy builds his hopes on Biff and Happy. For them he is a role model and he seems really confident of being a good one: “Be liked and you will never want. You take me, for instance. I never have to wait in line […].” He is also sure of the fact that he is well known and welcome everywhere he goes which is indicated by the following statement “’Willy Loman is here!’ That’s all they have to know […].” Another pleasure in Willy’s life is to share his work with his sons by telling them stories about it. He then tends to exaggerate, as it is seen in his self praise-hyperbole “knocked ’em cold in Providence, slaughtered ’em in Boston.”3, in order to bring his business success near to them.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Analysis of the passage in the text (Penguin: page 25, “Willy: Bernard is not well liked, is he?” – page 27, “Willy: “What do we owe?”)
- Characterization of Willy Loman
- Willy' relationship to Linda
- Relationship between a father and his sons.
- Biff, the star.
- Happy, the spectator.
- Dialogue or monologue?
- Relation between the passage and the drama “Death of a Salesman”.
- Charley - Antagonist or best friend?
- Destroyed dreams.
- The final payment......
- Evaluation – Marxist literary criticism..
- Sources
- Literature
- Internet-sources
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This passage from Arthur Miller’s drama “Death of a Salesman” provides an insightful glimpse into the character of Willy Loman and his relationships with his family, focusing on the dynamics within their family life. This analysis delves into Willy's values, his perception of success, and the complexities of his relationship with his wife, Linda, and their sons, Biff and Happy. It explores the themes of the American Dream, the pressure to succeed, and the complexities of family dynamics.
- Characterization of Willy Loman
- The American Dream and its impact on Willy's life and choices
- The relationships within the Loman family, particularly between Willy and his sons
- The role of appearances and societal expectations in Willy's life
- The tension between traditional values and societal changes
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The passage focuses on a flashback within “Death of a Salesman”, providing insights into Willy’s past and his interactions with his family. The analysis explores Willy's perception of success and how he attempts to instill these values in his sons, highlighting the importance of “being liked” and achieving financial prosperity. The passage also sheds light on Willy’s complex relationship with his wife Linda, revealing both their affectionate bond and the underlying tension stemming from Willy’s financial struggles and his attempts to maintain an illusion of success.
The analysis further delves into the individual roles of Willy’s sons, Biff and Happy, within the family structure. Biff is presented as the "star," receiving significant attention and expectations from his father due to his athletic achievements. Happy, on the other hand, is depicted as a spectator, observing and engaging in the family dynamics.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This section focuses on key themes and concepts explored in the passage, including the American Dream, family relationships, societal expectations, characterization, success, and the impact of Willy's past on his present life. The analysis also emphasizes key literary techniques utilized, such as flashbacks, dialogue, and symbolism, providing further insight into the complex dynamics of the Loman family.
- Quote paper
- Martina Olonschek (Author), Klaus Köhring (Author), 2006, Recension of Arthur Millers "Death of a Salesman", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/76185
