The Death Of A Salesman - 995 Words

Hope Miller’s play, The Death of a Salesman (1949) was about a family, and their struggles for the American dream. The family composition was not unlike that of an average family, a mom, a dad, and two children. Mom, Linda, tended to the house, oversaw the finances, as well as the lives of the remaining family members. Dad, Willy, supported the family as an on-the-road salesman. At first, Willy’s outbursts were confusing, but as I read the outbursts began to unfold the meanings buried in the storyline. Miller’s play conveyed many messages, the most important being the importance of hope. A soul without hope ceases to adapt, ceases to grow, and ceases to live. Constant turmoil dwelled in the Loman’s lives, from the beginning of the story†¦show more content†¦A concept that would not become a reality for Willy. Because of the stagnation within Willy, his life was a struggle. His infidelity, inability to support the household, and impressions he made upon his sons were overwhelming. He grew tired and hopeless. A soul without hope is destined for failure, as Willy’s life become. Biff, Willy’s son, realized that happiness was fueled by dedicating his life to something that brought him joy, regardless of what others thought. He said to Willy, â€Å"why am I trying to become what I don’t want to be?† (105). Biff realized that a life lived in regret or without growth was not his concept of the American dream. Hope instilled a drive within Biff’s soul. He wanted to expand upon that hope, and fulfill his life, unlike his father. To some, the dream is material possessions; to some, the dream is wealth; and to others, the dream is freedom. Without hope the dream would not have materialized in the beginning, and without hope one will not seek to fulfill. Miller’s play portrayed a man who lived his entire life without hope, believing that life is made by others. Willy believed that regardless of one’s abilities, if one was liked by others he would succeed without effort. Although I believe the barriers that must be overcome to succeed differ individually, the American dream offers hope and opportunity for all. One must develop the dream into reality. The tragedy within the story is not of Willy’s death, it isShow MoreRelatedThe Death Of A Salesman1496 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Today, the play The Death of a Salesman is celebrated in many theatres. The play is regarded as one of the finest dramas of American theater play. It was written in 1949 by an American playwright Arthur Miller. After the play was produced, it was first opened at the Morosco Theatre and starred Lee J Cobb as Willy Loman, Cameron Mitchell as Happy, Mildred Dunnock as Linda, Howard Smith as Charley and Arthur Kennedy as Biff. The play has been revived on Broadway four times and won manyRead MoreThe Death Of A Salesman857 Words   |  4 PagesSome stories have stood the test of time. These stories are relatable are leave readers feared perplexed. 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What does it do to a person, this desperate need to â€Å"be number one man?† Each of Willy’s sons draw a different lesson from his life and their assertions about how one should live offer a compelling choice for modernRead MoreDeath of a Salesman1278 Words   |  6 PagesSteve Flatley Flatley 1 Mr. Nevels English 102 June 17, 2010 The Struggle Within There is a complete descent into madness evident in Miller’s â€Å"Death of a Salesman.† The struggle Willy Lowman has come to endure during a life of lies and false hope is portrayed very well by Miller’s use of dialogue, stage comments, prologue, and time and perhaps best shown by the use of dialogue and character interaction. By putting all of these elements to good use Miller paints a perfect picture as