The Death of a Salesman (Essay Sample)

The Death of a Salesman
Name:
Institution:
What does it all mean? Analyzing theme in Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman
Arthur Miller’s "The Death of a Salesman" is a unique and distinct 1940s play that reflects on themes of dreams and aspirations, social values, economic struggles and success as well as family life within the context of a modern society. The play focuses on the life experiences, challenges, dilemmas and predilections of Willie Loman- the salesman. This play, categorized as a tragedy, can be viewed from a number of different angles for it involves different and entangled social subjects of the commonplace modern world.
Centering on the concept of the pursuit of the American dream, Miller elaborates just how much the common man strives to achieve success and status, in a way that justifies his rightful position and or placement within the society. He however touches on the element of self-deception into this general ideology, specifically to establish to the audience why "attention must be paid”; certainly, many dreams, talents and aspirations end up in the cemetery- unfulfilled.
In addition, one cannot decline to note that, the society per se, via avenues like social and mainstream media, goes a long way in determining people’s definition and or perception of success. For instance, people often have hopes of owning material things like big houses and living lives of abundance, respect, recognition, adoration and affluence, and in most cases, at the expense of core values and ideals. The other more unfortunate truth of the matter is that many also end up losing sight of the true purpose of their lives, like being there for family when it is most required. This seemingly inexorable path ultimately leads to a state of desperation. Willie Loman speaks to his wife saying, "I get the feeling that I will never sell anything again, that I won’t make a living for you, or a business, a business for the boys…" (Miller, p25). Biff also tells his brother Happy, "I suddenly get the feeling, my God, I’m not getting’ anywhere! What the hell am I doing, playing around with horses, twenty-eight dollars a week! I’m thirty-four years old, I oughta be makin’ my future." (Miller, p12)
Indeed, the author emphasizes just how fatal having unrealistic dreams and misdirected confidence can cause immense damage to a person. One can rightly argue that miller demonstrates the importance of understanding ones limits and capabilities in life, and choosing to live in accordance with those terms. As for Willie Loman, he believed himself to be highly skilled and with great potential even that was never the case, he only bore aggressive and misguided opinions about his life, his sons, friends, colleagues and career. The result is that the utterly fails to fulfill his American dream and goes further to contradict reality.
All the same, it is interesting to note that the author hints of a sense of determination and hope in the protagonist. Willie thinks that his two sons will have a better chance at life, even at the expense of his own perverse and intentional death. He believes that his life insurance will form a starting point for his children if he commits suicide. His determination comes out clearly, when he places a gas hose in the basement of his house to kill him; indeed, the audience is forced to feel pity for the character. Even so, there exists a sense of absurdity when Willie fantasizes of how massive his funeral will be when he undoubtedly comprehends that he is nothing more than a common man.
As such, the author employs a theme of sorrow and admiration altogether owing to the struggles of the common man within the modern society. Besides thinking that he is lazy, Willie has a fee...