Fences to Death of a salesman (Speech Presentation Sample)

Student’s Name Professor’s Name Course Date A Comparative Analysis of Fences and Death of a Salesman Introduction The comparative analysis of August Wilson's "Fences" and Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" unveils an exploration of the American Dream, delving into the details of individual aspirations and social expectations. Both plays, serve as pillars of American literature, reflecting the evolving character of their respective times. "Fences" unfolds against the backdrop of mid-20th century Pittsburgh, encapsulating the struggles of the Maxson family (Wilson), while "Death of a Salesman" captures post-World War II America, providing a poignant portrayal of the challenges faced by the Loman family. The plays invite audiences to explore the shifting landscapes of success, societal expectations, and the very essence of the American experience. Through rich characterizations, unique settings, and thought-provoking plots, Wilson and Miller contribute distinctive perspectives to the broader discourse on the American Dream. Similarities in Characters * In both "Fences" and "Death of a Salesman," central characters emerge as powerful conduits for the exploration of the American Dream. Willy Loman in "Death of a Salesman" and Troy Maxson in "Fences" share the mantle of protagonists who symbolize the universal struggle for success. Their characters serve as archetypes, encapsulating the aspirations, trials, and tribulations embedded in the pursuit of the American Dream. * Willy, the weary traveling salesman, grapples with the weight of social expectations and the pursuit of a version of success defined by external validation. Similarly, Troy, a former baseball player turned sanitation worker, embodies the struggles of a black man in mid-20th century America, contending with systemic barriers and personal aspirations (Wilson) Despite differing racial backgrounds and professional pursuits, the characters share a common thread of navigating the complexities of achieving economic and social success, providing audiences with dual perspectives on the American Dream's promises and limitations. Differences in Characters * The differences in the characters of Willy Loman and Troy Maxson enrich the exploration of individual experiences within the broader theme. * Willy Loman, a traveling salesman, is haunted by the distorted perception of success instilled by social expectations. His unhappiness stems from the disillusionment with the American Dream that promises prosperity through charisma and relentless pursuit. Willy’s tragedy lies in his inability to reconcile the gap between the dream and his reality, leading to a poignant examination of the consequences of blind ambition. * In contrast, Troy Maxson's bitterness in "Fences" emerges from a different source. A former Negro League baseball player, Troy confronts the racial prejudices of mid-20th century America (Wilson). His rejected dream is rooted in systemic barriers and discrimination, providing a unique lens through which to scrutinize the limitations of the American Dream for Black individuals during this era. Similarities in Setting * In both "Fences" and "Death of a Salesman," the United States serves as the geographical and cultural canvas against which the characters' stories unfold. Despite being distinct in their time frames, these plays share common ground in exploring the impact of societal changes on individual lives. * "Death of a Salesman" is entrenched in the post-World War II era, a period of optimism and economic expansion in the 1940s and 1950s (Miller). This setting mirrors the societal aspirations of the time, creating an environment where Willy Loman's pursuit of the American Dream is both emblematic and challenging. * In "Fences," the mid-20th century becomes the temporal setting, providing a stage for Troy Maxson's struggle against racial barriers(Wilson). The urban landscape of Pittsburgh serves as the backdrop, echoing the social and economic dynamics of a changing America. Differences in Setting * "Death of a Salesman" is set in an urban environment, reflective of a bustling city. The Loman family grapples with the challenges of city life, and Willy's aspirations align with the fast-paced, competitive nature of an urban society. The setting becomes integral to understanding the pressures and expectations that contribute to Willy's unraveling. * On the other hand, "Fences" introduces a more rural setting, portraying the Maxson family's life in 1950s-1960s Pittsburgh. The choice of a different three-dimensional environment adds layers to the narrative, emphasizing the nuances of Troy Maxson's experiences as a Black man in a predominantly urban setting. The rural backdrop sheds light on the socio-economic challenges and racial dynamics specific to this environment. * Furthermore, the plays diverge in their chosen time periods, with "Death of a Salesman" capturing the post-World War II era and "Fences" existing in a slightly later temporal context (Wilson). These differences in setting emphasize the varied experiences of the characters and underline the evolving socio-cultural landscape, highlighting how geographical and temporal elements contribute to the exploration of the American Dream. Similarities in Plot * In both narratives, the characters cope with internal and external conflicts, fighting the delicate balance between personal ambitions and social expectati...