Arthur Miller – Death of a Salesman
Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman (1949) is one of the greatest American plays of the 20th century. It presents the tragedy of Willy Loman, an aging salesman who is destroyed by his unrealistic dreams, false hopes, and the pressures of the American Dream. The play blends **memory, reality, illusion, and regret**, exploring family conflict, identity, capitalism, and psychological breakdown.
About Arthur Miller
- Arthur Miller (1915–2005) – American playwright known for exploring social responsibility and individual morality.
- Famous works include The Crucible, A View from the Bridge, and Death of a Salesman.
- Won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for this play in 1949.
Main Characters
- Willy Loman – 63-year-old salesman; delusional, insecure, trapped by dreams of success.
- Linda Loman – Willy’s loyal and compassionate wife.
- Biff Loman – Willy’s elder son; once a high school star, now drifting without purpose.
- Happy Loman – Younger son; a womanizer who imitates Willy’s empty dreams.
- Charley – Willy’s neighbor and only true friend; offers him financial help.
- Bernard – Charley’s son; hardworking, successful lawyer.
- The Woman – Willy’s mistress in Boston.
- Ben – Willy’s wealthy brother; appears in hallucinations; symbol of material success.
- Howard Wagner – Willy’s employer who fires him.
Act-wise Summary
ACT I
1. Willy Returns Home
Willy Loman comes home exhausted after a failed sales trip. He complains to Linda that he can’t continue driving long distances. Willy shows early signs of confusion, slipping into memories while awake.
2. Biff and Happy Discuss Their Lives
Upstairs, Biff and Happy discuss their unhappiness. Biff feels lost and guilty about disappointing Willy. Happy feels ignored and compensates through women and false ambition.
3. Willy’s Flashbacks
Willy remembers better times: Biff and Happy as teenagers, admiring him; their plans of success; Willy’s belief that being “well liked” is enough for success.
4. The Affair in Boston
Another flashback reveals Willy’s affair with a woman in Boston. This later becomes the reason Biff loses faith in him.
5. Charley and Bernard as Foils
Charley offers Willy a job, but Willy refuses due to pride. Bernard appears as a hardworking contrast to Biff. This highlights the difference between **discipline and empty dreams**.
6. The Seeds of Tragedy
Willy puts all his hopes on Biff’s success, while Biff is uncertain and insecure. Willy continues to chase illusions of success, ignoring reality.
ACT II
1. Renewed Hope
Willy believes Biff will get a business loan and redeem the family. Linda encourages Willy to ask Howard for a non-traveling job.
2. Willy is Fired
Howard shows Willy’s irrelevance in the modern business world. Willy begs for work, but Howard fires him. Willy’s dream collapses further.
3. The Restaurant Scene
Biff tries to tell Willy the truth — that he did not get the loan and feels lost. Willy refuses to accept reality. Happy lets Willy down by abandoning him at the restaurant with young women.
4. Boston Revelation
Willy remembers the moment Biff discovered his affair in Boston. The scene explains Biff’s lifelong disillusionment and failure.
5. Emotional Breakdowns
Willy’s mental state deteriorates. He talks to the ghost of Ben, contemplating suicide to leave insurance money for Biff.
Requiem (Final Scene)
1. Willy’s Suicide
Willy crashes his car deliberately, believing his death will provide Biff the insurance money for success.
2. The Funeral
Only few attend the funeral: Linda, the boys, and Charley. Even after death, Willy is forgotten — contradicting his dream of being “well liked.”
3. Linda’s Final Lines
Linda mourns that the mortgage is finally paid, but Willy is gone: “We’re free… We’re free…” This bitter irony is one of the most powerful moments in American drama.
Major Themes
- The American Dream – Willy believes popularity will bring success; reality proves otherwise.
- Reality vs. Illusion – Willy lives in fantasies; Biff seeks truth.
- Family Conflict – Expectations, guilt, and emotional pressure shape the Loman family.
- Failure & Disillusionment – Willy cannot accept his limitations.
- Identity – Biff realizes he must define himself apart from Willy’s dreams.
- Capitalism & Exploitation – The business world discards Willy when he is no longer useful.
Symbols
- Seeds – Willy’s desire to leave something behind; symbolize failure and hope.
- Ben – Material success and the dream of instant wealth.
- Stockings – Symbol of Willy’s guilt due to his affair.
- The Car – Tool of livelihood turned into instrument of death.
- The Rubber Hose – Willy’s suicidal thoughts and despair.
Style & Structure
- Expressionistic drama blending memory and present.
- Flashbacks reveal psychological truth about characters.
- Stage directions are poetic and symbolic.
- Non-linear narrative reflects Willy’s unstable mind.
Critical Analysis
- Willy is a tragic hero of modern capitalism — destroyed not by fate but by dreams.
- Biff’s realization — “I’m nothing” — is not failure but liberation.
- Linda represents emotional responsibility and silent suffering.
- Miller critiques consumer culture and the illusion of the American Dream.
- The play remains relevant in today’s competitive, stressful world.
Famous Lines
- “I am not a dime a dozen! I am Willy Loman!”
- “Attention must be paid.” – Linda
- “The jungle is dark but full of diamonds.” – Ben
- “He had the wrong dreams.” – Biff
Quick Revision Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Author | Arthur Miller |
| Play | Death of a Salesman |
| Year | 1949 |
| Acts | Act I, Act II, Requiem |
| Main Themes | American Dream, identity, illusions |
| Protagonist | Willy Loman |
| Setting | Brooklyn, New York |
| Message | The pursuit of unrealistic dreams leads to tragedy. |
What to Read Next
→ 50 Important MCQs on Death of a Salesman (Click to Reveal Answers)
Note: AdSense Auto Ads will automatically manage placement for this post.
Let me know your doubts