Death of a SalesmanDeath of a Salesman by Arthur Millerby Arthur Miller

0707 外译外译 22 班 许施恩 班 许施恩 2323 号号

Contents

IntroductionIntroduction11

CharactersCharacters22

Plot SummaryPlot Summary33

Major ThemesMajor Themes44

Writing StyleWriting Style55

IntroductionIntroduction

Death of a Salesman is a 1949 Death of a Salesman is a 1949 playplay written by American playwright written by American playwright

Arthur MillerArthur Miller. The play ran for 745 performances, winning both the . The play ran for 745 performances, winning both the

Tony AwardTony Award and the and the Pulitzer PrizePulitzer Prize for drama. The original production was for drama. The original production was

directed by directed by Elia KazanElia Kazan with with Lee J. CobbLee J. Cobb starring in the leading role of starring in the leading role of

Willy LomanWilly Loman..

The play attempts to raise a counterexample to The play attempts to raise a counterexample to AristotleAristotle's characterization 's characterization

of of tragedytragedy as the downfall of a great man: though Loman certainly has as the downfall of a great man: though Loman certainly has

HamartiaHamartia, a tragic flaw or error, his downfall is that of an ordinary man. In , a tragic flaw or error, his downfall is that of an ordinary man. In

this sense, Miller's play represents a democratization of the ancient form this sense, Miller's play represents a democratization of the ancient form

of tragedy; the play's protagonist is himself obsessed with the question of of tragedy; the play's protagonist is himself obsessed with the question of

greatness, and his downfall arises directly from his continued greatness, and his downfall arises directly from his continued

misconception of himself - at age 63 - as someone capable of greatness, misconception of himself - at age 63 - as someone capable of greatness,

as well as the unshakable conviction that greatness stems directly from as well as the unshakable conviction that greatness stems directly from

personal charisma or popularity.personal charisma or popularity.Back to contents

CharactersCharacters

Willy LomanWilly Loman

A sixty year old salesman living in Brooklyn, Willy Loman is a gregarious, mercurial A sixty year old salesman living in Brooklyn, Willy Loman is a gregarious, mercurial

man with powerful aspirations to success. However, after thirty-five years working as man with powerful aspirations to success. However, after thirty-five years working as

a traveling salesman throughout New England, Willy Loman feels defeated by his a traveling salesman throughout New England, Willy Loman feels defeated by his

lack of success and difficult family life. Although he has a dutiful wife, his relationship lack of success and difficult family life. Although he has a dutiful wife, his relationship

with his oldest son, Biff, is strained by Biff's continual failures. As a salesman, Willy with his oldest son, Biff, is strained by Biff's continual failures. As a salesman, Willy

Loman focuses on personal details over actual measures of success, believing that it Loman focuses on personal details over actual measures of success, believing that it

is personality and not high returns that garner success in the business world.is personality and not high returns that garner success in the business world.

Biff LomanBiff Loman

The thirty-four year old son of Willy Loman, Biff was once a star high school athlete The thirty-four year old son of Willy Loman, Biff was once a star high school athlete

with a scholarship to UVA. But he never attended college nor graduated from high with a scholarship to UVA. But he never attended college nor graduated from high

school, after refusing to attend summer school to make up a flunked math class. school, after refusing to attend summer school to make up a flunked math class.

He did this primarily out of spite after finding out that his father was having an He did this primarily out of spite after finding out that his father was having an

affair with a woman in Boston. Since then, Biff has been a continualaffair with a woman in Boston. Since then, Biff has been a continual failure, failure,

stealing at every job and even spending time in jail. Despite his failures and anger stealing at every job and even spending time in jail. Despite his failures and anger

toward his father, Biff still has great concern for what his father thinks of him, and the toward his father, Biff still has great concern for what his father thinks of him, and the

conflict between the two characters drives the narrative of the play. conflict between the two characters drives the narrative of the play.

Linda LomanLinda Loman

The dutiful, obedient wife to Willy and mother of Biff and Happy, Linda Loman is the The dutiful, obedient wife to Willy and mother of Biff and Happy, Linda Loman is the

one person who supports Willy Loman, despite his often reprehensible treatment of one person who supports Willy Loman, despite his often reprehensible treatment of

her. She is a woman who has aged greatly because of her difficult life with her her. She is a woman who has aged greatly because of her difficult life with her

husband, whose hallucinations and erratic behavior she contends with alone. She is husband, whose hallucinations and erratic behavior she contends with alone. She is

the moral center of the play, occasionally stern and not afraid to confront her sons the moral center of the play, occasionally stern and not afraid to confront her sons

about their poor treatment of their father.about their poor treatment of their father.

CharactersCharacters

Happy LomanHappy Loman

The younger of the two Loman sons, Happy Loman is seemingly content and successful, The younger of the two Loman sons, Happy Loman is seemingly content and successful,

with a steady career and none of the obvious marks of failure that his older brother displays. with a steady career and none of the obvious marks of failure that his older brother displays.

Happy, however, is not content with his more stable life, because he has never risked Happy, however, is not content with his more stable life, because he has never risked

failure or striven for any real measure of success. Happy is a compulsive womanizer who failure or striven for any real measure of success. Happy is a compulsive womanizer who

treats women purely as sex objects and has little respect for the many women whom he treats women purely as sex objects and has little respect for the many women whom he

seduces.seduces.

Charley Charley The Lomans' next door neighbor and father of Bernard, Charley is a good The Lomans' next door neighbor and father of Bernard, Charley is a good

businessman, exemplifying the success that Willy is unable to achieve. He and Willy have a businessman, exemplifying the success that Willy is unable to achieve. He and Willy have a

contentious relationship, but Charley is nevertheless Willy's only friend. contentious relationship, but Charley is nevertheless Willy's only friend.

Bernard Bernard Charley's only son. He is intelligent and industrious but lacks the gregarious Charley's only son. He is intelligent and industrious but lacks the gregarious personality of either of the Loman sons.personality of either of the Loman sons.

CharactersCharacters

Ben Ben Willy's older brother, Ben left home at seventeen to find their father in Alaska, Willy's older brother, Ben left home at seventeen to find their father in Alaska, but ended up in Africa, where he found diamond mines and came out of the jungle at but ended up in Africa, where he found diamond mines and came out of the jungle at twenty-one an incredibly rich man. twenty-one an incredibly rich man.

Howard WagnerHoward Wagner The thirty-six year old son of Frank Wagner, Willy Loman's The thirty-six year old son of Frank Wagner, Willy Loman's former boss. former boss.

Stanley Stanley The waiter at the restaurant where Willy meets his sons.The waiter at the restaurant where Willy meets his sons.

The WomanThe Woman An assistant in a company in Boston with which Willy does An assistant in a company in Boston with which Willy does business.business.

Miss ForsytheMiss Forsythe An attractive young woman at the restaurant.An attractive young woman at the restaurant.

CharactersCharacters

Plot SummaryPlot Summary

As the play opens, Willy Loman, who has been a traveling salesman for 35 years, returns As the play opens, Willy Loman, who has been a traveling salesman for 35 years, returns

home after having just left for a sales trip to New England. He tells his wife Linda that he home after having just left for a sales trip to New England. He tells his wife Linda that he

can no longer go on the road because he cannot keep his mind on driving. At the same can no longer go on the road because he cannot keep his mind on driving. At the same

time, his elder son Biff is visiting the Brooklyn home after being away for many years. Willy time, his elder son Biff is visiting the Brooklyn home after being away for many years. Willy

reminisces about Biff's potential, 14 years earlier, when he was playing high school football reminisces about Biff's potential, 14 years earlier, when he was playing high school football

and being offered athletic scholarships by numerous university teams. and being offered athletic scholarships by numerous university teams.

When we meet Biff, he is discussing future job prospects with his younger brother Happy. When we meet Biff, he is discussing future job prospects with his younger brother Happy.

Biff considers going to see Bill Oliver, a man for whom he had worked many years earlier, Biff considers going to see Bill Oliver, a man for whom he had worked many years earlier,

and asking him for a loan to get started in a sporting goods business. Biff and Happy tell and asking him for a loan to get started in a sporting goods business. Biff and Happy tell

Willy of this plan, and he gets very excited with the idea. He emphasizes that Oliver really Willy of this plan, and he gets very excited with the idea. He emphasizes that Oliver really

liked Biff and we begin to see Willy's fixation with the idea that one only needs personal liked Biff and we begin to see Willy's fixation with the idea that one only needs personal

attractiveness to be successful in the business world. In fact, Willy decides that he too will attractiveness to be successful in the business world. In fact, Willy decides that he too will

see his boss the following day and ask for a New York position rather than a traveling job. see his boss the following day and ask for a New York position rather than a traveling job.

The first day ends with the bright hope that Willy, Biff and Happy will achieve their goals for The first day ends with the bright hope that Willy, Biff and Happy will achieve their goals for

the following day. The three of them plan to meet for dinner after they have been to their the following day. The three of them plan to meet for dinner after they have been to their

respective meetings. respective meetings.

Plot SummaryPlot Summary

Unfortunately, Willy is not successful in his meeting with Howard Wagner, his current Unfortunately, Willy is not successful in his meeting with Howard Wagner, his current

boss and son of the deceased owner. In fact, Howard fires Willy because he believes boss and son of the deceased owner. In fact, Howard fires Willy because he believes

the elder salesman is doing the firm harm. Willy is crestfallen and goes to see his old the elder salesman is doing the firm harm. Willy is crestfallen and goes to see his old

friend and neighbor, Charley. Charley loans Willy enough money to pay his life friend and neighbor, Charley. Charley loans Willy enough money to pay his life

insurance premium. Charley offers Willy a job, but Willy cannot bring himself to accept insurance premium. Charley offers Willy a job, but Willy cannot bring himself to accept

it. While at Charley's office, Willy meets Bernard, Charley's son, who has become a it. While at Charley's office, Willy meets Bernard, Charley's son, who has become a

very successful lawyer. Bernard wonder's why Biff lost his initiative 14 years ago. This very successful lawyer. Bernard wonder's why Biff lost his initiative 14 years ago. This

angers Willy and causes him to reflect on the past. angers Willy and causes him to reflect on the past.

Biff and Happy meet in the restaurant for dinner. Biff explains that he has had some Biff and Happy meet in the restaurant for dinner. Biff explains that he has had some

important realizations about himself. Apparently, Oliver kept him waiting all day and important realizations about himself. Apparently, Oliver kept him waiting all day and

then could not remember who Biff was. Biff was so upset by this turn of events that he then could not remember who Biff was. Biff was so upset by this turn of events that he

stole Oliver's fountain pen. This leads him to reconsider all of his previous jobs, most stole Oliver's fountain pen. This leads him to reconsider all of his previous jobs, most

of which he lost because he stole from his employers. of which he lost because he stole from his employers.

Plot SummaryPlot Summary

Willy arrives at the restaurant and tells Biff that he has been fired. When Biff begins to Willy arrives at the restaurant and tells Biff that he has been fired. When Biff begins to

tell Willy that he stole Oliver's pen and has been a failure all his life, Willy refuses to tell Willy that he stole Oliver's pen and has been a failure all his life, Willy refuses to

listen and retreats to the wash room. Biff leaves the restaurant and asks Happy to listen and retreats to the wash room. Biff leaves the restaurant and asks Happy to

make sure Willy is all right, but Happy rejects Willy and departs with two girls he has make sure Willy is all right, but Happy rejects Willy and departs with two girls he has

picked up. picked up.

When Biff arrives home later in that evening, Linda is furious with him for deserting his When Biff arrives home later in that evening, Linda is furious with him for deserting his

father. Willy is in the backyard planting seeds and holding an imaginary conversation father. Willy is in the backyard planting seeds and holding an imaginary conversation

with his dead brother, Ben, who had been a very successful man. with his dead brother, Ben, who had been a very successful man.

In the end, Willy commits suicide. He dies in a car "accident", an attempt to leave his In the end, Willy commits suicide. He dies in a car "accident", an attempt to leave his

life insurance money to his sons, so that they could succeed in life. He hoped that he life insurance money to his sons, so that they could succeed in life. He hoped that he

could give something to them so that they would not turn out to be "failures" like him.could give something to them so that they would not turn out to be "failures" like him.

Major ThemesMajor Themes

1.The Dangers of Modernity1.The Dangers of Modernity

Death of a Salesman premiered in 1949 on the Death of a Salesman premiered in 1949 on the

brink of the 1950s, a decade of unprecedented brink of the 1950s, a decade of unprecedented

consumerism and technical advances in America. consumerism and technical advances in America.

Many innovations applied specifically to the Many innovations applied specifically to the

home: it was in the 50s that the TV and the home: it was in the 50s that the TV and the

washing machine became common household washing machine became common household

objects. Miller expresses an ambivalence toward objects. Miller expresses an ambivalence toward

modern objects and the modern mindset. modern objects and the modern mindset.

Although Willy Loman is a deeply flawed Although Willy Loman is a deeply flawed

character, there is something compelling about character, there is something compelling about

his nostalgia. Modernity accounts for the his nostalgia. Modernity accounts for the

obsolescence of Willy Loman's career - traveling obsolescence of Willy Loman's career - traveling

salesmen are rapidly becoming out-of-date. salesmen are rapidly becoming out-of-date.

Significantly, Willy reaches for modern objects, Significantly, Willy reaches for modern objects,

the car and the gas heater, to assist him in his the car and the gas heater, to assist him in his

suicide attempts.suicide attempts.

Major ThemesMajor Themes

2.Gender Relations2.Gender Relations

In Death of a Salesman, woman are sharply divided into two categories: In Death of a Salesman, woman are sharply divided into two categories:

Linda and other. The men display a distinct Madonna/whore complex, as Linda and other. The men display a distinct Madonna/whore complex, as

they are only able to classify their nurturing and virtuous mother against they are only able to classify their nurturing and virtuous mother against

the other, easier women available (the woman with whom Willy has an the other, easier women available (the woman with whom Willy has an

affair and Miss Forsythe being two examples). The men curse themselves affair and Miss Forsythe being two examples). The men curse themselves

for being attracted to the whore-like women but is still drawn to them - for being attracted to the whore-like women but is still drawn to them -

and, in an Oedipal moment, Happy laments that he cannot find a woman and, in an Oedipal moment, Happy laments that he cannot find a woman

like his mother. Women themselves are two-dimensional characters in like his mother. Women themselves are two-dimensional characters in

this play. They remain firmly outside the male sphere of business, and this play. They remain firmly outside the male sphere of business, and

seem to have no thoughts or desires other than those pertaining to men. seem to have no thoughts or desires other than those pertaining to men.

Even Linda, the strongest female character, is only fixated on a Even Linda, the strongest female character, is only fixated on a

reconciliation between her husband and her sons, selflessly subordinating reconciliation between her husband and her sons, selflessly subordinating

herself to serve to assist them in their problems. herself to serve to assist them in their problems.

Major ThemesMajor Themes

3.Madness3.Madness

Madness is a dangerous theme for many artists, whose creativity can put Madness is a dangerous theme for many artists, whose creativity can put

them on the edge of what is socially acceptable. Miller, however, treats them on the edge of what is socially acceptable. Miller, however, treats

the quite bourgeois subject of the nuclear family, so his interposition of the quite bourgeois subject of the nuclear family, so his interposition of

the theme of madness is startling. Madness reflects the greatest technical the theme of madness is startling. Madness reflects the greatest technical

innovation of Death of a Salesman--its seamless hops back and forth in innovation of Death of a Salesman--its seamless hops back and forth in

time. The audience or reader quickly realizes, however, that this is based time. The audience or reader quickly realizes, however, that this is based

on Willy's confused perspective. Willy's madness and reliability as a on Willy's confused perspective. Willy's madness and reliability as a

narrator become more and more of an issue as his hallucinations gain narrator become more and more of an issue as his hallucinations gain

strength. The reader must decide for themselves how concrete of a strength. The reader must decide for themselves how concrete of a

character Ben is, for example, or even how reliable the plot and narrative character Ben is, for example, or even how reliable the plot and narrative

structure are, when told from the perspective of someone as on the edge structure are, when told from the perspective of someone as on the edge

as Willy Loman.as Willy Loman.

Major ThemesMajor Themes

4.Cult of Personality4.Cult of Personality

One of Miller's techniques throughout the play is to familiarize certain One of Miller's techniques throughout the play is to familiarize certain

characters by having them repeat the same key line over and over. Willy's characters by having them repeat the same key line over and over. Willy's

most common line is that businessmen must be well-liked, rather than most common line is that businessmen must be well-liked, rather than

merely liked, and his business strategy is based entirely on the idea of a cult merely liked, and his business strategy is based entirely on the idea of a cult

of personality. He believes that it is not what a person is able to accomplish, of personality. He believes that it is not what a person is able to accomplish,

but who he knows and how he treats them that will get a man ahead in the but who he knows and how he treats them that will get a man ahead in the

world. This viewpoint is tragically undermined not only by Willy's failure, but world. This viewpoint is tragically undermined not only by Willy's failure, but

also by that of his sons, who assumed that they could make their way in life also by that of his sons, who assumed that they could make their way in life

using only their charms and good looks, rather than any more solid talents. using only their charms and good looks, rather than any more solid talents.

5.Nostalgia / regret5.Nostalgia / regret

The dominant emotion throughout this play is nostalgia, tinged with regret. The dominant emotion throughout this play is nostalgia, tinged with regret.

All of the Lomans feel that they have made mistakes or wrong choices. The All of the Lomans feel that they have made mistakes or wrong choices. The

technical aspects of the play feed this emotion by making seamless technical aspects of the play feed this emotion by making seamless

transitions back and forth from happier, earlier times in the play. Youth is transitions back and forth from happier, earlier times in the play. Youth is

more suited to the American dream, and Willy's more suited to the American dream, and Willy's

Major ThemesMajor Themes

business ideas do not seem as sad or as bankrupt when he has an entire business ideas do not seem as sad or as bankrupt when he has an entire

lifetime ahead of him to prove their merit. Biff looks back nostalgic for a time lifetime ahead of him to prove their merit. Biff looks back nostalgic for a time

that he was a high school athletic hero, and, more importantly, for a time when that he was a high school athletic hero, and, more importantly, for a time when

he did not know that his father was a fake and a cheat, and still idolized him. he did not know that his father was a fake and a cheat, and still idolized him.

6.Opportunity6.Opportunity

Tied up intimately with the idea of the American dream is the concept of Tied up intimately with the idea of the American dream is the concept of

opportunity. America claims to be the land of opportunity, of social mobility. opportunity. America claims to be the land of opportunity, of social mobility.

Even the poorest man should be able to move upward in life through his own Even the poorest man should be able to move upward in life through his own

hard work. Miller complicates this idea of opportunity by linking it to time, and hard work. Miller complicates this idea of opportunity by linking it to time, and

illustrating that new opportunity does not occur over and over again. Bernard illustrating that new opportunity does not occur over and over again. Bernard

has made the most of his opportunities; by studying hard in school, he has has made the most of his opportunities; by studying hard in school, he has

risen through the ranks of his profession and is now preparing to argue a case risen through the ranks of his profession and is now preparing to argue a case

in front of the Supreme Court. Biff, on the other hand, while technically given in front of the Supreme Court. Biff, on the other hand, while technically given

the same opportunities as Bernard, has ruined his prospects by a decision that the same opportunities as Bernard, has ruined his prospects by a decision that

he made at the age of eighteen. There seems to be no going back for Biff, after he made at the age of eighteen. There seems to be no going back for Biff, after

he made the fatal decision not to finish high school. he made the fatal decision not to finish high school.

Major ThemesMajor Themes

7.Growth7.Growth

In a play which rocks back and forth through different time periods, one In a play which rocks back and forth through different time periods, one

would normally expect to witness some growth in the characters involved. would normally expect to witness some growth in the characters involved.

Not so in Death of a Salesmen, where the various members of the Loman Not so in Death of a Salesmen, where the various members of the Loman

family are stuck with the same character flaws, in the same personal ruts family are stuck with the same character flaws, in the same personal ruts

throughout time. For his part, Willy does not recognize that his business throughout time. For his part, Willy does not recognize that his business

principles do not work, and continues to emphasize the wrong qualities. principles do not work, and continues to emphasize the wrong qualities.

Biff and Happy are not only stuck with their childhood names in their Biff and Happy are not only stuck with their childhood names in their

childhood bedrooms, but also are hobbled by their childhood problems: childhood bedrooms, but also are hobbled by their childhood problems:

Biff's bitterness toward his father and Happy's dysfunctional relationship Biff's bitterness toward his father and Happy's dysfunctional relationship

with women. In a poignant moment at the end of the play, Willy tries to with women. In a poignant moment at the end of the play, Willy tries to

plant some seeds when he realizes that his family has not grown at all over plant some seeds when he realizes that his family has not grown at all over

time. time.

Writing StyleWriting Style

The play is mostly told from Willy's point of view, and it shows previous parts The play is mostly told from Willy's point of view, and it shows previous parts

of Willy's life in his time shifts, sometimes during a present day scene. It of Willy's life in his time shifts, sometimes during a present day scene. It

does this by having a scene begin in the present time and adding characters does this by having a scene begin in the present time and adding characters

onto the stage that only Willy can see and hear, representing characters and onto the stage that only Willy can see and hear, representing characters and

conversations from other times and places. Many dramatic techniques are conversations from other times and places. Many dramatic techniques are

also used to represent these time shifts. also used to represent these time shifts.

The play's structure resembles a The play's structure resembles a stream of consciousnessstream of consciousness account: Willy account: Willy

drifts between his living room, downstage, to the apron and flashbacks of an drifts between his living room, downstage, to the apron and flashbacks of an

idyllic past, and also to idyllic past, and also to fantasizedfantasized conversations with Ben. When we are in conversations with Ben. When we are in

the present the characters abide by the rules of the set, entering only the present the characters abide by the rules of the set, entering only

through the stage door to the left; however, when we visit Willy's "past" through the stage door to the left; however, when we visit Willy's "past"

these rules are removed, with characters openly moving through walls. these rules are removed, with characters openly moving through walls.

Whereas the term "flashback" as a form of cinematography for these scenes Whereas the term "flashback" as a form of cinematography for these scenes

is often heard. In fact, flashbacks would show an objective image of the is often heard. In fact, flashbacks would show an objective image of the

past.As Willy's mental state deteriorates, the boundaries between past and past.As Willy's mental state deteriorates, the boundaries between past and

present are destroyed, and the two start to exist in parallel.present are destroyed, and the two start to exist in parallel.

Thank You!Thank You!0707 外译外译 22 班 许施恩 班 许施恩 2323 号号

Jun.2010 @Jun.2010 @美国文学课美国文学课