Death of a SalesmanArthur Miller

The American Dream:At what cost?

About the Playwright:Arthur MillerBegan as playwright at University of MichiganPulitzer Prize winner for Death of A SalesmanDouble winner of New York Drama Critics Circle Award

Millers Legal TroublesSuspected of being a Communist sympathizerSalesman seen as un-American1953 - Miller denied a passport1955 - HUAC pressures NYC not to allow Miller to make a film for them on juvenile delinquency

The Saga Continues...1957 - Miller convicted of contempt of Congress for refusing to name names And then...1958 - US Court of Appeals overturns his contempt conviction

Millers AssertionsSalesman is not a document of pessimism.

Salesman is not un-American; it celebrates the life of Willy Loman.

Miller believes that tragedy is inherently optimistic.

Initial ThemesAddresses family conflict in post World War II AmericaTakes a close look at the price paid for the American DreamCharges America with creating a capitalist materialism centered around a postwar economyThis materialism skewed the original view of the American Dream as envisioned by the founding fathers

From Classical Tragedythe heros traits, a mixture of good and bad the concept of the heros flaw the heros capacity to willingly endure sufferingthe catharsis of the audience

Characteristics of the Classic Tragic HeroNobility or wisdom (by birth)A flaw or error of judgment (Hamartia) A reversal of fortune (perepetia) The discovery or recognition that the reversal was brought about by the hero's own actions (anagnorisis) The audience must feel dramatic irony for the character. The character's fate must be greater than deserved.

A few key traits of the T.H.

Usually evokes empathyHas a weakness, usually prideSomething has gone awry in his/her lifeUsually faced with a very serious decision he must makeNoble in natureMust understand his mistakesLikely doomed from the startBegins his journey as no better or worse than the rest of us

Modern Day: The Common Man as HeroMillers thoughts:Everyone knows Willy Loman. The common man is suitable for a tragic hero.Willy is meant to be seen as greater and better (at least in potential) than his society.

Millers Modern TragedyThe hero is a common man.The hero struggles against society. The hero meets his downfall.The downfall is a result of an incongruity between his own perception of the world and reality.The hero achieves a kind of redemption in his downfall.

Act 1

An air of the dream clings to the place, a dream rising out of reality.

How does this serve to foreshadow Willy Lomans life?

CharactersWilly LomanBiff LomanLinda LomanHappy LomanCharley BernardBen

The WomanHoward WagnerStanleyJennyMiss Forsythe and Letta

Willy LomanFather, traveling salesmanBelieves in chasing the American Dream although he never achieves itPins his failed hopes on his sons, Biff and HappyBecomes mentally ill when pressure of reality crushes his illusions

Biff LomanElder son, 34 years oldHigh school standout-football star, many male friends, and female admirersAcademic failures lead to a life of kleptomaniaRepresents Willys vulnerable, tragic sideFails to reconcile his fathers expectations

Linda LomanLoving, devoted wifeNave and realistic of Willys hopesEmotionally supportive of WillyWillys strength until his tragic perishing

Happy LomanYounger son, 32 years oldIn Biffs shadow all his lifeRelentless sex and professional driveRepresents Willys sense of self importance and ambitionOften engages in bad business ethics

CharleyThe Lomans next door neighborSuccessful businessmanOften gives Willy financial supportDescribed sadly as Willys only friend although Willy is jealous of Charleys success

BernardCharleys sonSuccessful lawyerOften mocked by Willy for being studiousCompared to Loman sons by Willy; they do not measure up to his success

BenWillys deceased older brotherIndependently wealthyAppears to Willy in daydreamsWillys symbol of success that he desperately wants for his sons

The WomanWillys mistressHer admiration for Willy is an ego boostBiff catches Willy with her in a hotel roomBiff loses faith in his father due to infidelity

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