Death of a Salesman - Assignment Example

 Death of a Salesman Summary The plot of Death of a Salesman revolves around Willy Loman, who was a salesman by profession. The story begins with Willy unable to keep his mind on his present life, rather sit and feel guilty over his past. His mind keeps gliding from present to past and from reality to imagination. If he would have done this, only if he hasn’t pursued his life the way he did, he could have succeeded. Not only this, he feels himself blameworthy for his sons’ failures as well. Years ago, his brother Ben, who was an affluent young man at the age of twenty one told him that success is not being liked by everyone, but rather on how many materialistic things you have- the things you can physically touch. Willy was consistent on his belief that the key to success is being well appreciated by others. He regrets how he led his life at the age of sixty and wished that he would have better earn money rather than caring about sentiments. (BookRags Book Notes. (2000-2009) All his life, Willy made sure that he passed his own key to success to his sons: Happy and Biff. Biff was the eldest son and Willy tried hard to ensure he follow his father’s key to success at the business world. But Willy’s teachings were a failure for Biff as he couldn’t continue in the business world. He could not live up to his father’s expectations as reality was far harsher than his father made them believe. His life began to deteriorate. He is more liked by his father as he left the business world because he could not follow orders from others and Willy taught him to steal which was the reason for him to get caught now and then in the business arena. He works on the farmland and ranches. Biff knew his father has been lying to him the entire life and want to expose the lies; but Willy won’t let that happen. They would argue and fight whenever Biff gets home and subsequently Biff decided to leave home for good. The financial conditions of family worsened as Biff was incapable of holding a 9-5 job. (Wade Bradford) The younger son Happy was ignored throughout Willy’s life. He kept assuring his parents that he will get married and will go far in business. But the reality is that he never does and is also a failure. Willy acted in front of his sons that he was a reputable, important, valued and victorious salesman so that his family love and envy him. He kept himself in a delusion that he is a successful man and tried to keep his family in the same delusion till the end of his life when he started to realize that he has led his life in the wrong manner. Honesty and truthfulness was never stressed upon at Willy’s home and now as he was unemployed and totally broken down, he plans that he should assist his sons and wife in living a happy life. He decided as he wasn’t able to do it in his life, he could benefit them by dying. He wanted to show Biff that his father was worthy as he can kill himself and Biff can utilize the money He commits suicide so that Biff can get the insurance money to begin his own business. He wanted to be useful to his son after his death and so that his son can think of Willy as a hero. But nevertheless, he was wrong. The insurance company does not include suicides and the family did not get any money. Furthermore, nobody except the family and two members attended the funeral. The play ended with his wife, Linda sitting on his grave and crying and wondering why Willy killed him self? And why did nobody attended his funeral? Happy was annoyed by his father’s stupid decision as he believed that Biff and him could have helped the father face difficulties. (MAXnotes. (2000) Themes Some of the themes of the play are as follows: Visions of America- Most American people are stuck between reality and imaginations Dreams, hopes, and plans- The lead role of the play, Willy Loman is idealistic in his approach towards life. His imaginations about success destroyed him by making him incompetent of realizing the reality. Lies and Deceits- All Lomans live in fantasy and deceive themselves that they are successful and competent. They believe they will do great in life but never did. Respect and Reputation- In Willy’s opinion, reputation and well liked by others was the primary motive of life and success is only won by having a status. Pride- All Lomans are proud of their own selves even though they have nothing to be proud of. Abandonment- It was the abandonment of Willy’s father and brother that he is psychologically underground.(Shmoop. (2010) Characters The main characters of the play are: Willy Loman- a 65 year old salesman who wants to keep his family happy but is not able to even satisfy his own self. He loves his family but embellishes the truth. He is married to Linda Loman, has two sons Biff and Happy. Linda Loman- Wife of Willy Loman. She facilitates the delusions of Willy Loman. She is a very caring, loving and long enduring wife. Biff Loman- elder son of Willy Loman. Well liked by his father but gets in frequent arguments with his father. He is confused about his existence, what he has to do in life, what is his motto and ambition in life. He believes he is in the wrong place. (Sinclair, I. (2011). References (2000-2009) Death of a Salesman Notes | Plot Summary| bookrags.com [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.bookrags.com/notes/das/SUM.html [Accessed on January 22, 2012] Shmoop.(2010). Death of a Salesman: Shmoop Literature Guide By Shmoop, [Sunnyvale, Calif] Shmoop University Wade Bradford, Death of a Salesman– Review an Overrated Classic |About.com Guide [ONLINE] Available at: http://plays.about.com/od/reviews/fr/deathsalesman.htm MAXnotes. (2000) to Death of a Salesman Research and Education Association, Inc.. All Rights Reserved. [ONLINE]Available at: http://www.enotes.com/death-of-a-salesman/requiem-summary-analysis Sinclair, I. (2011). Arthur Miller's death of a salesman. St Kilda, Vic: Insight Publications. Read More