Death Of A Salesman Essay Questions

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Death of a Salesman Take-Home Essay Questions

1. How could some view Death as a critique of America’s capitalist economic system?
Death of a Salesman, a play written by Arthur Miller, critiques America’s capitalist economic system, which is based on the private ownership of the means of production, and their operation for profit, all driven by the delusion of the “American Dream,” and the effects it has upon society. Audience may observe, Death of a Salesman through the conflicts within an American middle class family, and the social reality that entails. The American Dream can be defined as “the ideal that every US citizen should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative,” in which Miller uses this play to clarify and challenge the definition of the “American Dream”, using the character Willy Loman. …show more content…

The company released him without hearing another word, as well as ignoring his accomplishments in the past. Wagner’s company seen as the American capitalist system, draining Willy of his good reputation and income leaving him with nothing. The effect society has on Willy emphasizes the leaks in this system, effects such as Willy unable to cope with his new lifestyle resulting in suicide attempts and mistreating his family. Willy seems so consistent with the American view of providing for his family that even when Mrs. Loman, attempts at reusing items around the house, Willy gets frustrated with her. The effects of this unattainable “American Dream” make it difficult for Willy to understand the wishes of his son, ultimately leading to his suicidal death thinking that his son will use the life insurance money to start a business. Thus the word Death in Death of a Salesman can be depicted, as the “American Dream” is not a reality for all, especially the individual Willy

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