Symbolism In Arthur Miller's Death Of A Salesman

Question: One thing I would like to know is if Happy is genuinely satisfied with his life and job. He fulfilled his dad’s dream, by becoming a salesman, but I think this caused him to stop chasing the dream he truly wanted. Through the first act, he carries himself in a very joyous manner, but I definitely feel like Happy has a more dismal side that he hides from everyone.

Symbolism: Toward the end of the first act, Linda finds a rubber hose. This symbolizes Willy’s attempt to commit suicide.Willy also attempted to kill himself before this by trying to drive off the road. I the objects he using to kill himself with represent that the things Willy is working so hard to buy might actually be killing him.

Patterns and Themes: One of the more obscure themes I discovered was about nature. For example, in the beginning of the play, Willy's small apartment is being towered by many enormous apartment buildings. Because of this, the plants in his garden don't get enough sunlight to grow. Essentially, this represents how his artificial world is stopping his from growing into a better person. Also, Willy doesn't haven't enough courage to actually go out into nature, like his brother Ben did, and discover his true passions. Instead, he chooses to sell himself to the superficial urban world.

Symbolism: In act one, Willy’s affair with The

Woman is exposed. During this time, he gives his mistress a pair of stockings, which symbolized his betrayal. He’s cheating on Linda; in order to, feel validated by someone whom he doesn’t feel like a burden to.

Death of a Salesman Act II Literary Response

Discussion Notes and Response: One of the questions we discussed in my group was if personal success affects a marriage.

I feel like in Willy's situation, the answer might be yes, because his inability to make a sufficient amount of money to provide for his family is taking a toll on his marriage. He is always lying to Linda about the amount of money he's making. It's also seems like his inability to provide for her is causing him to feel guilty. One thing we also noticed was that Linda and Willy seem very out of love. We concluded they might feel obligated to stay with each other because of their old age, plus they can’t afford a

divorce.
Literary Technique: Throughout the book, Arthur Miller uses a literary technique called flashback. One of the main reasons this technique is used is because it helps to relate Willy's memories of the past to his future. Miller also uses this literary device to show Willy's longing for the past.
Patterns and Themes: One of the most important themes in this play is the American Dream. First of all, many of the characters in this play achieve the American Dream in different ways. For example, Ben goes to Africa, discovers a diamond mine and becomes wealthy. Bernard becomes successful lawyer by studying and working very hard in his young years. Willy on the other hand has a different way of achieving the dream. He believes that being well-liked, charismatic and good looking will guarantee you success naturally. Willy falls short of achieving the financial security promised by the American dream. He later kills himself in order to be able to provide for his family with his life insurance money. By doing this, Willy demonstrates that the hopeful, promising American Dream can also turn into one's worst nightmare.