Theme Of Suicide In Death Of A Salesman

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According to the American author, poet, and philosopher, Jennifer Michael Hecht, “the meaning of life is bigger than the individual” (Smith 65). The meaning of life is a significant topic in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. The play tackles the issue of suicide as Willy Loman decides to take his own life after being faced with tremendous hardship. Specifically, Willy is brought to this point because of the dysfunctional relationship with his family, and the failure in his career as a salesman. Overall, Willy Loman’s suicide was avoidable, proving that with the right help from others, one can live in peace without committing the tragic act of suicide. Willy’s suicide transpired due to his flawed relationship with his family. In Death of a Salesman, Linda …show more content…

His two sons rarely visit the house even though Willy is clearly lacking endearment. Even when they try to spend quality time by inviting Willy to dinner, they end up ditching him for two women while leaving Willy all alone. Happy and Biff’s support and attention could have been substantial in the recovery of Willy’s loneliness and suicidal state. Later in the play, Linda admits, “I’m ashamed to… everyday I go down and take away that little rubber pipe. But, when he comes home, I put it back where it was. How can I insult him that way? I don’t know what to do” (Miller 59-60). Linda’s lacking support is evident when Linda discovers Willy is attempting suicide. This is because Linda is faced with a sign of self-harm but does not do anything to stop it. She instead blames her sons while not helping to resolve the issue herself. Linda could have avoided Willy’s suicide by communicating to Willy that he should not kill himself, by getting medicine, or by getting help from a doctor. In the book “Death Studies” by doctor Mohammad H. Afzali, “[a]s a supplementary aim, the frequency of suicide attempt predicted… when there is [actions] of

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