Understanding Willy Loman in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman

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Understanding Willy Loman in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman

In order to really understand Willy Loman, from Arthur Miller’s play Death Of A Salesman, the reader must analyze the way his character is developed. Studying his thoughts, actions, how he relates to other characters and how other characters relate to him enables the reader to come to an understanding of the world in which Willy lives.

Although Willy sometimes has flashbacks, examining them, as well as his thoughts, helps the reader to understand and relate to him better. Willy had very high, but unrealistic expectations for his boys, especially Biff; he thought that they would be guaranteed success. This is illustrated in the quote, “I see great things for you kids, I think your troubles are over. But remember, start big and you’ll end big.” (pg. 64) Willy was convinced that Biff should become a great star and could not accept the fact that Biff had turned out less than perfect. This is demonstrated when Willy says “My God! Remember how they used to follow him around in high school?” (pg. 16) It is easy to see that Willy thought the world was against him and that his life would never amount to anything. When he says “I’m always in a race with the junkyard,” (pg. 73...

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...lieved that Willy was a great man. She loved him deeply and with all her heart. She would have believed anything he told her and did not like it when Biff treated him rudely. She told him “Be loving to him,because he is only a little boat looking for a harbor.” (pg. 76)

Willy was a very complex man. He had so many hopes and dreams at the beginning and all he wanted was for his sons to succeed. By analyzing his thoughts, actions and relationships with other characters it is easy to see that all he desired in life was to be looked up to and to be loved. Perhaps there is a little bit of Willy Loman in all of us.

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