Characters in Death of a Salesman

Characters in Death of a Salesman

Introduction

Miller's play, Death of a Salesman is a perfect presentation of the American Dream in which every character reflects their views about and dreams about perfect life and achievements. Every character has dreams and expectations from their life and tried to achieve all the possible means for the success (Sinclair, 2011). They have ambitions and hopes throughout their life, and this made them struggle between the illusions and reality. In this play, the dreams, and expectations from life made them escape from reality and they all expected to have success, career and better lifestyle (Sinclair, 2011). Every character idealizes other character, which is better than them. Characters have influence from one another and no one can remain happy and content with whatever they have achieved in their life. The main element that affected their life is mainly the social and economic influence of others, which affected them. These expectations from the life were the main reason for the conflict. The desire of every character, differ from others, but even then these expectations and desires have very strong influence on one another. It is not just the dream of these characters, but also reflects the social dilemma of American Dream.

Thesis Statement

Each character in the play, Death of a Salesman, wants something from life, which differs from what the others have and their interests have conflicts.

Discussion

From the very beginning, when there is British colonization of America, most of the people considered the American life as a dream and a way towards success and prosperity (Sinclair, 2011). Thousands of people migrated to America, in hope for achieving their dreams. Arthur Miller criticizes this concept in his play through different perceptions of hopes and expectations for life of different characters. Every character has strong influence on one another and affects the life of other.

Willy Loman

The main character of this play, Willy Loman who was a salesman and he was happy and content with his life, but he had great dreams for his sons and family. He always desires success and was affected with the achievements of his Brother Ben. Ben achieved the success from the diamond mining and he became a fortunate businessman. After his working career for 34 years, he could not managed to have enough for his family and himself as compare to Ben who became a rich and successful man only after working for 4 years in mines (Miller, 2010). This had major influence on Willy and he wanted the same for himself and for the future of his son, Biff. Like every American Willy dreamt to have a successful life in the career that interests him. He liked working as a salesman, but after his old boss Willy was forced to work for his boss's son Howard, who did not appreciate his experiences. After Willy lost his job, he could not accept the reality and his mind completely shattered by its consequences. After putting all his life and ...