Death of a Salesman

In Act 2 of "Death of a Salesman," Biff elates Willy by finally taking a decisive step towards his own future. He shares his plans to confront Bill Oliver about a loan for a business venture, which symbolizes his newfound determination and ambition. This moment gives Willy hope that Biff will succeed and achieve the success he always dreamed of, reinforcing Willy's illusions about the American Dream and his son's potential. Biff's actions momentarily boost Willy's spirits and belief in a brighter future.

In Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman," Willy Loman gives The Woman, a character he has an affair with while on a business trip, a pair of stockings. This act symbolizes his guilt and the emotional betrayal of his wife, Linda, as he uses the stockings to demonstrate his affection for The Woman while neglecting to provide for his own family. The gift also highlights Willy's desire for material success and his flawed understanding of love and loyalty.

In "Death of a Salesman," Willy and Linda Loman exhibit both strengths and weaknesses as parents. Willy's intense desire for success and approval often leads him to impose unrealistic expectations on his sons, particularly Biff, which creates tension and disappointment. However, Linda's unwavering support and nurturing nature provide a stabilizing force in the family, showcasing her commitment to her children. Together, their contrasting approaches highlight the complexities of parental love and the impact of their aspirations on their children's lives.

The initial title of Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman" was "The Inside of His Head." This title reflects the psychological and introspective nature of the protagonist, Willy Loman, as it delves into his thoughts and struggles. Ultimately, Miller changed the title to better capture the play's themes of disillusionment and the American Dream.

After his death, Dorie Miller was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his extraordinary bravery during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He became the first African American to receive this honor for his actions, which included manning a machine gun and fighting back against Japanese aircraft while under heavy fire. His courageous efforts not only saved lives but also marked a significant moment in the recognition of African Americans' contributions to the military. In 2020, he was further honored when the U.S. Navy named a ship, the USS Doris Miller, in his memory.

Arthur Miller may have been influenced in writing "Death of a Salesman" by the socio-economic challenges of post-World War II America, particularly the disillusionment with the American Dream. The struggles of the common man, as exemplified by the character Willy Loman, reflect Miller's observations of his own family's experiences and the broader societal pressures of success and materialism. Additionally, the impact of existential philosophy and the decline of traditional values likely shaped his exploration of identity and failure in the play.

Willy is interested when Biff mentions Bill Oliver because he sees Oliver as a symbol of potential success and opportunity. Biff's connection to Oliver, a former employer, represents a chance for Biff to secure a job that could restore the family's financial stability and validate Willy's dreams for his son. Willy's excitement reflects his deep-seated hopes for Biff to achieve greatness and fulfill the aspirations he has always had for him. This moment underscores Willy's desire for success and recognition, both for himself and for Biff.

"Death of a Salesman" is a tragic play by Arthur Miller that explores the life of Willy Loman, an aging salesman who grapples with his unfulfilled dreams and the harsh realities of his life, leading to profound disillusionment with the American Dream and his relationships with his family.

In "Death of a Salesman," textual evidence supports the claim that the American Dream is unattainable for many individuals through Willy Loman's persistent failures and disillusionment. For example, his constant struggle to achieve success and his fixation on superficial measures of worth highlight the emptiness of his aspirations. Additionally, the interactions with his family reveal the emotional toll of his delusions, underscoring the disparity between reality and the idealized vision of success. Ultimately, this evidence illustrates the tragic consequences of chasing an unrealistic dream.

In Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman," scapegoats include Willy Loman himself and his son Biff. Willy's unrealistic expectations and delusions about success lead him to blame external factors for his failures, while Biff, who struggles with his own identity and the weight of his father's dreams, becomes a target for Willy's frustrations. Their tragic flaws highlight the destructive nature of misplaced blame and the impact of societal pressures on individual aspirations.