Willie and Charlie in "Death of a Salesman"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" came out in 1949 during a postwar period of exceptional prosperity and optimism in the American Dream, which is the idea that anybody willing to work hard can have it all, at an all time high. The author points out that Willie, who is already a "has been" when the story opens, believes that wheeling and dealing is the essence of the American Dream; whereas, Charlie, who has a different view of the world and isn't caught up in dreams like Willie's, sees earning a living more concretely. The paper relates that it is significant that Willie, who believes so completely and aims so high, fails while Charlie, who is more realistic, succeeds.

From the Paper:

"Willie's idea of success is based on money. Towards the end Willie says to Charlie, "Funny, y'know? After all the highways, and the trains, and the appointments, and the years, you end up worth more dead than alive." He's thinking of his $20,000 life insurance policy that would give Biff a new chance to make good. Charlie answers, "Willy, nobody's worth nothin' dead." Charlie values life more than money. Charlie's identity isn't all tied up in his son's accomplishments and doesn't require hitting the big time. Willie says to him (about Biff's career as a football player), "When this game is over, Charley, you'll be laughing out of the other side of your face. They'll be calling him another Red Grange. Twenty-five thousand a year." Charlie, unimpressed with money and fame, kids, "Who is Red Grange?" "

More papers on Willie and Charlie in "Death of a Salesman":

• Analytical Essay # 6794 : "Death of a Salesman"
• Book Review # 49734 : "Death of a Salesman"
• Analytical Essay # 67637 : "Death of a Salesman" and the Importance of Willy Loman"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: