Identity in Literature

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that both plays highlight the importance of "identity" and the consequences of not having one. The author points out that "Death of a Salesman" revolves around the disillusioned and delusional world of Willy Loman; whereas, "A Doll's House" focuses on the life of a nave housewife, Nora, who again has no identity of her own and lives in a world defined and dictated by her husband. The paper relates that, in both plays, the tension is built up for cataclysmic endings; only something appalling or close to a miracle could wake Willy and Nora to the reality of their situations.

From the Paper:

"Willy Loman, on the other hand, also suffers from identity crisis; and this stems from his inability to realize his dreams in the cruel capitalist world of America. Unlike some men who made it big in the land of opportunities, Willy remains a salesman all his life, and just the realization that he had failed was profound enough to turn his life upside down. From this point onwards, he builds his own illusionary world where everything goes according to his wishes, and his insanity negatively affects everyone in his family. His insane world is guided by wrong principles and beliefs."

More papers on Identity in Literature:

• Book Review # 75604 : "American Identity in Literature"
• Analytical Essay # 87184 : "Feminist Identity in Literature"
• Analytical Essay # 53238 : "Culture and Identity in Literature"

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