Loss of Certainty in Definite Truth

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer looks at the characters in 'Death of a Salesman' by Arthur Miller and 'The Crying of Lot 49' by Thomas Pynchon. The writer discusses how the characters suffer the loss of the certainty in the definite truth of their lives. The writer notes that ultimately, the characters find a truth in their lives; however, it is not the same as the Truth that they each believed in initially. This paper examines the loss of certainty in definite truth in these works, through the context of the influence of the American Dream on their lives.

From the Paper:

"The characters in both Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" and Thomas Pynchon's 'The Crying of Lot 49' suffer the loss of the certainty in the definite truth of their lives. Willy has seen his certainty erode over a lifetime, only to be forced to face the truth that nothing is as it has seemed, or as he wanted it to be, as the play draw to a close. Oedipa, however, is thrust into a situation which turns her world uncertain, and which requires her to look for the truth. Ultimately, both of these characters find a truth in their lives; however, it is not the same as the Truth that they each believed in initially."

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