Abstract This paper talks about how things like the message, metaphor, setting, design specifics, performance space and a possible cast list for a mock performance of the play "Death of a Salesman."
From the Paper "When considering different types of theatrical productions, one of the most popular and common types is the tragedy. Normally a tragedy involves the misfortunes and death surrounding a central character who is a very important person in society. Arthur Miller takes a different look at tragedy in his production of Death of a Salesman. Miller believes that the central character does not have to be of nobility or of any great importance at all, but rather that even the death of a common man can be tragic. When considering how to do a production in general there are many things that must be taken into account before the piece can move from just a script on paper to living production. Such examples of the criteria for a live production are the message, metaphor, setting, performance space, design specifics, and cast list. First, however, a brief of the plot of the story is necessary."
Abstract This paper explains that "Death of a Salesman" is about the American culture of "keeping up with the Joneses". The paper describes and analyzes the main characters in the play and explains how their values and beliefs they ascribe to help illustrate this element of American society.
From the Paper "Willy's boss, Howard, tells him, as he fires him, that he should surrender his "false pride" and ask his sons to help support him. In fact, Happy is doing well and could help him financially, although Biff could not, but Willy will have none of it. All Willy has left is his false pride, distorted beliefs that once he was a great salesman and that once he was popular. Taking money from Happy would force him to face that he has not been financially successful. But Willy has other indications that placing value on superficial traits has not paid off. He sees Bernard, who is now grown and financially very successful."
Abstract This essay analyses Arthur Miller's play, "Death of a Salesman." Miller's play is a study of American culture in a critical context, where the ideal of the "American Dream," and the myth of individual achievement is contrasted with the failings of a family, the Lomans. Willy Loman represents both the ideological success of American mythology, and the failure of that mythology in sustaining a realistic view of life. The Lomans survive in illusions, and in this essay, the power of illusions are compared with the power of the American Dream as a myth and a false promise.
Abstract This paper examines how Arthur Miller's "Death of Salesman" is a view into the very heart of America. It shows that, while the subject matter pertains directly to a family on the brink of destruction, it also represents themes and ideas that travel far beyond the tiny cramped walls of the set and into the minds and hearts of every American working and struggling to this day. It discusses the idea that Americans are married to their jobs, and work for material possessions in a monotonous existence, using money to buy happiness; it attempts to compare their failures to the failures of Willy Loman in the play.
From the Paper "There are so many comparisons between death of a salesman and the real world. Miller's play simply is an example of one member of a failed life. The very waste of talent and ability, of mind and body, is exemplified to a white, crystalline pureness, almost if the horrible nature of it was somehow purified by some means in some sick and twisted paradox. Willie was no more than seventy years old, and from birth to the grave, he woke up every morning to fight for something that can not be defeated. His wife is so supportive of him that she refuses to allow him to give up, Hap is a fool who thinks he has a chance of beating the system, and perhaps the one that is best off is Biff, but he is a vagrant bum who has no skills or trade going for him."
A discussion on the failure of the American dream , as described in "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller and "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams.
1,385 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 0 sources, 2006, $ 46.95
Abstract This paper discusses the lives of the main families in the plays "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller and "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams. It describes the way in which the Loman family experienced tragedy because they hoped and depended too much on the belief that subsistence to the American dream would, inherently, be the catalyst that will propel them towards economic prosperity and success. It then contrasts this to the Wingfield family who experienced tragedy because they thrived in the culture of hopelessness, believing that the world in itself was too cruel and their life was an already tragic one.
From the Paper "The Wingfield family of "Glass," meanwhile, suffered not from the hopefulness, but from the sheer lack of it. The pervasiveness of hopelessness in the family affected the lives and attitudes of Amanda and Tom. Like the Loman sons Biff and Happy, Tom failed to realize that hard work was the best recourse to take in alleviating his family's hardships and sufferings, taking them out of the tragic lives they led. From Tom's end, in fact, he showed no conscious effort to redeem himself from the fact that will always be poor and underprivileged, in the midst of the affluent lives of other people in the society they lived in."
Abstract This paper presents an analysis of Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman". It discusses theme, characters, setting, symbolics and irony. The paper looks on the focus on dramatic conflict between Willy Loman and his son Biff. It also looks at the theme of worship of the wrong dream of success.
From the Paper "Arthur Miller's award-winning play Death of a Salesman is a tale of failure brought about by the worship of the wrong kind of success. The protagonist Willy Loman is the salesman of the title and his fatal flaw is his worship of the materialistic values of American society..."
Abstract This paper compares and analyzes two poems about death that were written almost three centuries apart. The reviewer believes that the poems "Death be not Proud" by John Donne and "On Death, without Exaggeration" by Wislawa Szymborska demonstrate the beliefs of two different generations on the topic of death. The reviewer further describes the former as condemning death's pride, and the latter as mocking death's frailty. "Death Be Not Proud" speaks of death as a subtle reality of life, whereas the modern-day poem "On Death, without Exaggeration" criticizes the imperfection of death.
From the Paper "Donne goes on to say that death is similar to natural rest or sleep. "From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be" (1453) implies that every time a man falls into sleep, he is performing an innocuous practice for the experience of death; however, death remains a part of life from which no one is exempt. Death, inevitable as it may be, is an assurance of Donne's believe that there is a supreme destination after death. It is a component of humanity and causes the poem to reflect a reverence toward and optimism about death."
Tags: John Donne Death Be Not Proud Wislawa Szymborska On Death, without Exaggeration
Abstract This paper examines death as addressed by two influential philosophers, Socrates and Epicurus. These philosophers take different approaches in viewing death and both have their own distinct reasons regarding it, however they reach the same conclusion, that death should not be feared. The paper discusses how Socrates addressees the uncertainty that follows death and how death may be even more pleasant than the life we once lived, while Epicurus addressees the non-existence of death, and illustrates how death does not affect us.
From the Paper "We shall begin our examination by looking at Socrates and the various arguments he makes. Socrates, a prolific philosopher in ancient Greece, was sentenced to execution and though given the chance to escape chose to stay and accept his punishment. According to Socrates, death is the will of the Gods and they alone know what lies after death. Mankind does not have the ability to acquire such knowledge, and therefore the afterlife is unknown to man. Socrates believes that individuals fear death because they fear the unknown, he therefore concludes that "fear of death is indeed the pretence of wisdom" (Plato, p. 3-4). Socrates gives two possible scenarios of what the afterlife may be like: "Either death is a state of nothingness and utter unconsciousness, or... there is a change and migration of the soul from this world to another" (Plato, p. 8). Socrates contends that there is no reason to fear an endless sleep, as it is a placid period which is pleasant to oneself."
Abstract This paper examines the international history of the death penalty and then takes a closer look at the use of the death penalty in the United States. The paper highlights the fact that in most countries, gender and age discrimination are not a factor with regards to the death penalty. The writer points out that there are juveniles on death row. The writer also looks at different religions and their opinion on the death penalty. The writer concludes that until the law changes, law enforcement and prosecutors should continue to advocate the death penalty in cases of murder and crimes involving children. The writer also believes that the death penalty is the only punishment that sends the message to criminals that murder and other acts of violence and crimes are absolutely unacceptable.
From the Paper "There are crimes considered by our society to be so atrocious and intolerable such as murder or rape of a child that if convicted, that the only punishment suitable for committing these crimes is the Death Penalty. The Death Penalty, also called Capital Punishment, is the execution of a convicted criminal by the state as reprisal for crimes known as capital crimes or offenses. This type of punishment is set aside for crimes like premeditated murder, espionage and treason. From the primitive people to the modern world as it is today, the death penalty remains the largest and most controversial part of the criminal justice system. Supporters of capital punishment argue that it deters crimes, while opponents of capital punishment argue that it violates human rights. As we explore this much debated topic, we will discover the past, present and future of death penalty."
Abstract In this paper, the writer makes use of the views of a doctor and of Socrates to demonstrate different views on death and dying. The writer examines the concept of a "good death" and death with dignity. The writer discusses how death with dignity currently refers more to medical science easing the pain of death, than to the Socratic idea.
From the Paper "A great deal has been written in recent years about the concept of a good death or death with dignity. Sherwin B. Nuland stated that an entire mythology has grown up around the process of dying. Like most mythologies, it is based on the inborn psychological need that all humankind shares. The mythologies of death are meant to combat fear on the one hand and its opposite wishes on the other. It will be argued in this report that death with dignity is now understood ... "
Abstract This paper examines the moral as well as legal issues regarding the sentencing of a minor to death for crimes. It argues how the sentencing of minor to the death penalty is wrong because it undermines the rehabilitation system that is currently in place throughout the United States. It stipulates how all citizens of the world, especially children deserve a chance to turn their lives around rather than have them cut short by a no turning back death sentence and how there are many reason why capital punishment for minors should be re-examined, from the costs of execution to the simple fact that a person does not develop fully until later in his or her teenage years. It looks at some of the underlying factors that cause juvenile crime and the debate of the effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent versus the cost of capital punishment. It evaluates other ways to deal with young offenders such as the different probation programs available.
From the Paper "It is hard to comprehend the effects of the death penalty on a country, especially on as large as the United States but the reality of the situation is alarming. The facts are that as of 1996 over fifty percent of the prisoners on death row have the educational equivalency of an eleventh grader. This means that fifty percent of inmates on death row have had little or no chance to progress in their home, community, city, state, and country. These death row inmates have no chance to change, learn, or make anything of their lives. They have been sent away to rot in a cell while they awaits their execution and while their minds lay dormant. There have been several cases where minors have been sentenced to death. The Supreme Court has wrestled with this dilemma for a while and found that there are no clear objections from any region of the United States to executing a person as young as sixteen."
Abstract This paper discusses the death of Alexander the Great. The paper puts forward the circumstance surrounding his death and the various versions of his death as recalled by various people and cultures.
Abstract Emily Dickinson's approach to the concept of death is haunting, for it provides us with a unique point of view. Her poetry is extremely personal and allows us to discern much from a psychoanalytic perspective. The paper shows that Dickinson's attempts to come to terms with her own death illustrate her courage and curiosity. Although she never "solves" the mystery of death, her observations are astute, and her attempts to grasp such a solemn subject demonstrate her seriousness as a thinker and a poet. The paper shows that Dickinson's obsession with death led her to write powerful poetry that not only attempts to solve life's greatest mysteries, but also gives us insight into her character. The paper uses several of Dickinson's poems as references.
From the Paper "In the poem, ?I Felt a Funeral in My Brain,? Dickinson also explores the possibility of an afterlife. The analogy is the obvious funeral in her brain and the funeral service itself. This is quite an unusual poem because it is written after her death has occurred and her body is placed in the coffin. This is an excellent example of Dickinson delving into the world of possibility. She is able to confront the anxiety she has toward death by imagining herself dead, yet conscious. This mood of this poem is macabre in that it represents a type of desperation that cannot be avoided. That consciousness is a possibility after death, is quite a unique approach that obviously helps Dickinson face her fears about death, though not so pleasantly. Indeed, Dickinson may bring herself face to face with the solitary nothingness of life after death, but the act in and of itself is no reward."
Tags: Because, I, Could, Not, Stop, for, Death, macabre
Abstract This paper presents an historical look at the enforcement of the death penalty in America and examines how the length of time a death row inmate may sit on death row varies from state to state. The paper also looks at the impact the length of time spent on death row may have on murder rates.
From the Paper "The first recorded execution in American was in 1608, the first woman executed was in 1632, and the first juvenile offender was in 1642 (Streib, 4). Capital punishment can best be described as punishment that fits the crime. These capitally punished crimes began to be limited to murder, violent crimes, treason, and various acts of sodomy by the late 18th century (Streib, 4). Different states reduced the crimes that the death penalty could be punishment for (Streib, 5). According to Streib, "In 1846, Michigan became the first state to abolish the death penalty for all crimes except treason. About a dozen other states joined Michigan in the early 20th century" (5). Fewer and fewer death penalties are being dealt to criminals and many blame rising crime rates on this fact."
Abstract This paper discusses whether there is a "better death" when someone is ailing and expected to pass away versus the experience mourners engage in when one passes away in a tragic accident such as those who passed in the 9/11 attacks on America. The author postulates that there is, truly, no "better" death just differing ways of accepting it. The paper examines the culture of death in society through discussions of what, if anything, constitutes the "better" death as related in religion and literature.
From the Paper "Death is a topic not often discussed and probably one of the most feared aspects of life, indeed, is the end of life. As Shakespeare wrote, "Of all the wonders that I yet have heard, It seems to me most strange that men should fear, Seeing that death, a necessary end, Will come when it will come" (Julius Caesar). Death constitutes an end and, at that, one which is mysterious in that no one is precisely certain what happens after death; is there a heaven and hell as the Judeo Christian system relates; is reincarnation a possibility - what happens? But, beyond this fear of the unknown, is the unmatched loss that death leaves in its wake. Throughout the course of this paper examines the culture of death in society through discussion of what, if anything, constitutes the "better" death."
