Abstract This paper looks at how Arthur Miller's play of 1949, "Death of a Salesman", offers a strong commentary on capitalism's expectation that all persons can and will participate strongly in a capitalist environment. Related ideas are those of capitalism best serving 'human nature' in an assumption that all human beings are decisive; strongly motivated by acquiring success or belongings, and that conforming to a capitalist system will bring rewards. It discusses how, however, as Miller's "Death of a Salesman" indicates, some personalities are not at all suited to this range of activities and also, how capitalism will always leave behind some persons who for whatever reason cannot compete ably, or cannot summon all of their resources for the very competitive approach that is required. The paper discusses the myth of capitalism, as seen in the play, and looks at how it relates to what is happening in Canada.
Outline:
Introduction
Capitalism as a System and Culture
Capitalism's Dream
More on Markets and Opportunities
From the Paper "In relation to Canadian capitalism, Phillips identified three ways in which the present system has not pleased or served Canadians in, first, the market's failure to provide a level of social services or other social infrastructure for the best or 'equal' welfare of the people, second, its production of social gaps so large that the cohesion of the society is threatened and may very well collapse in immense differences between the income levels and living experiences of the poor and the 'middle' classes, and third, no mechanism in the market system to guarantee or even just promote full employment and economic growth. (Political Economy 20) In short, Canadian capitalism has become rather like its American counterpart that so worships market forces while indiscriminately ostracizing or just leaving behind one sector and then another. "
Abstract This paper explores another argument against the death penalty: that capital punishment could not be fairly administered throughout the country. From state to state, variables such as race, class, and even gender continue to influence sentencing in capital cases. The inherent unfairness of this system is further seen in how states have different standards regarding what constitutes a capital offense. Given these differences, this paper proposes that a Constitutional amendment banning capital punishment is necessary on the grounds that the current administration of the death penalty is prone to conflicting interpretations by states, conflicting interpretations among jurors, and to the influence of extra-legal factors, such as gender, class, and race.
From the Paper "Currently, 38 states have legalized capital punishment statutes. In most states, the reinstatements of the death penalty were a response to public outcry over the perceived increase of violent crimes. There are now more than 3,000 people on death row. However, the death penalty continues to raise many disturbing questions. Study after study, however, has shown no correlation between the availability of a death penalty and crime. A study by the Death Penalty Information Center shows that United States, which retains the death penalty, has a murder rate that is more than three times that of many of its European allies that have banned capital punishment (DPIC homepage)."
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 The issue of the death penalty and capital crime has become one of the dominant issues debated in contemporary culture. This paper explains that the reason for this is, first, a moral questioning of the right to take a life, even when it is in retribution for extreme crimes like murder. The foundation of this contemporary attitude lies in the view that modern culture and society should be able to deal with extreme crime in a more humane and therapeutic way than is, at present, the case. It discusses how the issue of capital punishment also leads to hosts of pertinent issues and questions that often extend further than the confines of the topic and have a direct and indirect connection to social, cultural, and sociological issues. The writer points out that one of the most relevant issues debated today is the fallibility of the legal system. Many critics refer to statistics that prove numerous people have been executed as a result of legal or other errors. On the other hand, the reality of extreme crime is undeniable, and those who are in favor of the death penalty point out that there seems to be no other alternative, except social anarchy. These and other related areas form the basis of this study, which attempts to combine these disparate arguments into a coherent whole.
From the Paper "Other aspects that will be explored are the more practical alternatives to the death penalty, such as extended prison time for those convicted of capital crimes. The feasibility of this aspect will be explored in relation to the other aspect such as cost and infrastructure as well as the profile and findings of the effects of long-term incarceration. One suggestion, for example, is that those convicted of capital crime should serve a minimum of 25 years in prison before the possibility of consideration for parole."
Abstract This paper explores the stand that even though mistakes are made in a few cases involving death penalty convictions, capital punishment is still the most valid type of punishment the United Sates has to express the importance of human life.
From the Paper "One of the most powerful responsibilities of any society is the response to crime and punishment. The general public must deal with serious crimes such as rape, murder and treason and the legal consequences of those crimes. The death penalty is meant to be a punishment for some of the worst offenses that people can commit. The death penalty has its roots in ancient times, and even the Bible recommends it as a proper punishment for certain crimes. This fact allows modern day Christians to stand determinedly behind capital punishment. However, the death penalty system, as practiced today, does have flaws. Many of who oppose the death penalty exploits those flaws in order to prove the death penalty immoral. As for the people who stand behind the death penalty as the ultimate punishment for heinous crimes, they do recognize flaws yet still argue that abolishment of the death penalty would be a huge mistake. Accurate investigations, DNA testing and the mental health of the accused individuals also play key roles in the case, sentencing and appeal procedures. In list of these variables in death penalty case(s), sentencing and appeal processes should be reevaluated and possibly reformed to insure consistency and keep innocent people from being executed."
Abstract In this analysis of Arthur Miller's drama "Death of a Salesman" the writer provides an assessment of the dual roles of Willy Loman. It looks at how on the one hand Willy is a victimizer who hurts others and on the other hand he is an individual who has been a victim. It also argues that his loss of belief in his illusions causes him to commit suicide.
From the Paper " Arthur Miller's famous drama Death of a Salesman features protagonist Willy Loman, a washed up salesman whose delusions make him believe he is still highly skilled and in demand.Willy maintains a number of illusions that ..."
Tags:capitalism, American Dream, Loman, Miller, theft, lies, workplace, urban sprawl, promises, family
Abstract This paper examines the influences of capitalism on society. It does this by comparing and contrasting Henry Miller's "Death of a Salesman" and C. Wright Mills' "The Sociological Imagination" with two outside sources: Max Weber's "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism" and Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels' "The Communist Manifesto". Through these sources, the paper aims to identify the various positive and negative influences capitalism has had on individuals, families, relationships, politics and on society itself.
From the Paper "But Weber disagreed with Marx's claim that social alienation is only a transitional stage on the road to man's true emancipation from the chains of capitalism and did not accept Marx's rigid assertion that capitalism had led to the expropriation of the worker
from the mode of production. Weber believed that what Marx defined as expropriation was simply an inevitable consequence of any societal system of rationally coordinated production.
In contrast to Marx's position on this issue, Weber argued that people could not participate in socially significant action unless they joined large-scale organizations."
"He conceded that upon joining such organizations they would have to place their own personal desires and goals secondary to the impersonal goals and procedures of the organization. This could have personal consequences in the form of social alienation, but the advantages of membership in large organizations would enable them to contribute
to socially significant actions. (Weber 98)"
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 explores the relationship between race and capital punishment. Specifically the researcher explores the racial differences in attitudes toward capital punishment, focusing on juvenile opinions. The paper examines factors affecting views on capital punishment, arguments for and against, attitudes towards the death penalty and provides a review of the literature used in the paper.
Outline:
Introduction
Literature
What Predicts Death Penalty Support?
Arguments For and Against Death Penalty
Public Opinion and Attitudes
Death Penalty Attitudes of the Offender
Death Penalty Attitudes of Juveniles
Summary of the Literature
Discussion
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Attitudes among juveniles regarding capital punishment are just as heated and challenging as they are among adults. While few studies directly explore the relationship between the death penalty and juveniles, there are reports provided by some empirical researchers suggesting by and large, the juvenile population is just as divided as the American people are on the issue. As noted in the introduction, the Death Penalty Information Center (2006) suggests at least 50% of all adults support the death penalty. However, the same group when offered other alternatives including the alternative of life without parole are likely to change their minds and their opinions of the death penalty. In ancient times, most people unequivocally supported the death penalty, as there were few resources available to conduct elaborate or even minimal burials to individuals that had committed crimes (Bedau & Cassell, 2004)."
Abstract The writer of this paper focuses on the negative aspects of capital punishment. The writer contends and details why, after researching the available material on the issue, it's apparent that the death penalty does not deter future murders and is therefore ineffective as a punishment. This paper delves into the costs involved in the death penalty, as opposed to those of alternative punishments. This paper also examines the risk of putting innocent people to death, due to various errors that may occur in the course of a capital punishment trial. One of the main reasons that people advocate capital punishment is to deter future murders. The writer asserts that there is a good argument to be made for the fact that the presence of the death penalty actually increases the murder rate. This paper also discusses the issues of racial and socioeconomic discrimination which may play a vital role in capital punishment. This paper looks at a viable alternative to the death penalty, life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
From the Paper "In addition to being ineffective, the sad reality is that capital punishment is not applied in a fair manner. The Supreme Court has made it clear that capital punishment is only constitutional if it applied fairly and consistently. However, in the United States, capital punishment is applied in an extremely arbitrary and unfair manner. For example, minority defendants and the poor are more likely to be sentenced to death than non-minorities and the wealthy. In addition, even in states that impose the death penalty, there are geographic disparities between jurisdictions. These disparities rely on community standards, but they also reflect the tremendous power that prosecutors have. After all, while juries make the decision whether or not to impose the death penalty, it is prosecutors who determine whether or not to seek the death penalty."
