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Analysis of Characters in "Death of a Salesman", 2008.
A characters analysis of the Loman family in Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman".
1,720 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 0 sources, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses in depth the different characters of the Loman family in Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman". It points out that Willy Loman is the central character around whom the play revolves, while the other characters have little or no influence over Willy's actions or the consequences that follow. They are viewed with respect to their relationship to Willy Loman. The paper focuses mainly on the characters and interpretation of their actions and dialogues in the play and attempts to explore the psyches of different individuals.
Outline:
Willy Loman
Linda Loman
Biff Loman
Happy Loman
From the Paper
"Both her sons Biff and Happy are aware of the sacrifices their mother makes. Happy, a womanizer resolves to get married only if he can find a woman who possesses his mother's attributes. Willy is too caught up with his desires to actually value Linda for the gem of a woman that she is. However, he does come to terms with the fact that she is an exceptional woman suddenly in flashes. Willy's mind tends to wander and when some particularly strong memory of Linda comes up, he breaks off in the middle of a conversation to tell Linda how much she means to him. These instances are rare and it fails to give Linda any particular pleasure. Linda's happiness lies in Willy's contentment."
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"Death of a Salesman" - Death of a Dream, 2002.
An analysis of Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman".
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 5 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a discussion about the play Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller. The author of this paper takes the reader through a discussion about the play, the characters, the messages and the meanings. In addition the author discusses the use of structure sound and sense in the play.
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"Death of a Salesman", 2002.
An analysis of the themes of illusion and reality through the character of Willy in "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 3 sources, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper will examine the idea of illusion and reality in the play "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller. By showing how the main character Willy behaves in the play, we can see a man that distorts reality by his lies and self-deception.
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"Death of a Salesman", 2003.
An analysis of the character Willy Loman in Arthur Miller?s play, ?Death of Salesman?, and the message Miller is trying to transfer about American society.
2,210 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 68.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how, in ?Death of a Salesman?, Miller focuses on failure in a society that is obsessed with success. Willy Loman, an unsuccessful salesman, is the main character who falls prey to the propaganda of a society that shuns unsuccessful people. It shows how, through the use of his characters, themes, and symbols, Miller shows his audience how a man who believes in the ?American Dream? as it has been marketed to him can ultimately be destroyed by it.
From the Paper
"Willy?s obsession with the American dream is symbolic of the unattainable, as well as of the flaws of the dream. Willy lives his entire life in pursuit of the American dream yet never attains it. The American dream represented opportunity and freedom for all, in Willy?s eyes, and he believed that all he needed to do was work hard and become popular. According to Willy, "the man who makes an appearance in the business world, the man who creates a personal interest, is the man who gets ahead. Be liked and you will never want (p. 21)." However, hard work left him with nothing. The Samerican dream did little more than make Willy harshly judge himself and those around him by their material accumulation, as is demanded by capitalism and the American dream."
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"Death of a Salesman", 2001.
The following paper critically examines Arthur Miller?s "Death of a Salesman" which, according to the author, is fundamentally inner-directed rather than outer-directed.
1,420 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
The following paper examines the fundamental distinction made between the two forms of American drama to emerge from the United States during the post-war period. These two trends are said to be represented by the authors Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller. This paper focuses on Arthur Miller, who takes a more Ibsen-like approach to drama. "Death of A Salesman" is made reference to throughout.
Table of Contents
Common Critical Opinions About Arthur Miller?s Death of a Salesman
This Paper?s Thesis about Death of a Salesman
What is a Tragic Character?
Why Willy Loman is a Tragic Character.
Why Willy Loman is similar to other Tragic Heroes.
What is the Play?s Thesis about American Society?
Why Willy Loman is not Just an American Everyman.
Arthur Miller?s own view of Willy Loman.
Willy Loman outside of an American Context
The Play-text?s View of Willy Loman
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Tragedy is defined as a form of drama that depicts the suffering of a heroic individual who is often overcome by the very obstacles he is struggling to remove. The protagonist may be brought low by a character flaw or, a the philosopher Hegel stated, caught in a "collision of equally justified ethical aims.? (Encyclopedia.com) Miller himself commented that ?Willy Loman has broken a law without whose protection life is insupportable if not incomprehensible to him and to many other; it is the law which says that a failure in society and in business has no right to live.? (Drama for Students 71) At first Loman cannot accept his son Biff?s life because Biff works on a ranch for a living, ?like a boy.? (31) But Biff shows him that the ideals of success Willy holds are simply untenable for Biff, at least now that the son has attained the age of thirty-four."
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Arthur Miller?s "Death of a Salesman".
This paper discusses the character Willy Loman from Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" as an Aristotelian tragic hero.
1,490 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Willy Loman from Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" is a salesman whose flawed thinking makes him associate success with a powerful personality instead of hard work, arousing pity and fear in the readers similar to Aristotle's tragic hero. The author points out that a prerequisite for being categorized a tragic hero includes a fall from grace; Willy Loman, a sensible, normal, loving father, who turned into a delusional character who couldn't separate reality from illusions, fits into this category. The paper relates that Willy commits suicide and becomes truly a tragic hero.
From the Paper
"The difference between Aristotle's bad man and a tragic hero is that while the former tries to harm people through his wrong action and is fully aware of his sins, the latter is completely ignorant of his actions being unproductive or them having a bad impact of his life. Secondly a tragic hero doesn't intend to harm anyone through his actions which the intentions of a wicked man are just the opposite. In short while the wicked man's actions are directed against another person, a tragic hero's actions are aimed at himself and eventually result in self-destruction."
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"Death of a Salesman", 2002.
An analysis of the character, Willy, in Arther Miller's play, "Death of a Salesman".
1,600 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 0 sources, $ 52.95
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Abstract
A paper which presents a discussion about what the character Willy, in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman", is looking for in life. The writer of this paper answers the question, "What does Willy want?" The other characters in the play and their ideas of what makes them happy, are also examined.
From the Paper
"There are several others in the play who present varied ideas of what happiness is about. It is interesting to note where they are in life and correlate that with their happiness ideas. Ben, the ghost figure of Willys brother, has discovered that happiness comes from within and has nothing to do with the outside world. It is ironic that he is the only one in the play who seems to understand this and he tries in several ways to tell his brother and save Willy years of heartache."
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"Death of a Salesman", 2005.
This paper compares the contrasting views of the American Dream of two characters, Willie and Charlie, in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman".
1,375 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
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?" "
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Tragedy, Aristotle and "Death of a Salesman", 2007.
An analysis of how Aristotle defines tragedy and how it is portrayed by Arthur Miller in his play "Death of a Salesman".
4,224 words (approx. 16.9 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 112.95
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Abstract
Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" has several strong literary and socially disturbing dimensions, but the one that stands most is its tragic dimension. This paper contends that "Death of a Salesman" is in fact tragic, and that within that tragic dimension there are several themes that are apparent and important: financial failure, emotional inadequacy, false pride, sports promise and sports failure, sexual confusion and impropriety, career stumbling, a dysfunctional family, death and madness. Tragedy to varying and diverse degrees is presented as a dynamic that is witnessed in Willy's family, in Willy's failed careers, and of course in his failed relationship with his son and in his marriage. Additionally there are tragic circumstances within the popular American contemporary vernacular of sports. The paper also examines Aristotle's stance on tragedy and how it compares to that of Arthur Miller.
Outline:
Introduction
What Is Tragedy? Miller's Philosophy on Tragedy and His Perspective on the Play
What Is Aristotle's Philosophy Regarding Tragedy?
The Death of a Salesman: The Literature and the Scholarship
Other Tragic Features of the Play
From the Paper
"After going to lengths to point out that Miller sees the central tragic figure in the play as Willy, Hagopian insists that it's Biff Loman, Willy's son, is the one who "ultimately makes things happen, who responds to the great trauma in his life with an emotional and moral paralysis..." That point could be rebutted effectively, but meantime a more pertinent point that Hagopian makes is that, after Biff finds his dad in a hotel room with another woman; "You fake!" he barks. "You phony little fake! You fake!" And now dad has been fired from his job, and Willy fears his son will expose his immoral deeds to mom. But Biff does not, he just wants to rage at his dad, and say "goodbye to you Pop...let's just wrap it up, heh?" The scene that Willy provokes has definite tragic consequences, Hagopian admits on page 40. "
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Fifty Years of "Death of a Salesman", 2006.
A summary and analysis of Arthur Miller's famous play, "Death of a Salesman".
1,341 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the plot and characters in "Death of a Salesman" and explains how the message of the play can be applied to the times we live in now. The paper also makes comparisons between real characters in the life of the author and the fictional characters in the play.
From the Paper
"Arthur Miller is considered by many to be the greatest living playwright. 1999 marks the fiftieth anniversary of Miller's Pulitzer Prize winning play, Death of a Salesman, perhaps his greatest work. The story of Willy Loman, who could no longer sell whatever was in those suitcases he carried on stage, became the symbol of Americana, false pride and self-deception. Broadway is honoring the anniversary with a return of Death of a Salesman. The play, and the book which has sold eleven million copies, do not differ very much. In fact, the play follows the book word for word. The differences are in the way the play is presented, but there are more similarities than differences. Early in Miller's and Biff's lives, family crisis set an irreversible force which determined the positive and negative consequences in their future. The play takes place in the post depression era, both Miller and Biff grew up in the depression and were effected by the harshness of the times."
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"Death of a Salesman" and Canadian Capitalism, 2008.
An analysis of Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" in relation to studies of Canadian capitalism.
1,705 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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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. "
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?Death of a Salesman?, 2004.
An analysis of the theme of gender criticism in the play, ?Death of a Salesman?, by Arthur Miller.
1,190 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how, although Arthur Millers's "Death of a Salesman" is mainly about a salesman named Willy Loman, the almost hidden presence of the women in the play is all too often unnoticed. It looks at how Linda Loman seems to be the glue that holds the Loman clan together, as Willy, Biff, and Happy are all deluded in one way or another. It analyzes how Miller depicts Willy's wife in a very specific way and how he depicts the other women in the story in ways that complement Linda's distinct nature. Although Linda's role as a woman in society is extremely limited, she is a heroic character, being both wife and mother to some very sad and twisted characters.
From the Paper
"Linda then, is a character that we learn directly very little about. It is only through her interactions with her family that her nature is revealed, and this sense of mystery adds to the dramatic tension. The audience cannot fathom why she stays with Willy and her dysfunctional family. Is she accepting her subordinate position as part of the nuclear family in order to hold it together? Or is she limited by her own personal inadequacies that prevent her from standing independently? Miller's creation of a character shrouded in ambiguity allows extensive scope for dramatic tension. This indistinct character of Linda has an effect on her relationship with Willy."
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?Death of a Salesman?, 2002.
A discussion of psychological realism in Arthur Miller's play ?Death of a Salesman?.
886 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 0 sources, $ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews Arthur Miller's play ?Death of a Salesman? and looks at how psychological realism delves into the mental states of the characters and seeks the underlying causes for their actions. It examines how the set and the way the action moves from place to place in the play is not realistic but expressionistic and how a psychological picture is created for each character since the way characters interact is real and rooted in mental states. It looks at how Willy wants respect and in spite of Willy's failures, Arthur Miller believes that Willy and his generation deserve respect for their strengths and forgiveness for their weaknesses. It analyzes how this is brought out through a contrast between the older and the younger generation to show how the younger generation focuses on the faults of the older while failing to see its own faults.
From the Paper
"Miller speaks here for the average man who tries his best to make a living and raise a family. All Willy wants is recognition, from his family, his boss, the world. He has been chasing the American dream without success, and he has been blinded to the real value in his life by that dream. His tragedy is that he creates his own hell by the way he has conducted his life, treated his family, and done his job, all in a quest for a certain definition of success while ignoring the real values around him. In the structure of the play, the viewer has to pay attention to Willy and his life because Willy is in every sense the center of the play."
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"Death of a Salesman" and "Lost Boy", 2004.
A comparison of Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" and Thomas Wolfe's "The Lost Boy".
2,157 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
In Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" and Thomas Wolfe's "The Lost Boy", the central characters of Willy Loman and Grover Gant share many similarities, such as a great determination to succeed and a focus on the past events of their lives. This paper discusses how both characters are apparently obsessed with dreams; with Willy Loman, the dream is obtaining what has come to be called the "American Dream," being a phenomenal success in his chosen profession as a salesma; with Grover Gant, the dream involves his proud and prescient mother, who always insisted that Grover was the brightest and best of her offspring. It shows how both characters realize much too late that their dreams are not based in reality, which inevitably leads to disillusionment and personal disaster, not to mention that Loman and Gant are "lost" in a world they cannot understand.
From the Paper
"Miller's American masterpiece Death of a Salesman, first presented on the stage in New York City in 1949, represents a successful attempt to blend the themes of social and personal tragedy within the same dramatic framework. Yet the story of Willy Loman is also one of false values sustained by almost every publicity agency in the national life of the U.S. Willy Loman accepts at face value the over-publicized ideals of material success and blatant optimism, and therein lies his own personal tragedy. His downfall and final
defeat illustrate not only the failure of a man but also the failure of a way of life, being a door-to-door salesman. Miller's ability to project this story of his tragic, lower middle-class hero into the common experience of so many Americans, who sustain themselves and their families with illusions and ignore realities, makes Death of a Salesman one of the most significant in American theater within the last fifty years."
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"Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller, 2002.
This paper looks at illusion and the American dream in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman".
1,445 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
An examination of the themes of illusion and the American Dream in "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller. The play repeatedly shows the main character Willy Loman deluding himself into believing he is successfully pursuing his view of the American Dream ? financial success through business. Miller does this in two ways in particular. First, he constantly has the characters rewriting events so that when they are retold they reflect how they wish their lives really were instead of the reality of what happened. Second, as Willy Loman loses his grip on reality, he relives events from his past. By the end of the play, so many of Willy Loman?s illusions about himself have been shattered, but his illusions about his son Biff are stronger, and he imagines that his suicide will guarantee his son?s business success.
From the Paper
"Willy has also constructed illusions around his sons, especially Biff, who truly was well liked in high school. Willy puts more emphasis on Biff?s athletic talents and personal charm than is realistic, and encourages Biff to do the same. Chasing athletic fame for his son, Willy isn?t concerned when Biff steals a football from the team he plays for, and encourages him to steal sand to aid in a home renovation project. Biff?s friend Bernard reminds Biff that he needs to study for exams or risk not graduating, and both Biff and his father make fun of him for this. He encourages his sons to do dishonest thing, suggesting that Willy?s views about how to get ahead include setting personal values aside."
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