Literary Devices in Death of a Salesman ✍️

Introduction

Welcome to the timeless classic 📚, Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller! This masterpiece is not just a play; it’s an exploration of the American Dream through the eyes of Willy Loman, a struggling salesman whose inability to accept reality leads to his downfall. Arthur Miller, one of the greatest playwrights of the 20th century, penned this work in 1949, and it quickly became a critical and popular success, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play.

Contents

Set in the late 1940s, Death of a Salesman dives deep into the heart of American values, dreams, and disappointments. Miller’s work is a tragic yet insightful commentary on society, family dynamics, and the pursuit of success. The genre of this play blends tragedy with elements of social critique, making it a profound study of the human condition in the context of a rapidly changing American landscape.

Arthur Miller’s keen observations on society, combined with his elegant and accessible writing style, make Death of a Salesman a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of ambition, identity, and legacy. So, let’s get started on this journey through one of the most significant works of American literature 🎭✨!

Plot Summary

Death of a Salesman intricately weaves the story of Willy Loman, a 60-year-old salesman, as he faces the harsh realities of his failing career and strained relationships with his family. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the main events:

Exposition — The play opens in Brooklyn, where Willy Loman returns home exhausted from a business trip he has just cancelled. His loyal wife, Linda, comforts him while expressing concern over his well-being. Their two adult sons, Biff and Happy, are introduced, highlighting the family’s underlying tensions and unfulfilled dreams.

Rising Action — As the story unfolds, we learn more about Willy’s disillusionment with life. He reminisces about better times when he and his sons had brighter futures. Biff’s return home and his apparent lack of direction exacerbate Willy’s frustrations, leading to frequent arguments. Willy’s obsession with success and popularity, combined with his envy of his successful neighbor, Charley, and Charley’s son Bernard, heightens the tension.

Climax — The climax occurs during a confrontation between Biff and Willy, where Biff attempts to break through his father’s delusions by failing to secure a loan to start a business. This confrontation ends with Biff’s emotional breakdown and confession of love, which reveals the depth of his despair and disillusionment with the dreams his father has imposed on him.

Falling Action — After the confrontation, Willy, still holding onto his dream of success for Biff, decides to commit suicide in a car crash to provide Biff with the insurance money. He believes this final act will cement his legacy and enable Biff to achieve the success he never could.

Resolution — The play concludes with Willy’s funeral, attended only by his family and a few friends. Biff acknowledges that he does not share his father’s dreams, indicating a potential break from Willy’s delusional aspirations, while Happy decides to continue in his father’s footsteps. Linda laments her husband’s death, unable to understand why he took his life, ending the play with a heart-wrenching monologue about missed payments on the house they finally own but now stand in without Willy.

Through this tragic journey, Death of a Salesman explores themes of reality versus illusion, the pursuit of the American Dream, and the importance of personal identity over societal expectations.

Character Analysis

In Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller paints a compelling portrait of the Loman family, each member distinct in their dreams, struggles, and disappointments. Let’s delve into the main characters:

Willy Loman — Willy is a complex character driven by his illusions of the American Dream and his desire to be a “well-liked” salesman. Despite his tireless efforts, his career is crumbling, and he struggles with the reality of his failures. Willy’s inability to recognize his limitations and his persistent denial of reality lead to his tragic end. His character develops from a man in denial to one who makes the ultimate sacrifice, albeit based on misguided motives.
Linda Loman — Linda is the loyal, loving wife of Willy, often serving as his steadfast supporter amidst his failures. She is aware of Willy’s suicidal tendencies and tries to protect him, demonstrating her deep affection and concern. Linda’s character embodies patience and understanding, though she is somewhat naive to the detrimental impact of her support.
Biff Loman — Once a high school football star, Biff is Willy’s elder son who struggles to find his identity and purpose. His discovery of Willy’s affair during his youth shatters his idealized image of his father, leading to his disillusionment. Biff’s journey is one of self-realization, as he comes to terms with his own and his father’s failures, ultimately seeking a truth that diverges from Willy’s dreams.
Happy Loman — Happy, the younger son, is often overlooked in favor of Biff but shares his father’s obsession with success and women. Despite his outward confidence, Happy is internally lost and unsatisfied, seeking validation through material success and superficial relationships. His decision to follow in Willy’s footsteps signifies a tragic inability to learn from his father’s mistakes.

Character Analysis Summary

Character	Personality Traits	Motivations	Development
Willy Loman	Delusional, stubborn, insecure	To achieve success and be well-liked	Moves from denial to a tragic self-sacrifice
Linda Loman	Supportive, loyal, optimistic	To keep her family together and support Willy	Remains supportive but becomes aware of the tragedy
Biff Loman	Disillusioned, honest, searching	To find his own identity and truth	Realizes his and Willy’s true natures
Happy Loman	Superficial, ambitious, neglected	To achieve success and validation	Chooses to follow in Willy’s delusional footsteps

Through these characters, Miller explores themes of reality vs. illusion, the failure of the American Dream, and the complex dynamics of family relationships. Each character’s development throughout the play offers a deep dive into the human psyche and the societal pressures that shape our actions and beliefs.

Themes and Symbols

Death of a Salesman is rich with themes and symbols that contribute to its depth and the universality of its messages. Here’s an exploration of the major themes and symbols:

Themes

The American Dream — The play critically examines the American Dream, the idea that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination. Willy’s unwavering belief in this dream, despite his failures, highlights the destructive nature of this ideal when it becomes an obsession or is based on superficial values.
Reality vs. Illusion — A central theme is the conflict between reality and illusion. Willy’s refusal to accept the reality of his situation, preferring to live in a world of fantasies and lies, ultimately leads to his downfall. This theme questions the dangers of not facing reality and the consequences of living in denial.
Identity and Self-Worth — The play explores how identity and self-worth are often tied to one’s profession and societal success. Willy’s sense of identity is so intertwined with his career that his professional failures feel like personal ones, driving his existential crisis.
Family and Betrayal — The complex dynamics within the Loman family, including expectations, disappointments, and betrayals, are key to understanding the characters’ motivations and tragedies. Biff’s disillusionment after discovering his father’s affair is a pivotal moment that affects his relationship with Willy and his own self-image.

Symbols

Seeds — Willy’s obsession with planting seeds symbolizes his desire to leave a legacy and to nurture something that will grow and flourish after his death. This symbolizes his hope for success and validation, as well as his failure to realize that he has already planted the seeds of discord and disillusionment within his family.
The Rubber Hose — The rubber hose is a symbol of Willy’s suicidal tendencies and the looming specter of death. It represents the desperation and the lengths to which Willy is willing to go to escape his failures and provide for his family through life insurance money.
The American West — The American West symbolizes freedom and opportunity, contrasting with the constriction and failure Willy experiences. Biff’s attraction to the West represents his desire to escape the expectations and pressures of his father’s dreams and find his own path.
Ben, Willy’s Brother — Although a character, Ben also serves as a symbol of success and adventure. His stories of wealth and exploration represent the success Willy craves but can never achieve. Ben’s mantra, “When I was seventeen, I walked into the jungle, and when I was twenty-one, I walked out. And by God, I was rich,” epitomizes the American Dream that Willy so desperately pursues but misunderstands.

Through these themes and symbols, Arthur Miller crafts a poignant critique of American society and the human condition, exploring the depths of family dynamics, the pursuit of success, and the tragic consequences of chasing illusions over accepting reality.

Writing Style and Tone

Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman is renowned not just for its powerful themes and complex characters, but also for its distinctive writing style and tone. These elements are crucial in shaping the mood and atmosphere of the play, as well as in conveying its deeper meanings. Let’s delve into these aspects:

Realism — Miller’s writing is deeply rooted in the tradition of realism, which seeks to represent everyday life and experiences in an accurate, unembellished manner. This approach allows the audience to connect with the characters and their struggles, making the themes of the play more impactful.
Expressionism — While grounded in realism, the play also incorporates elements of expressionism, particularly in its depiction of Willy’s subjective experience of time and memory. Miller uses expressionist techniques to visualize Willy’s internal conflicts and his retreat into past memories, blending reality with illusion in a way that reflects Willy’s mental state.
Symbolism — The use of symbols, such as seeds, the rubber hose, and Ben’s flute, adds layers of meaning to the narrative. These symbols are woven seamlessly into the dialogue and stage directions, enriching the thematic depth of the play.
Dialogue — Miller’s dialogue is naturalistic, capturing the way people speak in everyday life, but it’s also charged with meaning. Through the conversations between characters, Miller reveals their personalities, desires, and conflicts, often using dialogue as a tool for foreshadowing and thematic development.
Tragic Tone — The tone of the play is predominantly tragic, reflecting the downfall of its protagonist. However, Miller skillfully interjects moments of hope, nostalgia, and humor, creating a complex emotional landscape that engages the audience’s empathy and reflection.
Moral Ambiguity — Miller avoids simplistic moral judgments, instead presenting his characters in all their complexity and contradiction. This ambiguity invites the audience to ponder the ethical and existential questions raised by the play, rather than providing easy answers.

These stylistic choices and the tone of Death of a Salesman work together to create a poignant exploration of the American Dream, the nature of success and failure, and the human need for recognition and connection. Miller’s play remains a masterpiece of American theater, thanks in no small part to its innovative writing style and the emotional resonance of its tone.

Literary Devices Used in Death of a Salesman

Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman employs a range of literary devices that contribute significantly to its narrative depth, character development, and thematic complexity. Here are the top 10 literary devices used in the play, each enhancing the story in unique ways:

Flashback — This device is crucial for revealing Willy Loman’s past and the source of his current despair. Through flashbacks, the audience learns about Willy’s hopes, his relationships with his family, and the events that have led to his present state. These flashbacks are seamlessly integrated into the action, blurring the lines between past and present, and mirroring Willy’s mental disintegration.
Foreshadowing — Miller skillfully uses foreshadowing to hint at the play’s tragic outcome. The repeated presence of the rubber hose, for example, subtly suggests Willy’s suicidal thoughts well before the play’s climax. This device heightens the sense of impending doom and deepens the dramatic tension.
Symbolism — Symbols like seeds, the rubber hose, and the American West enrich the narrative with layers of meaning. Seeds symbolize Willy’s futile attempts to leave a legacy, while the rubber hose represents his contemplation of suicide as a means to provide for his family. The American West, as mentioned earlier, stands for freedom and the opportunity to start anew, contrasting sharply with Willy’s entrapment in his delusions and failures.
Irony — There are several instances of irony in the play, particularly situational irony. Willy idolizes the American Dream and equates success with being well-liked, yet his own life contradicts this belief. Despite his efforts to be a successful salesman, he remains largely unnoticed and unappreciated, highlighting the gap between his perceptions and reality.
Motif — The motif of the American Dream runs throughout the play, representing both its allure and its destructive potential. This recurring theme is examined from various angles, questioning the validity and attainability of the dream for ordinary Americans.
Characterization — Miller’s complex characterization allows the audience to explore the psychological depths of each character. Through their interactions, dialogues, and internal conflicts, characters like Willy, Biff, and Linda become fully realized individuals, each struggling with their illusions and disappointments.
Allusion — The play contains allusions to mythological and historical figures, such as Dave Singleman, who represents Willy’s ideal of success. These allusions serve to contrast Willy’s mundane existence with the larger-than-life figures he admires and aspires to emulate.
Metaphor — Miller uses metaphors to deepen the audience’s understanding of the characters’ emotional states and the play’s themes. For example, Willy’s description of himself as being “boxed in” by the city buildings metaphorically represents his feelings of entrapment and suffocation in his life and career.
Pathos — The use of pathos, or the evocation of pity and sadness, is a powerful tool in Miller’s arsenal. The play’s exploration of Willy’s downfall and his family’s suffering engages the audience’s emotions, creating a deep sense of empathy for the characters.
Repetition — Repetition is used for emphasis and to highlight the play’s key themes and motifs. For instance, Willy’s repeated insistence on being well-liked and the value of personal attractiveness underscores his misunderstanding of what leads to true success and happiness.

These literary devices work in concert to create a richly textured narrative that invites deep reflection on the nature of success, the pursuit of the American Dream, and the human need for acknowledgment and purpose.

Literary Devices Examples

The use of literary devices in Death of a Salesman not only enhances the storytelling but also deepens the thematic resonance of the play. Below are examples and explanations for each of the top 10 literary devices used in the book, presented in a table format.

Flashback

Example	Explanation
The scenes where Willy reminisces about Biff’s high school football success.	These flashbacks reveal Willy’s fixation on past victories and his hope for Biff’s success, highlighting the gap between past aspirations and present realities.
Willy’s memory of his affair being discovered by Biff.	This moment is crucial for understanding the fracture in Biff and Willy’s relationship, illustrating the lasting impact of Willy’s mistakes.
Conversations with Ben, Willy’s deceased brother.	These interactions showcase Willy’s admiration for Ben’s success and his own longing for validation and accomplishment, underscoring Willy’s desperation and delusion.

Foreshadowing

Example	Explanation
The presence of the rubber hose.	It subtly hints at Willy’s contemplation of suicide, building suspense around his mental state and the play’s tragic trajectory.
Willy’s fixation on the car.	This fixation foreshadows his suicidal plan, using the car as a means to end his life and secure his family’s financial future.
Biff’s discovery of the rubber hose.	This moment heightens the anticipation of Willy’s possible suicide, revealing the family’s awareness of his desperation.

Symbolism

Example	Explanation
Seeds that Willy tries to plant.	Symbolize Willy’s desire to cultivate something lasting and valuable, reflecting his failure to do so in his career and with his sons.
The rubber hose.	Represents Willy’s suicidal thoughts and the tangible manifestation of his despair, serving as a dark reminder of his plan to provide for his family through death.
The American West.	Symbolizes freedom, opportunity, and the possibility of a fresh start, contrasting with Willy’s entrapment in his delusions and societal expectations.

These tables provide a glimpse into the intricate layering of literary devices Arthur Miller employs in Death of a Salesman, enriching the narrative and deepening the audience’s engagement with the play’s themes and characters. Each device contributes to the overall impact of the play, highlighting Miller’s masterful storytelling and profound understanding of the human condition.

Death of a Salesman – FAQs

What is the significance of the title Death of a Salesman?
The title signifies the literal and metaphorical death of Willy Loman, a salesman who spends his life chasing the American Dream without success. It represents the demise of his professional identity, his failure to achieve his own ideals of success, and ultimately, his physical death by suicide. The title also reflects the broader themes of disillusionment and the failure of the American Dream.

Who is the tragic hero in Death of a Salesman, and why?
Willy Loman is considered the tragic hero of the play. He embodies the characteristics of a tragic hero through his inherent flaws, his struggle against insurmountable odds, and his eventual downfall. Willy’s deep-seated belief in the American Dream and his need for validation lead him to a path of delusion and despair, making his life a tragedy.

What is the American Dream in the context of the play?
In Death of a Salesman, the American Dream is portrayed as the pursuit of material success and social status, believed to be achievable through hard work and charisma. However, the play critically examines this dream, showcasing its unattainability for the average American and its destructive effects on individuals and their families.

How does Arthur Miller use symbolism in the play?
Miller uses symbolism extensively to deepen the thematic content and underscore the psychological states of his characters. Symbols such as seeds, the rubber hose, and the American West serve to represent Willy’s futile attempts to leave a legacy, his contemplation of suicide, and the allure of freedom and new beginnings, respectively.

What is the role of illusion in Death of a Salesman?
Illusion plays a critical role in the play, primarily through Willy’s refusal to accept reality. His persistent delusions about his and his sons’ successes serve as a coping mechanism against his failures and insecurities. These illusions ultimately lead to his downfall, highlighting the dangers of self-deception and the importance of confronting the truth.

How does the play critique the American Dream?
Death of a Salesman critiques the American Dream by exposing its flaws and the toll it takes on individuals who chase after its empty promises. The play illustrates how the dream’s emphasis on material success and popularity can lead to alienation, loss of identity, and destruction, challenging the notion that the dream is attainable and worthwhile for everyone.

These FAQs address some of the most common questions about Death of a Salesman, providing insight into its themes, characters, and Arthur Miller’s critique of the American Dream.

Quiz

Question	A	B	C	D
What does Willy Loman sell?	Furniture	Insurance	He is never specified	Cars
*Who is Ben in Death of a Salesman?*	Willy’s neighbor	A successful businessman and Willy’s brother	Biff’s friend	Linda’s brother
What symbolizes Willy’s hope for future success?	His car	Seeds	The rubber hose	New York City
How does Willy ultimately die?	Natural causes	In a fight	Suicide by car accident	Falling off a ladder
What does Biff discover about Willy that changes his view of him?	Willy has been stealing from his company	Willy has a mistress	Willy has never actually been successful	Willy plans to leave Linda
What does the American West symbolize for Biff?	Failure and shame	Opportunity and freedom	Financial success	Willy’s unfulfilled dreams
Why does Willy admire his brother Ben?	For his wealth and independence	For his physical strength	For his loyalty to the family	For his skill as a salesman
What does the rubber hose represent?	The failure of the American dream	Willy’s deteriorating mental health	Willy’s potential suicide method	Biff’s athletic career

This quiz is designed to test comprehension and understanding of key elements in Death of a Salesman, including character relationships, symbols, and major plot points.

Exercise

Identify the Literary Devices in the Following Paragraph from Death of a Salesman and Provide Answers Below:

The sky over New York was furiously red with the setting sun, and the buildings loomed dark and ominous, casting long shadows that stretched across the city. Willy Loman stood at the edge, his dreams like the seeds he had futilely tried to plant, never quite taking root. The rubber hose, hidden yet palpable, whispered of desperate measures and faded hopes. In the distance, the faint sound of Ben’s laughter echoed, a reminder of unattained dreams and lost opportunities.

Answers:

Imagery – The description of the sky and the buildings creates a vivid picture of the setting, evoking a sense of foreboding and despair.
Symbolism – The seeds represent Willy’s dreams and aspirations, which have failed to materialize. The rubber hose symbolizes Willy’s contemplation of suicide as an escape from his failures.
Foreshadowing – The mention of the rubber hose hints at Willy’s future actions and the tragic end he contemplates.
Allusion – Ben’s laughter alludes to Willy’s brother, symbolizing success and the life Willy wishes he had led.
Personification – The buildings are described as “looming dark and ominous,” attributing human characteristics to inanimate objects to enhance the mood.

This exercise encourages students to analyze text closely, identifying and understanding the various literary devices that contribute to the richness and depth of Death of a Salesman.