Character Analysis of Willy from the "Death of a Salesman"

A Character Analysis of Willy Arthur Miller’s play Death of a Salesman was published in 1949, and it is a story about a salesman named Willy Loman. The play ends tragically, reveals our lives, and it gives us a warning about the society that we live in. By reading this play, we can think about why we work so hard, and what will remain at the end of our existence. Even though this play was written in 1940s, the main character Willy Loman shows many examples of modern socialism in our lives. By the meaning of socialism are an economic system, a political movement, and a social theory. It gives an idea that everyone has an equal opportunity to benefit from a country’s wealth. The main character Willy tells about how sick he is of his work from the play. He could only be sick of his work because he worked at a same company and the same job for 34 years. But he left behind with all of his dreams, and he worked really hard for his family without giving up. Unfortunately, he became old and incompetent in society, his work, and his own children turned their back on him. When all hope seemed to be lost, his son Biff’s return to home seemed to make Willy’s life worthwhile. But that happiness did not last long, and the conflict between Willy and Biff led their family into downfall. By watching over his son Biff, Willy thinks that it is his own fault that made Biff wanders around without knowing what to do in his life. Willy thinks that if he kills himself, then the insurance money will give Biff happiness, so he sacrifices his life for money. After he dies, Linda cries out loud in front of Willy’s grave saying “I made thee last payment on the house today. Today, dear. And there’ll be nobody home. We’re free and clear. We’re free” (1072). This shows the futility in society. Willy worked really hard until he died in order to buy his own house. He was tied up with money, and could not find a constant happiness. Linda says they are now free because there is no more payment

Cited: Miller, Arthur. “Death of a Salesman.” Thinking and Writing About Literature 2nd ed. Ed. Michael Meyer. Boston: Bedford/St. Martins, 2001. 1007-70.