Death Of A Salesman Argumentative Essay
The play Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller argues that common men during the nineteen forties faced pressure from society. His argument is supported with detailed evidence that explains reasons for Willy’s actions. The play has many points that Miller tries to get across: dreams, hope, pride, reputation, respect, success, family, and the vision of America. The main points I feel that are shown throughout the play are: reputation, family, and the “American dream.” As Willy Loman, the protagonist, curls up in the corner of a restaurant crying like a baby he screams, “I’m not a dime a dozen!” (111) as he recollects a time that changed his life forever. As this occurs, Willy’s son, Biff, finally accepts his father and himself as he yells, “Help
him! Help him! Help me! Help me!” (115) The play shows the relationships of father and son, not just the Loman family, but from Willy’s neighbors and co-workers. Willy cares mainly about his reputation as a salesman, he believes he is one of the best. Willy and his two sons want the “American Dream,” but as Biff’s mother would say Biff and Happy are “philandering bums.” (32) Biff and Willy fight constantly. Willy begins to have recollections of the past. Miller tries to get across to his readers that the “American dream,” is not for everyone. Willy begins to change and he sees his wrong doings which only bring him closer to his closing sale. The strengths of Death of a Salesman is the writing style of Arthur Miller and the tragedy that unfolds throughout the play. The character development of Biff and Willy is very noticeable and captures the essence of fatherly love. I did not find any weaknesses of the play because I felt that Arthur Miller clarified everything fully. The writing was very conversational which made me understand it better. In conclusion this play is one of Arthur Miller’s most famous tragedies. This play is the building block for all of Arthur Miller’s tragedies that came after such as the Crucible and All My Sons. Willy just wanted his reputation and family to be successful. The “American dream” is just that, it is the children being better off than the parents. Yet Miller shows that this dream may not be for everyone.
him! Help him! Help me! Help me!” (115) The play shows the relationships of father and son, not just the Loman family, but from Willy’s neighbors and co-workers. Willy cares mainly about his reputation as a salesman, he believes he is one of the best. Willy and his two sons want the “American Dream,” but as Biff’s mother would say Biff and Happy are “philandering bums.” (32) Biff and Willy fight constantly. Willy begins to have recollections of the past. Miller tries to get across to his readers that the “American dream,” is not for everyone. Willy begins to change and he sees his wrong doings which only bring him closer to his closing sale. The strengths of Death of a Salesman is the writing style of Arthur Miller and the tragedy that unfolds throughout the play. The character development of Biff and Willy is very noticeable and captures the essence of fatherly love. I did not find any weaknesses of the play because I felt that Arthur Miller clarified everything fully. The writing was very conversational which made me understand it better. In conclusion this play is one of Arthur Miller’s most famous tragedies. This play is the building block for all of Arthur Miller’s tragedies that came after such as the Crucible and All My Sons. Willy just wanted his reputation and family to be successful. The “American dream” is just that, it is the children being better off than the parents. Yet Miller shows that this dream may not be for everyone.