Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman is a commentary upon society in relation to the painful conflicts of a working class family in New York, who throughout their life has struggled to make a decent living and fulfil the American dream. The play illustrates its critical commentary on American society through Willy’s obsession with the Dream, depiction of women and the disrespect towards the “elderly.”
The main theme in Death of a salesman is without a doubt the American dream. This dream has been the basis of Willy’s life, and he has a fundamental belief in it, that almost reach religious proportions. He has passed this trust in the American dream onto his two sons, which has a dramatic consequences for them both. Willy Loman's longing to achieve his ideal dream in turn, controlled his life and ruined his family. The character Willy portrays a large piece of society. This being illustrated through the protagonist stating “America is full of beautiful towns and fine, upstanding people.. The finest people.” The repetition of “finest” emphasizes the utter idolization of Willy’s depiction of Americans. Willy's characterization of the American people as kind to anyone who is personally attractive demonstrates his utter faith in his twisted version of the American Dream. The quote emphasizes the commentary of the critical portrayal of society of those who base their lives on acquiring money, this being Willy’s ideal. With society’s greed for success it has consumed a large number of people. It's evident in the way Willy acts that his want of money consumes him. This constantly happens in our society; people will do anything to become rich even if it means putting other down. Therefore we see the commentary upon of Americans values through the protagonist of the play.
In Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, women are depicted as secondary to men being shown through their variety of