Death Of A Salesman

5 Pages 1133 Words

Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller shows the life of a salesman as he attempts to fulfill the ‘American Dream’. Willy, the salesman and father is the main character of the story. He has two sons, Biff and Happy, and a wife, Linda. This play has always been portrayed as the focus of the American Dream; however, I see this play as the hardships of parenting. Willy tries and tries to make a good amount of money so that his sons will be financially sound. There are many minor characters that have a big impact on the storyline and plot of the play. Just the same, each of these minor characters changes the way that Willy focuses his parenting technique. Willy does not recognize the impact that each of these characters has on the interaction and influence of his children, and only sees them as the dreams/obstacles of his goals.
Linda, Willy’s ever so faithful wife, tries to share in Willy’s ideals, and suffers great torment as she observes Willy’s decline knowing that she is unable to help. She is loyal and supportive even as she struggles to come to terms with the city, her husband, and her sons. Sadly, she fails to understand what happens to Willy, and fails to fathom what has occurred between him and Biff, but still manages to retain a belief in the need to treat human beings properly. Linda consistently comforts Willy into supporting Biff through his bad times, even though Willy gives up on him.
Biff, Willy’s eldest son was a successful athlete in High School. Biff lacks self- assurance because of the uncertainty about his father’s attitude towards him, and his doubts about his own life and future. He has not found his place in society, but also realizes that he does not fit into any of the openings that society has made for him. His character is a result of Willy’s lies…he is undisciplined and disillusioned. Biff sees the city as a concrete jungle, but refuses to conform to the city’s demands.
Happ...