Death of a Salesman
- Submitted by: lilie19
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- Category: English
- Date Submitted: 08/28/2010 01:43 PM
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Death of a Salesman
In “Death of a salesman,” we are put into the lives of a family and their struggles. Even though this play takes place in the fifties, it is very relatable to now. Here is a man who is working hard to support his family and is children don’t realize the importance of their father. I am focusing on the theme of family, and how the author portrayed it through issues of success, pride, and love.
Willy became a salesman because to him that was the life to have. Being a salesman, to him, seemed like a successful way to live your life. It also meant a means of supporting his family. He wants to be well liked, and in the beginning of his career, he was. ““I never have to wait in line to see a buyer. “Willy Loman is here!” That’s all they have to know, and I go right through”” (1920). Willy feels as though he is important to the company. “‘I’m the New England man. I’m vital in New England’” (1910). His brother became rich off of nothing. In a way Willy regrets not going with his brother. “‘If I’d gone with him to Alaska that time, everything would’ve been totally different’” (1926).
Now later in his life and career he is struggling. In his life, he has continual conflicts with his son Biff. In his career, he now works off commission alone and doesn’t make much. This conflict with his career and money is what leads to the decisions he makes to better his families life. Or so he thinks.
The author’s style of going back and forth between the past and present is how readers learn more about the conflict between Willy and Biff. In the beginning of the play we see that Willy go back and forth on his opinion about Biff. At first Willy puts his son down for not finding his place and not making much money. “‘Biff is a lazy bum... But it’s more than ten years now and he has yet to make thirty-five dollars a week’” (1911). After a while of Linda talking, Willy’s tone changes about Biff. “‘Certain men just don’t get started till later in life....
In “Death of a salesman,” we are put into the lives of a family and their struggles. Even though this play takes place in the fifties, it is very relatable to now. Here is a man who is working hard to support his family and is children don’t realize the importance of their father. I am focusing on the theme of family, and how the author portrayed it through issues of success, pride, and love.
Willy became a salesman because to him that was the life to have. Being a salesman, to him, seemed like a successful way to live your life. It also meant a means of supporting his family. He wants to be well liked, and in the beginning of his career, he was. ““I never have to wait in line to see a buyer. “Willy Loman is here!” That’s all they have to know, and I go right through”” (1920). Willy feels as though he is important to the company. “‘I’m the New England man. I’m vital in New England’” (1910). His brother became rich off of nothing. In a way Willy regrets not going with his brother. “‘If I’d gone with him to Alaska that time, everything would’ve been totally different’” (1926).
Now later in his life and career he is struggling. In his life, he has continual conflicts with his son Biff. In his career, he now works off commission alone and doesn’t make much. This conflict with his career and money is what leads to the decisions he makes to better his families life. Or so he thinks.
The author’s style of going back and forth between the past and present is how readers learn more about the conflict between Willy and Biff. In the beginning of the play we see that Willy go back and forth on his opinion about Biff. At first Willy puts his son down for not finding his place and not making much money. “‘Biff is a lazy bum... But it’s more than ten years now and he has yet to make thirty-five dollars a week’” (1911). After a while of Linda talking, Willy’s tone changes about Biff. “‘Certain men just don’t get started till later in life....