death of a sales man Flashcards
What is the main theme in Death of a Salesman related to the American economy?
Critique of the American Dream and Capitalism; Willy is a victim of the system that values material success over personal authenticity.
Who is the playwright of Death of a Salesman and in what year was it written?
Arthur Miller, 1949.
What philosophical context influences Death of a Salesman?
Existentialism – understanding one’s existence on one’s own terms, critiquing success ideals tied to the American Dream.
How does the play represent Post-WW2 America (SOPOCO)
: It reflects a booming economy, patriarchal society, materialism, the hollow American Dream, and anxiety due to the Cold War.
How does Miller incorporate New Realism in the play?
: Through realistic characters combined with anti-realistic devices like memory play, fragmented set, and symbolic use of music and stage directions.
What is the significance of the title, Death of a Salesman?
It signifies Willy’s death, the death of his dreams, and his futile attempt to achieve financial success and leave a legacy for his sons.
What does the character Ben represent to Willy?
Ben symbolizes the success and opportunities Willy missed, influencing Willy’s decisions, including his ultimate sacrifice.
: What does the “American Dream” symbolize in Death of a Salesman?
A flawed ideal that values likeability and success; Willy’s blind faith in this dream leads to his psychological decline.
Describe the tragic flaw (hamartia) of Willy Loman.
Willy’s hubris; he has blind faith in a materialistic version of the American Dream and cannot see the dissonance between his ideals and reality.
How does Miller use symbols like “seeds” and the “rubber hose”
Seeds symbolize Willy’s desire to leave a legacy; the rubber hose reminds the audience of his suicide attempts.
In Death of a Salesman, what does Biff’s realization about himself signify?
Biff’s acceptance that he is “a dime a dozen” reflects his rejection of Willy’s delusions and his embrace of personal authenticity.
How does the theme of abandonment appear in Death of a Salesman?
Willy is abandoned by his father, brother Ben, Biff, Happy, his sanity, and ultimately, the American Dream itself.
What role do women play in the context of Death of a Salesman?
Women are marginalized, seen as either mothers or objects, often silent and submissive.
Describe the significance of the requiem at the end of the play.
The requiem (funeral) highlights Willy’s isolation and failure; no one comes, Biff rejects Willy’s ideals, and there is no insurance money.
How does Miller use sound and lighting symbolically?
: The flute symbolizes memory and lost opportunities; lighting changes mark shifts into Willy’s memories or daydreams.
