Death of a Salesman Flashcards
Willy’s haunting music
“Ben’s idyllic music” and “the gay music of the boys” contrasts with “small and fine” “flute” showing that he is out of touch with his family and his inability to move from the past. The “flute” refers to the “green” future of the countryside. This relates to the 1851 editorial in the Terre Haute Express, “Go west young man and grow up with the country.” in which Greeley later used the quote to promote the farmlands as ideal places for success. The “sensuous” music that accompanies Willy leaves us to infer it revolves around him. This shows that he does have desires for pastures green, a little bit of greatness.
Willy’s anger
“with hatred, threateningly” showing his irrational state of mind which highlights his stubborn hamartia and links to his inner doubts about himself.
Willy in the limelight
“The light on his chair grows very bright” gives a chiaroscuro effect for the audience to see. This effect was used by painters such as Leonardo da Vinci which can give the interpretation that Willy is stuck in time like a painting. The effect itself emphasises dramatic elements which are present in his de casibus.
Willy is primitive
“leaping away with fright” from the machine on Howard’s desk, giving primitive connotations. This emphasises his hamartia of not being able to change and shows his de casibus for the audience.
Willy isn’t listening
“you hear this” from Biff as he is trying to tell him his story. We can infer from the repetition of this lexis that Willy is not being responsive. It shows his out of touch de casibus.
Willy isn’t moving
“Willy stands still, dreaming.” is the nebentext Willy after he hinted at suicide. It portrays his hamartia in a physical form as Miller intends to shock the audience more. The lexis “dreaming” is a contrast which can evoke pathos.
Willy is defensive
“Spite,” and “fault” are repeated numerous times which signify Willy’s inner doubts. This can either invoke pathos or anger from his neglect.
Willy isn’t laughing
“I joke too much!” is a foreshadowing to the “women laughs” and it shows that it haunts him. The repetition of the laughter can be used to interpret as a portrayal of schizophrenic behaviour.
Willy’s monetary blind
“he has yet to be making thirty-five dollars a week!” contradicts his view of the “beautiful” “scenery” suggesting he is conflicted between these ideals.
Willy’s American dream
“Gotta break your neck to see a star in this yard.” contrasts “You can’t see nothing out here!” This shows that the fruitless efforts of chasing the American dream are recognised by no-one. This message is portrayed with the author’s intent.
Willy’s isolation
“They are at opposite ends of the stage” suggesting that Ben is of a different circumstance than Willy, which shows his de casibus in trusting his words.
Willy’s delusion
“To walk into the jungle!” shows his delusion in this scheme to get rich. It points out the flaw of both Willy and the American dream. It shows he is out of touch with reality which emphasises his schizophrenia.
Willy’s legacy
“Carrots” are what he decides to leave behind as a moment of pathos in admitting the failure of being a father as he rejects his sons. This can be alternatively interpreted as a moment of hamartia as he is desperately trying to get more control.
Willy’s regality
“Prince” when Biff is talking about how he admires Willy. The connotations of wealth and status are represented by Willy’s loyalty and heart for his boys. It also makes sense for it to be referring to what he could have achieved (unlike Ben, he was a family man).
Happy’s lust
“he’s the third executive I’ve done that to.” Happy is using sex as a way to feel superior. He treats women as trophies or achievements rather than people, linking to the context.
