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Death of a Salesman

by Arthur Miller

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Death of a Salesman

When Willy says "You can't eat the orange, and throw the peel away—a man is not a piece of fruit" to Howard in Death of a Salesman, he means that Howard has treated Willy like an orange, consuming...

7 educator answers

Death of a Salesman

The role of "The Woman" in "Death of a Salesman" is to represent Willy Loman's infidelity and the resulting guilt that haunts him. Her significance lies in highlighting Willy's moral failings and the...

4 educator answers

Death of a Salesman

The Loman family in Death of a Salesman is fraught with tension and conflict. Willy's unrealistic dreams and constant pressure create friction with his sons, Biff and Happy, leading to feelings of...

11 educator answers

Death of a Salesman

The quote "The world is an oyster, but you don't crack it open on a mattress!" from Death of a Salesman reflects Willy Loman's belief that success requires hard work and striving beyond one's comfort...

1 educator answer

Death of a Salesman

In "Death of a Salesman", when Willy says "the woods are burning", he is expressing his desperation and feeling of impending doom as his world crumbles around him. He feels trapped by his failures...

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Death of a Salesman

In Death of a Salesman, the importance of "being liked" is a central theme that drives Willy Loman's actions and beliefs. Willy equates personal success with being well-liked, believing it ensures...

7 educator answers

Death of a Salesman

An important quote that represents Willy and Biff's relationship is the following: BIFF: You fake! You phony little fake! You fake! (Overcome, he turns quickly and weeping fully goes out with his...

2 educator answers

Death of a Salesman

The irony in Linda wondering why no one attended Willy's funeral in Death of a Salesman lies in her denial of Willy's true nature. Despite recognizing the reality of Willy's suicide, she refuses to...

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Death of a Salesman

Willy Loman and Charley have a complex relationship marked by rivalry and mutual respect, with Charley often helping Willy financially. Biff and Bernard's relationship evolves from childhood...

11 educator answers

Death of a Salesman

Dave Singleman significantly impacts Willy Loman by embodying Willy's ideal of a successful salesman. Singleman's ability to make sales effortlessly, even in his old age, and his well-attended...

6 educator answers

Death of a Salesman

In Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, Willy and Linda's relationship is characterized by deep emotional dependence and mutual support. Linda is nurturing and supportive, often acting as Willy's...

2 educator answers

Death of a Salesman

In Death of a Salesman, when Happy tells his father that he is losing weight, he is bringing up the American myth that a person's outward appearance indicates their level of success and social status.

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Death of a Salesman

In Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, Linda's phrase "Life is a casting off" metaphorically describes life as a series of events that are concluded and left behind, similar to finishing a row in...

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Death of a Salesman

Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman explores social realism by portraying the struggles of the average American family against societal expectations and economic pressures. The tragedy unfolds...

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Death of a Salesman

In Death of a Salesman, the specific products Willy Loman sells are never revealed. This deliberate omission by Arthur Miller suggests that Willy's work is unimportant and his life is consumed by...

3 educator answers

Death of a Salesman

Charley's statement to Willy about J. P. Morgan in Death of a Salesman signifies the difference between how they perceive reality and value. Charley believes that external wealth and status, like...

1 educator answer

Death of a Salesman

The quote from Biff Loman in Death of a Salesman signifies his acceptance of his own limitations and his plea for his father, Willy, to recognize and accept him as he is. Biff's admission highlights...

1 educator answer

Death of a Salesman

In "Death of a Salesman," flashbacks are crucial as they emphasize Willy Loman's nostalgic and distorted perception of the past, contrasting with his harsh present reality. They reveal Willy's flawed...

3 educator answers

Death of a Salesman

Ben's statement, "Never fight fair with a stranger," is problematic because it contradicts Willy's belief that success comes from being likable. This advice also highlights the ruthless nature of the...

2 educator answers

Death of a Salesman

The quote from Death of a Salesman is significant because it reflects Willy's delusion of achieving quick wealth. Ben's imaginary statement fuels Willy's belief that he can still become rich despite...

1 educator answer

Death of a Salesman

Arthur Miller employs both structural and expressionistic techniques in "Death of a Salesman" by using a non-linear narrative and blending reality with Willy Loman's memories and hallucinations....

3 educator answers

Death of a Salesman

At the end of Death of a Salesman, Linda says "we're free" because she has just made the final payment on the Loman house.

1 educator answer

Death of a Salesman

Linda returns the rubber hose because she does not want to confront Willy and insult his pride, as acknowledging his suicidal intentions would embarrass him. She hopes that by not confronting him,...

4 educator answers

Death of a Salesman

Male–female relationships in Death of a Salesman are largely unequal and dishonest, particularly the marriage between Willy and Linda Loman.

1 educator answer

Death of a Salesman

In Death of a Salesman, Willy's hallucinations reveal his motivations by illustrating his struggle between reality and illusion. These scenes, especially those featuring his brother Ben, symbolize...

2 educator answers

Death of a Salesman

Biff steals Bill Oliver's pen as a reaction to his frustrations and failures. Initially, it may have been an attempt to prove he was in Oliver's office, but ultimately it symbolizes his realization...

1 educator answer

Death of a Salesman

In Death of a Salesman, key symbols include seeds, which represent Willy's hope for legacy and growth, and the rubber hose, symbolizing his suicidal tendencies. The stockings signify Willy's...

6 educator answers

Death of a Salesman

Significant monologues and dialogues in Death of a Salesman include Willy Loman's reflections on his failures and dreams, Biff's confrontation with Willy about their family's illusions, and Linda's...

2 educator answers

Death of a Salesman

The quotation "he's only a little boat looking for a harbor" in Death of a Salesman refers to Willy Loman's desperate search for stability and acceptance. Linda uses this metaphor to illustrate...

1 educator answer

Death of a Salesman

In Death of a Salesman, gender roles are portrayed through traditional expectations: men are seen as breadwinners, and women as caretakers. Willy Loman embodies the pressure to succeed...

3 educator answers

Death of a Salesman

Examples of irony in Death of a Salesman include Willy Loman's failure despite constantly advising his sons on how to succeed, even though he doesn't know the secret to success himself. Another...

6 educator answers

Death of a Salesman

Biff meets his father and brother in the restaurant after his humiliating encounter with Bill Oliver. Their dinner dissolves into disaster because of Willy's growing mental and emotional...

1 educator answer

Death of a Salesman

Biff's thefts in "Death of a Salesman" signify his rebellion against his father's materialistic values and his struggle with identity and self-worth. These acts of theft highlight his internal...

2 educator answers

Death of a Salesman

Three differences between the print and film versions of Death of a Salesman are: the film includes visual hallucinations and flashbacks, such as Uncle Ben acting out scenes; the film uses fully...

3 educator answers

Death of a Salesman

This is an excellent question. Act One of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman begins with Willy Loman returning from one of this many business trips as a salesman. The difference with this...

1 educator answer

Death of a Salesman

Theft in Death of a Salesman symbolizes the characters' moral decay and desperation. Willy Loman steals to provide for his family, while Biff's thefts reflect his rebellion and search for identity....

2 educator answers

Death of a Salesman

Howard treats Willy dismissively and unsympathetically in Death of a Salesman. Despite Willy's long tenure and dedicated service, Howard shows little respect or understanding for Willy's struggles,...

4 educator answers

Death of a Salesman

In Death of a Salesman, the jungle symbolizes the ruthless and competitive world of business. It represents a place where some, like Ben, succeed and others, like Willy, fail. The jungle's darkness...

2 educator answers

Death of a Salesman

The conflict between Willy and Biff in Death of a Salesman stems from Willy's disappointment in Biff's lack of steady employment and success. Willy's high expectations and Biff's failure to meet them...

5 educator answers

Death of a Salesman

The irony in Willy Loman's comment "I'm tired to the death" is that he is actually close to dying. While intended as an exaggeration of his fatigue, it foreshadows his impending suicide. Willy has...

1 educator answer

Death of a Salesman

Signs of Willy's deteriorating mental state and collapsing world in "Death of a Salesman" include his increasing confusion between past and present, frequent hallucinations, and erratic behavior. He...

2 educator answers

Death of a Salesman

Willy is upset because Biff is coming home, yet again, unable to hold down a job or make it on his own.  While Biff isn't entirely incompetent, the problem is that his attitude and puffed up...

3 educator answers

Death of a Salesman

Willy's family gains different things from his death in Death of a Salesman. If the insurance claim is upheld, they may benefit financially. Linda gains financial freedom and relief from mental...

1 educator answer

Death of a Salesman

In Death of a Salesman, key flashback quotes include Willy's declaration to his sons about someday owning his own business and not needing to travel, and his encounter with the mayor of Providence....

1 educator answer

Death of a Salesman

Biff and Happy Loman are both "lost" and unsuccessful, yet they differ significantly. Biff is older, seemingly more talented and intelligent, but also more self-aware and critical of their father's...

1 educator answer

Death of a Salesman

At Willy's grave in Death of a Salesman, Charley tries to explain Willy's view of life as a salesman in order to prevent the others present from judging him too harshly.

1 educator answer

Death of a Salesman

It is uncertain if Linda Loman knows about her husband's affair in Death of a Salesman. Even if she suspects it, her loyalty and traditional role as a housewife mean she continues to support and...

1 educator answer

Death of a Salesman

In Death of a Salesman, success is defined differently by various characters. Willy Loman equates success with wealth and popularity, idolizing figures like Dave Singleman and his brother Ben. He...

4 educator answers

Death of a Salesman

The Loman family in Death of a Salesman is steeped in lies. Willy lies about his success and popularity as a salesman, while his sons, Biff and Happy, lie about their personal achievements and...

1 educator answer

Death of a Salesman

Overall, Willy's death is shown to be negative for the family. Linda seems to have a lot of trouble dealing with his death; Happy is determined to fulfil the dreams of his father, whereas Biff is...

1 educator answer