Student Question
Which war influenced Arthur Miller in Death of a Salesman, World War I or II?
Quick answer:
World War II influenced Arthur Miller in writing Death of a Salesman. The play reflects societal changes post-WWII, such as shifts in gender roles and the economy, which altered the American workforce and the nature of business. These changes impacted individuals like Willy Loman, highlighting the death of the American Dream. The war's aftermath, including technological advancements and evolving societal expectations, significantly influenced the themes and characters in the play.
American between the world wars went from the "Roaring 20s" to the Great Depression. WWII also changed society. Since the men had gone to war, it was up to the women to go to work in the factories that produced the things necessary for the US and her allies to win the war. Once the men returned, the face of the American work force had changed.
Whereas once a salesman like Willie would travel an area of the country and do business face to face but with faster methods of transportation and communication, how business was done also changed. Technology changed how we do business and Willie was a victim of this change.
Whether this change in society came directly from the war is not as important as to how the changing society affected people like Willie Loman.
Death of a Salesman deals with the death of the American dream. The so called American dream followed WWII. As the society changed, so did the American dream.
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