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Death of a Salesman

by Arthur Miller

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Death of a Salesman Questions on Irony

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Death of a Salesman

In Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller employs various literary techniques beyond flashbacks, such as mimesis, narration, and realism, to depict ordinary lives. Symbolism, particularly through seeds,...

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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...

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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...

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Death of a Salesman

The irony in Linda's last speech in Death of a Salesman is that she declares the family "free" after paying off the mortgage, but they are not truly free. Willy's suicide, intended to benefit the...

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Death of a Salesman

The names Biff and Happy are ironic because they contrast sharply with the characters' realities. Biff, once a promising athlete, is emotionally immature and unsuccessful, his name suggesting a...

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Death of a Salesman

Willy Loman lies to Howard in order to get the money he needs. However, juxtaposed with the irony of his son's immaturity, this quote can be seen as an important revelation for Willy: He has failed...

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Death of a Salesman

The irony in Willy's statement lies in his misinterpretation of Biff's emotional breakdown. Despite their long-standing feud, rooted in Biff discovering Willy's infidelity, Willy mistakenly sees...

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Death of a Salesman

The irony of Dave Singleman's name in "Death of a Salesman" lies in its suggestion that his success as a salesman was unique and unrepeatable, as he was a "single man" in this achievement. Willy...

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Death of a Salesman

In this conversation, verbal and dramatic irony are present. Verbal irony arises as Willy, who has health problems, lectures Charley on health, despite his own ignorance. Dramatic irony is evident...

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Death of a Salesman

Willy's remarks about his brother Ben's success are ironic because Ben is dead, making his achievements meaningless in the present. Willy idolizes Ben and regrets not following in his footsteps,...

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