Silhouette of a grinning person wearing a top hat with a skull-like face and a red nighttime sky in the background

Death of a Salesman

by Arthur Miller

Start Free Trial

Themes: Failure

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

In Death of a Salesman, the theme of failure is central to the narrative, as it explores Willy Loman's inability to achieve his dreams and the impact of his unrealistic expectations on his family. Willy's failures as a salesman and father are rooted in his delusions and the flawed pursuit of the American Dream. His sons, Biff and Happy, inherit these unrealistic visions, leading to their own struggles and lack of fulfillment.

Willy Loman's failure as a salesman is evident from the beginning. He clings to an unrealistic vision of success, believing that being well-liked is the key to prosperity. Despite his boasts of selling "thousands and thousands," the reality is that his sales barely cover his bills. Willy's belief in superficial qualities over hard work and integrity leads him to a superficial existence that ultimately collapses. His inability to face the truth about his career and financial instability contributes to his downfall.

Willy's failures extend to his role as a father. He instills in his sons the same flawed values, emphasizing appearance over substance. Biff and Happy grow up with unrealistic expectations, believing they are destined for greatness simply because they are "well-liked." Biff's failure in math and subsequent inability to attend college mark the beginning of his aimless journey. Happy, despite a stable job, feels unfulfilled and trapped in a career he despises. Willy's failure to provide a realistic foundation for his sons results in their own struggles with identity and success.

Willy's personal failures are compounded by his inability to accept responsibility. He blames external factors for his shortcomings and refuses to acknowledge his role in Biff's failures. When confronted with Biff's meeting with Bill Oliver, Willy's mind retreats to the past, recalling Biff's failure in math and the discovery of Willy's affair. These memories highlight Willy's tendency to escape reality rather than confront it, further illustrating his failure to grow and change.

Ultimately, Willy's failures are a reflection of his entrapment in a cycle of lies and delusions. His desperation to maintain a facade of success leads to his tragic end. Willy's suicide, intended to provide for his family through insurance money, underscores the depth of his failure. He remains "boxed in" by his own misconceptions, unable to break free from the constraints of his flawed dreams and the societal pressures that define success.

Expert Q&A

What advice from Willy led to Biff's high school downfall?

Willy Loman's advice to Biff centered on the importance of being well-liked and charismatic over developing integrity and discipline. He misguidedly emphasized popularity, appearance, and superficial traits as keys to success, while dismissing the need for honesty and hard work. Willy praised Biff's deceitful actions and blamed others for his failures, fostering Biff's sense of entitlement and lack of accountability, ultimately leading to his high school and lifelong failures.

In Death of a Salesman, how does Willy's suicide resolve the plot?

Willy's suicide resolves the plot by highlighting the tragic irony of his life. His emotional and psychological collapse, driven by career failure and disappointment in his sons, culminates in his death. Despite attempts by Linda to intervene, Willy's demise is inevitable. His death provides financial security through life insurance, making him more valuable to his family dead than alive. Ultimately, it underscores the futility of his dreams and the irreparable damage to his family.

In Death of a Salesman, how do Willy and Biff's explanations for Biff's business failure differ?

Biff explains his failure to achieve what he wanted in his life as a result of circumstances, while Willy blames Biff's failures on the fact that Biff lacks the determination to succeed.

In Death of a Salesman, why does Biff's meeting with Oliver trigger Willy's memory of Biff failing math?

Biff's meeting with Oliver triggers Willy's memory of Biff failing math because it confronts Willy with Biff's continued failures and Willy's own role in them. Willy has consistently avoided holding Biff accountable and refuses to accept responsibility for Biff's lack of success. This meeting reminds Willy of Biff's earlier failure in math and the subsequent discovery of Willy's affair, which shattered Biff's trust and derailed his future.

In Death of a Salesman, is spite the source of Biff's failure according to Willy?

In "Death of a Salesman," Willy believes spite is the source of Biff's failure, particularly during their final confrontation. Willy interprets Biff's decision to leave as an act of spite, feeling hurt by the perceived rejection. However, Biff's motivation is not spiteful; he seeks to let go of past grievances and fantasies, driven by sorrow and a desire for reconciliation. Biff's intentions are rooted in love and penitence, not spite.

Do you agree that the most memorable protagonists, like in Death of a Salesman, are significantly flawed?

Memorable protagonists are often significantly flawed, as seen in characters like Willy Loman from Death of a Salesman. Loman's delusions of success and self-doubt make him both flawed and memorable. Supporting examples include John Proctor from The Crucible, whose flaws are lust and pride, and Macbeth, driven by unchecked ambition. These flaws add depth and complexity, making such characters memorable in literature.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Previous

Themes: Reality vs. Illusion

Next

Themes: Success

Loading...