Themes: The Tragedy of the Common Man
Unlike the tragedies of antiquity and the Renaissance, which exclusively center royal and aristocratic characters, Death of a Salesman follows the story of a lower-middle-class worker. Rather than depicting a great man whose choices impact the fate of nations, Miller explores a character whose choices only impact himself and his immediate family. However, the contained nature of the drama does not prevent the audience from becoming invested in the narrative, but raises the story’s emotional stakes by ensuring that the action is deeply personal to the protagonist. Miller’s choice also emphasizes the Enlightenment belief that every man is deserving of respect and recognition as an individual, however humble his existence.
In Linda’s beseeching requests to Biff, Miller captures how the tragedy of the common man is just as important as the tragedy of consequential historical figures:
I don’t say that he’s a great man. Willy Loman never made a lot of money. His name was never in the paper. He’s not the finest character that ever lived. But he’s a human being, and a terrible thing is happening to him. So attention must be paid. He’s not to be allowed to fall into his grave like an old dog. Attention, attention must be finally paid to such a person. . . . A small man can be just as exhausted as a great man.
Aristotle posits that for tragedy to work as a genre, the protagonist must bring the tragedy upon himself by possessing a hamartia, or fatal flaw. Willy’s fatal flaw is undoubtedly his pride, which inflates his self-concept to such an extent that he is unable to accept his life for what it is. He feels that he is destined for greatness and meant to found his own business, where he will manage weak men rather than being managed by them. It is this pride that prevents Willy from asking his sons for financial support or accepting Charley’s repeated job offers, either of which might save his life. It is also what has driven a wedge between Willy and his favorite son, Biff. Once Biff realized that Willy was nothing more than a common adulterer and mediocre businessman, he no longer believed in the mythologized version of his father. Ultimately, it is the irreconcilable distance between Willy’s self-concept and his reality that prevents Willy from moving forward with his life.
Expert Q&A
What does Willy's statement "You can't eat the orange, and throw the peel away—a man is not a piece of fruit" mean in 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 the fruit, or the best years of his life, and then discarding him when he's no longer useful.
What is the meaning behind Charley's statement to Willy about J. P. Morgan in Death of a Salesman?
"Who liked J. P. Morgan? Was he impressive? In a Turkish bath he'd look like a butcher. But with his pockets on he was very well liked."
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 Morgan's, are superficial and not truly significant. In contrast, Willy equates these external trappings with genuine worth and respect, reflecting their fundamental disagreement on what constitutes true value and identity.
How does Willy Loman's idea of the American Dream differ from its true meaning?
Willy Loman's idea of the American Dream focuses on popularity, financial success, and reputation, reflecting common cultural ideals. However, he is deluded about his achievements, believing success is just around the corner without recognizing the need for smart work alongside hard work. His failure highlights a critique of the American Dream as a potentially corrupting, materialistic ideology that can lead to ethical compromises, as seen in Willy's unethical actions in pursuit of it.
What is the significance and meaning of the following quote from Death of A Salesman?
"I don't say he's a great man. Willie Loman never made a lot of money. His name was never in the paper. He's not the finest character that ever lived. But he's a human being, and a terrible thing is happening to him. So attention must be paid. He's not to be allowed to fall in his grave like an old dog. Attention, attention must finally be paid to such a person."
This quote from Death of a Salesman highlights the need to recognize the humanity and struggles of Willy Loman, despite his failure to achieve the "American Dream." It emphasizes that people like Willy, who do not gain wealth, fame, or a strong reputation, still deserve respect and attention. The quote argues against neglecting those who strive but fail, asserting that their lives and efforts are valuable and worthy of acknowledgment.
What does Charley's quote in Death of a Salesman imply?
Charley: "You take it too hard. To hell with it. When a deposit bottle is broken you don't get your nickel back."
Charley's quote implies that Willy should stop worrying about his unfulfilled dreams for Biff, likening them to a broken deposit bottle that can't be redeemed. Charley advises Willy to accept Biff's choice of a different life path rather than expecting him to achieve success in the city. This reflects Willy's struggle to accept reality and confront the failures of his own life and career.
In Death of a Salesman, how does Willy's suicide for insurance reflect his life?
Willy's suicide for insurance money in Death of a Salesman reflects his lifelong belief that his worth is tied to financial success. His final act is driven by the notion that he is more valuable to his family dead than alive, demonstrating his internalization of destructive societal values. While impulsive, it aligns with his unfulfilled pursuit of the American Dream and his hope that the money will enable Biff to succeed, embodying both his regrets and aspirations.
How does Willy's retreat into the past help him escape his unpleasant present and cope with his unfulfilled ambitions?
Willy Loman retreats into the past to escape his disappointing present and cope with unfulfilled ambitions. His flashbacks, often romanticized and exaggerated, allow him to relive moments of perceived success and happiness, contrasting sharply with his current failures. This idealization serves as a coping mechanism, offering temporary solace from the harsh realities of his life, including his strained relationships and lack of career success. Ultimately, these hallucinations highlight Willy's denial and inability to confront his life's genuine issues.
What role does Biff's discovery of Willy's infidelity play in Death of a Salesman's tragedy?
Biff's discovery of Willy's infidelity is the catalyst for the tragic events in Death of a Salesman. It shatters Biff's idolization of Willy, causing a lifetime of resentment and failure. The knowledge of the affair fuels Biff's hostility, leading him to reject his father's dreams and expectations. Willy's guilt exacerbates their relationship, culminating in Willy's tragic end without acknowledging the consequences of his actions on Biff's life.
How does Willy Loman's pride and arrogance harm him in Death of a Salesman?
Willy Loman's pride and arrogance lead to his downfall as he clings to delusional beliefs about success and the American Dream. His refusal to accept reality and his lack of introspection prevent him from recognizing his own limitations and failures. Willy's pride stops him from accepting help from Charley, contributing to his financial instability and contemplation of suicide. His belief in material success blinds him to other values, ultimately harming his relationships and prospects.
How does Willy Loman from Death of a Salesman represent "Everyman"?
Willy Loman embodies the "Everyman" of the 1950s by pursuing the American Dream of financial and social success, reflecting the societal values of the era. His flaws, such as measuring self-worth by others' opinions and chasing materialism, mirror the post-war middle-class syndrome of "keeping up with the Joneses." Willy's tragic pursuit of superficial success highlights his humanity and the common struggle of sacrificing true values for societal approval.
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