Arthur Miller’s The Death of a Salesman: Plot Summary, Characters and Themes

Arthur Miller’s The Death of a Salesman: Plot Summary, Characters and Themes

"The Death of a Salesman" is a play written by American playwright Arthur Miller. It premiered on Broadway in 1949 and went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play. The play is considered one of the greatest American plays of the 20th century.

👉 The Death of a Salesman: Plot Summary

The story revolves around Willy Loman, a traveling salesman in his 60s, who is struggling with the challenges of his profession and his perception of success. Willy is haunted by the belief that success is achieved through personal charisma and being well-liked, rather than hard work and skill. He becomes increasingly disillusioned as he faces financial difficulties and perceives himself as a failure.

Willy's two sons, Biff and Happy, also grapple with their own struggles and desires. Biff, in particular, struggles to meet his father's expectations and comes to a critical realization about the nature of success.

The play is known for its exploration of the American Dream and the impact of societal expectations on individuals and their sense of selfworth. It delves into themes of identity, family relationships, and the harsh realities of the business world.

👉 The Death of a Salesman: Characters

Willy Loman: The protagonist, a traveling salesman who is struggling with his perception of success and his place in the world.

Linda Loman: Willy's loyal and supportive wife who tries to hold the family together.

Biff Loman: Willy's elder son, a former high school football star who is searching for his own identity and purpose.

Happy Loman: Willy's younger son, who also seeks success but often engages in selfdeception.

Charley: Willy's neighbor and friend, who contrasts with Willy in terms of success and perspective on life.

Bernard: Charley's son, who becomes successful as a lawyer, highlighting the contrast between the Lomans and the more pragmatic Charley family.

👉 The Death of a Salesman: Themes

The American Dream: The play critiques the American Dream and explores how the pursuit of success can lead to disillusionment.

Family Dynamics: The strained relationships within the Loman family are central to the play, examining how expectations and societal pressures affect familial bonds.

Reality vs. Illusion: The play blurs the lines between Willy's fantasies and reality, questioning the nature of truth and perception.

"The Death of a Salesman" remains a classic work of American literature, addressing timeless themes that continue to resonate with audiences. It has been adapted into various forms, including film and television productions, and is often studied in literature and drama courses.

*****

👉 Writers of the Puritan Period | their Significance and Contribution in Literature

👉 The Old Man and the Sea | Characters, Plot Summary and Themes

👉 The Color Purple, a novel by Alice Walker| Characters and Summary

👉 The Color purple | the lives of African American women

👉 Transcendentalist Movement | in American literature

👉 Lady Lazarus - Sylvia Plath’s view towards a fascistic male

👉 The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy | Chance and Co-incidence