1. A Look at the Cost of the American dream
Death of a Salesman
A Look at the Cost of the American dream
eprentice.sdsu.edu/F044/egutierrez/presentation.ppt

2. About the Playwright: Arthur Miller
Born in New York City on October 17, 1915
Began as playwright at University of Michigan
Pulitzer Prize winner for Death of A Salesman
Double winner of New York Drama Critics Circle Award
Interview with Charlie Rose

3. Married Marilyn Monroe in 1956- Divorced her in 1961

4. Central Themes Addresses family conflict in post-World War II America
Takes a close look at the price paid for the “American Dream”
Charges America with creating a capitalist materialism centered around a postwar economy
This materialism skewed the original view of the “American Dream” as envisioned by the founding fathers

5. Major Characters Willy Loman Biff Loman Linda Loman Happy Loman
Charley
Bernard
Ben
The Woman
Howard Wagner
Stanley
Jenny
Miss Forsythe and Letta

6. Willy Loman Father, traveling salesman
Believes in chasing the American Dream although he never achieves it
Pins his failed hopes on his sons, Biff and Happy
Becomes mentally ill when pressure of reality crushes his illusions

7. Linda Loman Loving, devoted wife Naïve and realistic of Willy’s hopes
Emotionally supportive of Willy
Willy’s strength until his tragic perishing

8. Biff Loman Elder son, 34 years old
High school standout-football star, many male friends, and female admirers
Academic failures lead to a life of kleptomania
Represents Willy’s vulnerable, tragic side
Fails to reconcile his father’s expectations

9. Happy Loman Younger son, 32 years old In Biff’s shadow all his life
Relentless sex and professional drive
Represents Willy’s sense of self importance and ambition
Often engages in bad business ethics

10. Something to Click about
A scene from a high school performance

11. Charley The Lomans’ next door neighbor Successful businessman
Often gives Willy financial support
Described sadly as Willy’s only friend
Willy is jealous of Charley’s success

12. Bernard Charley’s son Successful lawyer
Often mocked by Willy for being studious
Compared to Loman sons by Willy; they do not measure up to his success

13. Ben Willy’s deceased older brother Independently wealthy
Appears to Willy in daydreams
Willy’s symbol of success that he desperately wants for his sons

14. Motifs to Discuss After Reading the Play
Seeds/Garden: Miller uses these motifs throughout his play to symbolize Willy’s need and desire for success.  They also represent the legacy that Willy never leaves with his family

15. The Jungle: The jungle, or woods, represents the chaotic yet rewarding nature of life.  Ben tells Willy, “the jungle is dark but full of diamonds.” - the American Dream, but it can kill you

16. Biff’s stealing: This symbolizes the inherent impossibility of Willy’s strategy for success – the illusion that the “Lomans” are special and don’t have to work their way up.

17. Stockings: These represent Willy’s adultery as well as the “phoniness” of Willy’s existence. 
Tennis/Sports: Bernard’s reference to tennis ironically proves his success and the Lomans’ failure (their lives revolve around sports, sporting goods)

18. Illusion vs. reality : even the stage has invisible walls: what is more important, how we view things or whether we view things? – conflicting ideals: are both real?
- would the truth set Willy free?