1. Death of a Salesman
By Arthur Miller

2. Overview of Slide Show Miller’s background Setting of the story
Main characters
Themes

3. Miller’s background Author of The Crucible
DOAS debuts on Broadway on 2/10/49 and wins the Pulitzer Prize and the NY Drama Critics’ Circle Award
As a result Miller is called to testify in front of HUAC

4. Miller’s Focus Actively wrote plays until 1980
Leans toward social and psychological realism
A master of the expressionistic elements of theater (set, music, lighting, setting)

5. Miller’s Protagonists
Tend to be non-heroic
Are unexceptional in character, social position, or power.
Are not outstandingly good or evil
Tend to go unnoticed in course of normal events.

6. Protagonists continued
Protagonists typically confronted with a situation that forces his or her best and worst qualities to surface.
Willy Loman is confronted by situations that draw out his worst qualities.

7. Main Characters of DOAS
Willy Loman
Biff Loman
Linda Loman
Happy Loman

8. Setting NYC and New England 1949
Americans lived through the Depression and saw a revitalized economy due to WWII
A more prosperous life was in reach

9. Setting cont. Post WWII America has many traveling salesmen.
Common cultural notions: females are restrained, timid and feminine, while men are virile, athletic businessmen and soldiers

10. Themes The American Dream Being liked vs. being respected.
The torment of one’s own conscience.
Family dysfunction and the power of denial.

11. Themes cont.
Is the dream of economic prosperity truly available to all who work diligently?
Does the American dream place too much importance on material wealth and consumerism?

12. Arthur Miller
Arthur Miller