Death of A Salesman
Drama
|
Arthur Miller
Death of A Salesman Summary
Plot Summary
Act I
Overview of the Loman Family and Setting: The play Death of a Salesman opens in Brooklyn, New York, in the late 1940s. The Loman house is surrounded by tall apartment buildings that symbolize Willy’s shrinking world. Willy Loman is a 63-year-old traveling salesman. He returns home late at night, exhausted from a failed trip to New England. His wife, Linda, welcomes him lovi...
Expand Death of A Salesman Summary
Death of a Salesman Theme
Themes:
The Illusion of the American Dream: The play shows how the American Dream becomes a false hope. Willy Loman believes success means being liked and admired by all. He thinks charm can replace effort and honesty. But true success depends on work and integrity. His blind faith in illusion ruins his life. Through Willy’s fall, Arthur Miller shows that false dreams of wealth bring frustration,...
Expand Death of a Salesman Theme
Death of A Salesman Characters
Major Characters:
Willy Loman: (Protagonist / Tragic Hero) Willy Loman is an Unsuccessful / Ambitious Father. He is sixty-three years old. He works as a traveling salesman for Wagner Company. He has worked there for thirty-six years. He gets no fixed salary now. He earns only small commissions. His income cannot support his family. Willy believes in the American Dream. He thinks charm brings s...
Expand Death of A Salesman Characters
Death of a Salesman Quotations
Quotes
“A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory.” – Charley (Requiem)
Explanation: Charley says this to Biff after Willy’s death. He defends Willy’s endless dreaming. He says that a salesman must live on hope. Without dreams, he cannot survive rejection and failure. This line captures the play’s compassion for ordinary dreamers like Willy Loman.
“I am not a dime a dozen!...
Expand Death of a Salesman Quotations
Notes
Explore 19 detailed notes related to Death of A Salesman. Each note provides in-depth analysis, explanations, and critical insights.