Death of A Salesman : Themes
Death of A Salesman is a notable literary work by Arthur Miller. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Death of A Salesman.
Themes
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, guilt, and despair instead of peace and dignity.
Failure, Disillusionment, and Self-Deception: Willy cannot face his failure as a salesman or father. He lies to himself and his family, hiding from reality. These lies keep him trapped in false hopes. His sons also grow confused by his false ideals. Miller shows how self-deception destroys confidence and love. Living in denial turns hope into pain and truth into tragedy.
Family Conflict and Generational Gap: The Loman family is full of love, but conflict, too. Willy wants his sons to achieve his lost dream. But Biff seeks honesty and freedom from lies. This clash causes anger, guilt, and sorrow. The play shows how broken communication and false expectations divide families. When truth and love are lost, peace disappears.
Material Success vs. Personal Fulfillment: Willy believes money and fame mean success, but they do not. True joy comes from self-respect and emotional peace. Charley and Bernard prove that simple, honest living brings real happiness. Miller warns that chasing material gain can destroy moral values. Without truth and love, success becomes empty.
Other Related Themes in the play are reality vs. illusion, identity crisis, and loneliness. Willy lives between dreams and truth, lost in confusion. His failure leads to despair and isolation. Miller shows how modern society values money over humanity. In that struggle, people lose their purpose, honesty, and love.