What is the function of Ben in Death of a Salesman?
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, to various questions of Death of A Salesman.
Answer
What is the function of Ben in Death of a Salesman?
In Arthur Miller’s (1915-2005) play “Death of a Salesman” (1949), Ben serves several vital functions crucial to developing the narrative and the play’s central themes. Ben is the imaginary brother of the protagonist, Willy Loman. Willy Loman thinks that he is a successful businessman. In the play, he contributes in several ways, which are given below:
Symbol of Success and the American Dream: Ben is the elder brother of the protagonist, Willy Loman. Willy often describes him in almost mythical terms, having made a fortune in the diamond mines of Africa. Ben represents the American Dream in its most successful and, perhaps, fantastical form. He embodies the self-made man who rises from poverty to wealth through bold adventure and individual initiative, contrasting with Willy’s unfulfilled aspirations.
Dramatic Device to Explore Willy’s Psyche: Ben also functions as a dramatic device through which the audience gains insight into Willy’s internal state. He appears mainly in Willy’s flashbacks and hallucinations. He underscores his role as a figure from Willy’s past that continues to haunt and influence him. This use of Ben’s character allows the audience to see how Willy’s memories and fantasies impact his perception of reality, contributing to his tragic downfall.
Moral and Philosophical Counterpoint: Ben brings philosophical depth to the play through his famous line,
When I walked into the jungle, I was seventeen. When I walked out, I was twenty-one, and by God, I was rich.
This line mentions a worldview that values risk, adventure, and the pursuit of wealth above all else. His philosophy contrasts with the play’s other messages about the value of human relationships and the dangers of being solely materialistic.
In termination, we can say that Ben’s role in “Death of a Salesman” is multifaceted, serving both as a mirror to Willy’s ambitions and failures and as a dramatic element that propels the narrative forward while deepening the play’s exploration of themes like success, reality versus illusion, and the American Dream.