What Picture of American society and family life do you find 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, and various study materials of Death of A Salesman.
Answer
What Picture of American society and family life do you find in “Death of a Salesman”? [2016]
Arthur Miller (1915–2005), in his play “Death of a Salesman (1949), gives a true picture of American society and family life after World War II. The play shows the struggle of middle-class people like Willy Loman who chase false dreams of success. It presents a society ruled by money and competition. Miller also shows how these social pressures destroy family peace, love, and moral values. The Loman family becomes a mirror of the American way of life.
Materialism and the American Dream: The play shows a materialistic American society. Everyone dreams of success, comfort, and wealth. Willy believes that being “well liked” brings success. He says,
“It’s not what you do… It’s who you know and the smile on your face.”
This belief rules his life. He teaches his sons to value charm more than honesty. In this society, personal worth depends on money, not character. Miller criticizes this false dream. He shows that blind materialism kills happiness and turns human life into a race for wealth.
Decline of Human Values: In Miller’s America, moral values lose importance. People cheat, lie, and betray to survive. Willy hides his affair, Happy lies about his job, and Biff steals from his boss. Truth becomes painful in such a world. Biff says,
“We never told the truth for ten minutes in this house.”
This line exposes the corruption inside the family. The society outside is no better. Success and pleasure replace honesty and love. Miller shows that the fall of moral values destroys both family and nation.
Family Conflict and Misunderstanding: The Loman family suffers from broken relationships. Willy wants his sons to fulfill his dreams. Biff wants freedom, not money. Linda tries to keep the peace but fails. Willy and Biff argue often because they live in different worlds—illusion and truth. Biff says,
“Pop,
Unlock this study guide now