Summary Of Death Of A Salesman By Arthur Miller. - Death Of A Salesmen Summary

Summary

In Arthur Miller's 'Death of a Salesman,' Willy Loman, a 63-year-old salesman, grapples with failure and fading dreams. His sons, Biff and Happy, struggle to find purpose. Willy's delusions of past success contrast sharply with his current reality, leading to a tragic end. The play explores themes of the American Dream, family, and self-worth, culminating in a poignant reflection on the cost of societal expectations.

Takeaways

• 🚶‍♂️ Willy Loman, a 63-year-old traveling salesman, returns home from a fruitless sales trip, reflecting on his life and career.
• 👨‍👦 Biff, Willy's son, returns home after working on farms and ranches, seeking direction for his life, contrasting with Willy's expectations.
• 🏡 Willy's sense of self-worth is tied to his sales success, which has dwindled, leading to financial strain and personal turmoil.
• 🌟 Willy's belief in the 'American Dream' is challenged by his own failures and the success of his neighbor Charlie and son Bernard.
• 👪 Willy's strained relationship with Biff is a central conflict, rooted in past disappointments and unmet expectations.
• 💼 Biff's rejection by his former boss, Bill Oliver, for a loan to start a business, exacerbates the family's financial and emotional crisis.
• 🚗 Willy's desperation leads to multiple attempts at suicide, symbolizing his inability to cope with reality.
• 💸 Willy's pride prevents him from accepting a job offer from his neighbor Charlie, despite his financial struggles.
• 🌌 Willy's fantasies of past glory and conversations with the ghost of his brother Ben reveal his mental deterioration.
• 💔 The climax of the play involves a heated argument between Willy and Biff, leading to a profound realization about their lives.
• 🕊️ Willy's death, driven by a misguided sense of love and sacrifice, is ultimately futile, leaving the family to face their reality.

Q & A

What is the occupation of Willie Lowman in 'Death of a Salesman'?

Willie Lowman is a traveling salesman who, at the age of 63, no longer receives a salary and works solely on commission.

What has Biff been doing for the past 10 years before returning home?

Biff has been working on farms and ranches all over the West for more than 10 years.

How does Biff feel about working outside compared to working in an office?

Biff expresses that he is happier working outside than when he tried to work in an office.

What does Willie think is the key to success that his family possesses?

Willie believes that the natural charm that the Lowman men have is the real key to success.

Why does Willie refuse Charlie's job offer?

Willie refuses Charlie's job offer due to his pride, even though he has been taking money from Charlie weekly to pay his bills.

What is the significance of Willie's brother Ben in the story?

Ben represents an alternative path to success through adventure and wealth accumulation, which Willie envies and compares himself to.

Why does Biff decide to stay home and seek a loan from Bill Oliver?

Biff decides to stay home and seek a loan to start a sports goods business with Happy, hoping it will make their father happy.

How does Willie's boss Howard Wagner respond to his request for a job in the New York office?

Howard Wagner denies Willie's request for a job in the New York office and eventually fires him after Willie becomes increasingly insistent.

What does Biff do after being rejected for a loan by Bill Oliver?

Biff steals Oliver's pen as an act of defiance and to get back at him for turning his back on him when he asked for the loan.

What is the turning point for Biff's relationship with his father Willie?

The turning point is when Biff finds Willie with another woman in a hotel room during his last day of high school, leading him to give up on college and follow Willie's path.

How does Willie plan to provide for his family after his death?

Willie plans to leave his family twenty thousand dollars from his life insurance by committing suicide.

What is the final outcome of Willie's death according to Biff?

Biff believes that Willie died for nothing, as his death does not change the reality of their situation.