Arthur+Miller

__Death of a Salesman__

In the beginning of the play, Willy comes home from a failing buisness trip that he can not remember. Willy forgets the whole ride in the car and is confused on what has happened to him during the day. His wife, Linda, tries to persuade him to ask his boss, Howard, to let him work in New York so that he won’t have to travel. Willy thinks about the idea and says that he will ask his boss later. As Willy talks to himself, Biff and Happy, who is also visiting, reminisce about their childhood and discuss their father’s babbling, which includes criticism of Biff’s failure to live up to Willy’s expectations. Biff has had many job but none he enjoyed so he quit or got fired. He then realizes that he is not meant for inside work but wants to work outside and build. While talking to his brother he realizes with a loan he can move out west and start a building company. Later in the play it is Howard playing with a wire recorder in his office. Willy tries to push the subject of working in New York, but Howard interrupts him and makes him listen to his kids and wife on the wire recorder. When Willy finally gets a word, Howard rejects his idea. Willy launches into a lengthy recalling of how Dave Singleman inspired him to go into sales. Howard leaves and Willy gets angry. Howard soon re-enters and tells Willy to take some time off. As he is leaving Biff enters and Willy compliments him on how he is well liked. Willy believes that he is not well liked or a attractive man and this is the reason behind his failure. Willy never understood Biff and Biff always felt like his father was not listening. Towards the end of the book Willy is consulting Ben about a $ 20,000 proposition. Biff approaches him to say goodbye and tries to bring him inside. Willy moves into the house, followed by Biff, and becomes angry again about Biff’s failure. Happy tries to calm Biff, but Biff and Willy erupt. Biff starts to cry, which touches Willy. Everyone goes to bed except Willy, who renews his conversation with Ben, he speaks of how great Biff will be with $ 20,000 of insurance money. Biff and Happy listen as well. They hear Willy’s car speed away. Willy ended up dying. Biff says that Willy had the wrong dreams. Charley defends Willy as a victim. Ready to leave, Biff invites Happy to go back out West with him. Happy declares that he will stick it out in New York because of Willy’s death.

My Reflection: I believe this story shows real problems people face in the world today. The ability to not find a job that suites your own personal wants is a huge problem for people and it showed that in this play. Biff had many jobs but could not find something he was truly passionate in, he then realizes that he needs to be outdoors working with his shirt off to enjoy his life. People all around have jobs they do not enjoy and i believe this play shows you have the ability to be a entrupentuar and it goes off the American dream. I believe the American Dream viewed by Willy is correct in some way. "He believes that a “well liked” and “personally attractive” man in business will indubitably and deservedly acquire the material comforts offered by modern American life." This is somewhat true because if you are well liked people and attractive people tend to show more compassion towards you. Overall i believe that this story shows the up and downs of family and the strive for the American Dream. By showing the hardships you must go through to get there I believe this play captures the American Experience.