Death Of A Salesman Literary Analysis

There are many literary elements that can be found in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. Some of these literary elements are symbolism, imagery, and allegory. Arthur Miller was able to use these elements to help understand Willy Loman’s life. Willy Loman is a hardworking man, but has not lived a successful life. Willy also feels that success can come from being well liked. The only thing that is important to him is to be a successful husband, dad, and salesman. These literary elements can be identified through Willy’s path to be successful. Willy Loman’s house has a symbolic meaning to it. Willy’s house is the major setting in Death of a Salesman. Willy Loman’s house symbolizes restriction and miniscule amounts of freedom. With Willy’s home being the major setting, it also contrasts with the American West, Alaska, and Africa. These locations symbolize escape and the possibility for bigger and better things. Willy idolizes his older brother Ben, who returned from Africa a wealthy man from his findings. Ben found diamonds while he was in Africa and is now looking for a house in Alaska. An example of Ben speaking about Alaska, “I must make a train, William. There are several properties I’m looking at

The seeds represent something that you put work into and you get something great out of it. Willy feels that he has worked extremely hard, but feels like he deserves more than what he has to show for it. Willy says, “Oh I’d better hurry. I’ve got to get some seeds. I’ve got to get some seeds right away. Nothing’s planted. I don’t have a thing in the ground” (Miller 122). This idea comes to Willy’s head because he wants to leave a legacy after he dies, but has nothing to show for it. Willy wants to produce something that will thrive and will remain to be there after he dies. Willy does this because of his failures as a salesman, but is better at working with his hands and with