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Death Of A Salesman Literary Analysis

792 Words4 Pages

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 …show more content…

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

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Unfortunately in the end Willy receives appreciation for his inner talents rather than his skills being a salesman. This goes to show how one will never get attention from others by pretending to be who they are not. Furthermore, the author reinforces Willy 's talent with his hands when he plants seeds in his garden prior to committing suicide. The planting of the seeds can be considered a form of symbolism and Willy 's acceptance that life would go on without him. The seeds Willy plant also represent the legacy he leaves behind as a handyman rather than a salesman.

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