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Similarities Between Death Of A Salesman And A Raisin In The Sun

1183 Words5 Pages

Kaeden Benedict
Mrs. Whitt
Honors english 10
3/23/2023

Although the characters in the play, Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, and the characters in A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry seem as though they have no commonalities, both authors develop the theme that parental involvement can be both productive and destructive to children.
In Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, despite his flaws, Willy Loman mostly exemplifies an involved parent. However, his perspective on success and the American dream negatively impacts his parenting style. In one instance, while engaging in a conversation with his son Biff, Willy emphasizes the importance of being "well-liked" to be successful. He believes this, rather than hard work or dedication, …show more content…

Even though Willy Loman's son Biff failed to meet the standards Willy set for him, he attempted to set realistic boundaries for him as a child. He wants to raise him in such a manner that he could be a business owner, though he is unaware that Biff could not live up to his expectations. He possessed qualities he felt that Biff needed to meet his dream saying "We can't go back to the old days though, can we? And let's try not to blame everything on the war. I realize it's a business kid, and everybody's got to pull his own weight."(Miller, 75) This shows Willy's understanding of the harsh reality of life and his trying to help his children the best he knows how. In contrast, in Raisin in the Sun, Mama's approach to life, morals, and knowing when to accept responsibility is critical to the family. She assumes the position of being the moral and backbone of the family. Her principles, however, are focused on doing the right thing despite opposition or the negative results the action may create, she says "I done seen him. night after night come in? and look at that rug and then look at me the red showing in his eyes the veins moving in his head and I know he going to explode one day and then look like the whole house would just lift up bodily off the foundations, like a cabin cruiser when the engine is full on."(Hansbury 113) This quote shows Mama's concern for her son and her desire to avert imminent conflict that could hurt her

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