Symbolism In Death Of A Salesman

In the play Death of a Salesman, the playwright effectively utilizes symbolism to present the behavioral aspects of Willy and Linda and their relationship. When Willy complains about his recent car crash, Linda states that “maybe it’s your glasses. You never went for your new glasses.” Much like how you use glasses to see, these glasses represent his perspective on life. The fact that Willy has never went to get new glasses illustrates that he does not want a new perspective; Willy only believes in the viewpoint of the American dream and there is no other way for him. Miller implements this to showcase to the audience the stubbornness of Willy and his persistent faith in the American dream. Additionally, Linda’s immediate reaction to blame

In the opening scene of the play, Arthur Miller comments that the air of the dream “clings to the place,” and the dream is “rising out of reality.” The “dream” that is described as clinging, represents the American dream and the “place” represents Willy. The fact that the “air” is described as clinging symbolizes the American dream clinging on to the house - on to Willy. The American dream “rising out of reality” provides insight that the American Dream is realistically unattainable. It leaves reality because it is no longer possible. The playwright integrates this symbolism to convey to the audience that Willy refuses to let go. The reality of this dream is that it is only a dream; nothing can be obtained from it. Willy subconsciously knows he cannot live out the American dream he wants, but he still is disillusioned with it because he has spent his entire life seeking it. Additionally, when Miller introduces the setting, it is depicted as “partially transparent.” This house, which was built on the idea of the American dream, is fading away, which mirrors the American dream withering away; it is far from reach and not a solid idea. Beyond this, Willy also repetitively mentions how Ben “walked into an [African] Jungle” and came out “rich.” Miller specifically intended this to be an African jungle to comment on

Willy bluntly asks if “there [is] any cheese.” Linda responds back offering him “a sandwich,” but Willy declines and asks for milk. The cheese in this scene symbolizes only a part of the American Dream; the sandwich represents the American dream as a whole. Despite Willy vivid strive for the American dream, he only settles for the slice of this dream. Even worse, Miller further contradicts this by having Willy settle for milk even when he is offered the opportunity of the whole thing. Willy’s gradual declination of what he wants effectively showcases his tendency to undermine what he claims. Furthermore, Arthur Miller has Linda offer Willy “American-type cheese” only for Willy to immediately reject the idea of it. The American cheese symbolizes the American dream, while the Swiss cheese he wants is quite the opposite. The playwright offers critical contradicts as why would Willy not want American cheese? Willy clearly wants the American dream prior, but not all of a sudden refuses when it is right in front of him. The playwright intentionally does this to denote that Willy’s own contradictory nature is one of the various reasons why Willy is unsuccessful in what he does. Miller’s employment of cheese proficiently displays Willy’s contradictions in himself as the reason behind his