"Death of a Salesman" is a play written by Arthur Miller that revolves around the life of Willy Loman, a struggling and increasingly desperate salesman. The story is set primarily in Brooklyn, New York during the late 1940s, with flashbacks to various moments in Willy's life.
Willy is in his sixties and has spent his entire career as a traveling salesman, but is constantly plagued by financial difficulties and a lack of success. He lives in denial, constantly fantasizing about past achievements and his sons' future success. However, these illusions slowly start to crumble as the reality of his life sets in.
As the play unfolds, it becomes clear that Willy is mentally unstable, often talking to himself and having delusions of conversations with people from his past. He is also haunted by the memories of his brother Ben, who became rich by discovering a diamond mine in Africa. Willy idolizes Ben and strives to achieve the same wealth and success, which clouds his judgment and affects his relationship with his family.
Willy's sons, Biff and Happy, both struggle with their own identities and aspirations. Biff, once a promising high school football player, has failed to make something of himself and bears the brunt of his father's disappointment. Happy, on the other hand, revels in the world of salesmanship and tries to live up to Willy's expectations.
Throughout the play, Willy's mental state deteriorates, and his desperate attempts to secure a loan or find a successful business opportunity ultimately fail. The pressure and tension within the Loman family reach a breaking point, ultimately leading to a tragic climax. In the end, Willy decides to take his own life, hoping that his death will provide financial security for his family through his life insurance policy.
"Death of a Salesman" explores themes of the American Dream, the destructive nature of capitalism, a failed pursuit of success, and the consequences of denying reality. It sheds light on the human condition and the disillusionment that can occur when one's dreams do not align with their reality.
Summary of the book “Death of a sales man” by Arthur Miller
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