Book Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller

“It’s just like losing a family member, a very difficult time for the character Willy that is in a society that is indifferent, sometimes brutal, and a force that crushes an individual. In the book Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller Describes how Willy has avoided difficult situations by using symbolism, flashback, and contradiction.

In the book Death of a Salesman the author has shown multiple symbols in the book to get Willy out of a difficult situation. One example of a symbol is The sound of music playing on a flute begins and ends Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. Also whenever the flute plays in Death of a Salesman, it is a reminder of the life Willy could have chosen, one that embraced the natural world. Willy has been known for many symbolisms another one is the torn stockings remind Willy that he is unable to provide for his family, and when he was able to buy new stockings, he gave them to another woman. Including the rubber hose that is a symbol of Willy’s impending suicide. Linda finds it hidden behind the fuse box in the cellar, and the “”new little nipple”” she finds on the gas pipe.

Also Arthur Miller has shown many types of contradiction that have had Willy to get out of difficult times. Arthur Miller’s play Death of a Salesman addresses loss of identity and a man’s inability to accept change within himself and society. The play is a montage of memories, dreams, confrontations, and arguments, all of which make up the last 24 hours of Willy Loman’s life. The play concludes with Willy’s suicide and subsequent funeral. “”That goddamn Chevrolet, they ought to prohibit the manufacture of that car”” ( Miller Pg30) This is a contradiction willy has shown by saying the car was so good and when “something” goes wrong with it, Willy blames it on the car. Also another example of a contradiction is “”Gee.”” “”Gee”” is a boy’s word. A man walking in for fifteen thousand dollars does not say “”Gee!” ( Miller Pg 72)

Another way the author has Willy avoiding a difficult situation is The flashback of Biff learning of his father’s affair is the turning point in Willy and Biff’s relationship. This flashback gives the reader the reason behind their relationship struggles. Biff cannot get over the liar that his father is and again Willy is in an illusion and doesn’t even acknowledge the affair. Willy lies to Biff because he declares that Willy “”had the wrong dreams”” and that “”he never knew who he was.”” Willy, however, perks up when he learns that Biff is going to ask Oliver for a loan to start a business. The adoring father is in his element as he tells Biff how to behave. Willy does what he thinks is right by lying to get out of situations like the car, biff and getting a loan, saying how he needs to take a break from traveling, and tells his son biff on how to live life by not saying “gee” or by teaching biff responsibility.

Overall in the book Death of a Salesman Willy has been lying to everyone including his own wife and others to bger out of his own situations instead of solving them by saying the truth he uses symbolism, flashback, and contradiction throughout the book by showing what he has done to lie to not dig himself a hole.”

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