"Death of a Salesman" is a play by renowned American playwright Arthur Miller, first performed in 1949. Considered by many as Miller’s greatest theatrical success, "Death of a Salesman" tells the story of Willy Loman, an aging salesman and his struggles in trying to stay employed and provide for his family. It was a groundbreaking play, as Miller was among the first to introduce the concept of the tragic hero in a modern-day setting.
The plot of "Death of a Salesman" is focused on the Loman family, with the point of view primarily coming from Willy, the lead character. Willy is an elderly salesman who keeps up his outward appearances, wearing nice clothes and driving a car despite the little amount of salary he earns. Willy is extremely devoted to his career, having taken up the job at age 17 when his father died and coming to believe early on that a sale is a symbol of success in life. However, this mindset is put into question as the play progresses, and Willy’s dreams of success and prosperity become increasingly hard to fulfill.
The play follows Willy as he learns the hard realities of the modern world and his unrealized dreams slowly collapse under the weight of his failing sales career. As he attempts to make himself a part of the world and figure out how to make a living, he must come to terms with his own failings and mortality. His sons, Biff and Happy, provide a constant reminder that he may have failed to make something of himself.
At its core, "Death of a Salesman" is about the misguided hope that wealth is true success, versus the realization that meaningful experiences, relationships, and self-fulfillment is what really matters. Through Willy’s interactions with his family, Miller tackles the struggles of modern life and the complex nature of relationships between family members.
Willy’s moral downfall comes to fruition as he is unable to grasp the idea of failure and cannot cope with the decline of his career. He continues to hope for wealth and is unable to understand why it has not come to him, which in turn leads to him repeating flawed patterns and making choices which sabotage his family and his finances.
The play ends with Willy’s suicide, signaling his ultimate failure to accept his flawed reality and inability to face himself. His suicide is the event which forces his family to figure out how to cope with his problems, even if that means accepting him as he is. The play thus concludes with the Loman family coming together to understand, embrace, and accept all of the mistakes Willy has made, his successes, and ultimately, his legacy.
The legacy of "Death of a Salesman" is lasting, and Miller’s work has been hugely influential on subsequent generations of playwrights. Its focus on the struggles of the modern working class, idealism, and the concept of the tragic hero has resonated with audiences for decades. It has been translated into dozens of languages, and has made its way to even the Broadway stage, making it one of the most enduring pieces of classic theater.
