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"Death of a Salesman", 2001. The following paper critically examines Arthur Miller?s "Death of a Salesman" which, according to the author, is fundamentally inner-directed rather than outer-directed. 1,420 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 47.95 »
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Abstract The following paper examines the fundamental distinction made between the two forms of American drama to emerge from the United States during the post-war period. These two trends are said to be represented by the authors Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller. This paper focuses on Arthur Miller, who takes a more Ibsen-like approach to drama. "Death of A Salesman" is made reference to throughout.
Table of Contents
Common Critical Opinions About Arthur Miller?s Death of a Salesman
This Paper?s Thesis about Death of a Salesman
What is a Tragic Character?
Why Willy Loman is a Tragic Character.
Why Willy Loman is similar to other Tragic Heroes.
What is the Play?s Thesis about American Society?
Why Willy Loman is not Just an American Everyman.
Arthur Miller?s own view of Willy Loman.
Willy Loman outside of an American Context
The Play-text?s View of Willy Loman
Conclusion
From the Paper "Tragedy is defined as a form of drama that depicts the suffering of a heroic individual who is often overcome by the very obstacles he is struggling to remove. The protagonist may be brought low by a character flaw or, a the philosopher Hegel stated, caught in a "collision of equally justified ethical aims.? (Encyclopedia.com) Miller himself commented that ?Willy Loman has broken a law without whose protection life is insupportable if not incomprehensible to him and to many other; it is the law which says that a failure in society and in business has no right to live.? (Drama for Students 71) At first Loman cannot accept his son Biff?s life because Biff works on a ranch for a living, ?like a boy.? (31) But Biff shows him that the ideals of success Willy holds are simply untenable for Biff, at least now that the son has attained the age of thirty-four."
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Tragedy, Aristotle and "Death of a Salesman", 2007. An analysis of how Aristotle defines tragedy and how it is portrayed by Arthur Miller in his play "Death of a Salesman". 4,224 words (approx. 16.9 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 112.95 »
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Abstract Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" has several strong literary and socially disturbing dimensions, but the one that stands most is its tragic dimension. This paper contends that "Death of a Salesman" is in fact tragic, and that within that tragic dimension there are several themes that are apparent and important: financial failure, emotional inadequacy, false pride, sports promise and sports failure, sexual confusion and impropriety, career stumbling, a dysfunctional family, death and madness. Tragedy to varying and diverse degrees is presented as a dynamic that is witnessed in Willy's family, in Willy's failed careers, and of course in his failed relationship with his son and in his marriage. Additionally there are tragic circumstances within the popular American contemporary vernacular of sports. The paper also examines Aristotle's stance on tragedy and how it compares to that of Arthur Miller.
Outline:
Introduction
What Is Tragedy? Miller's Philosophy on Tragedy and His Perspective on the Play
What Is Aristotle's Philosophy Regarding Tragedy?
The Death of a Salesman: The Literature and the Scholarship
Other Tragic Features of the Play
From the Paper "After going to lengths to point out that Miller sees the central tragic figure in the play as Willy, Hagopian insists that it's Biff Loman, Willy's son, is the one who "ultimately makes things happen, who responds to the great trauma in his life with an emotional and moral paralysis..." That point could be rebutted effectively, but meantime a more pertinent point that Hagopian makes is that, after Biff finds his dad in a hotel room with another woman; "You fake!" he barks. "You phony little fake! You fake!" And now dad has been fired from his job, and Willy fears his son will expose his immoral deeds to mom. But Biff does not, he just wants to rage at his dad, and say "goodbye to you Pop...let's just wrap it up, heh?" The scene that Willy provokes has definite tragic consequences, Hagopian admits on page 40. "
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"Death of a Salesman" and Canadian Capitalism, 2008. An analysis of Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" in relation to studies of Canadian capitalism. 1,705 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 55.95 »
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Abstract This paper looks at how Arthur Miller's play of 1949, "Death of a Salesman", offers a strong commentary on capitalism's expectation that all persons can and will participate strongly in a capitalist environment. Related ideas are those of capitalism best serving 'human nature' in an assumption that all human beings are decisive; strongly motivated by acquiring success or belongings, and that conforming to a capitalist system will bring rewards. It discusses how, however, as Miller's "Death of a Salesman" indicates, some personalities are not at all suited to this range of activities and also, how capitalism will always leave behind some persons who for whatever reason cannot compete ably, or cannot summon all of their resources for the very competitive approach that is required. The paper discusses the myth of capitalism, as seen in the play, and looks at how it relates to what is happening in Canada.
Outline:
Introduction
Capitalism as a System and Culture
Capitalism's Dream
More on Markets and Opportunities
From the Paper "In relation to Canadian capitalism, Phillips identified three ways in which the present system has not pleased or served Canadians in, first, the market's failure to provide a level of social services or other social infrastructure for the best or 'equal' welfare of the people, second, its production of social gaps so large that the cohesion of the society is threatened and may very well collapse in immense differences between the income levels and living experiences of the poor and the 'middle' classes, and third, no mechanism in the market system to guarantee or even just promote full employment and economic growth. (Political Economy 20) In short, Canadian capitalism has become rather like its American counterpart that so worships market forces while indiscriminately ostracizing or just leaving behind one sector and then another. "
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"Death of a Salesman", 2006. A discussion on Arthur Miller's, "Death of a Salesman." 690 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 23.95 »
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Abstract This paper analyzes the motif of theft in Arthur Miller's classic drama "Death of a Salesman." It provides an account of the different instances of theft that occur in the play and how the motif is used in each. The author also explains why this motif is significant to the overall theme of the play.
From the Paper "Arthur Miller's, "Death of a Salesman" is a drama of lies and delusions most of them held by the protagonist, Willy Loman a washed-up salesman who maintains the illusion he is still skilled and in demand. Throughout the ..."
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Arthur Miller?s Play "Death of a Salesman", 2005. This paper discusses the protagonist Willy Loman, in Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman", as the epitome of the modern-day tragic hero. 1,590 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 52.95 »
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Abstract This paper explains that while Willy Loman, in Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman", is not what Aristotle would consider to be a tragic hero; his character is a everyman's tragic hero and his experiences depict those of ordinary people in post-war America. The author points out that Willy possesses a fatal flaw that causes him to make a series of serious mistakes from which he is unwilling to learn or accept responsibility. The paper relates that, in order for a tragic hero to be truly tragic, he must evoke pity or sympathy from the audience; it is easy to feel sympathy for Willy because he does have dreams and does not intend to fail.
From the Paper "Here we see how Willy stretches the truth for no real reason at all. Perhaps Willy acts this way because of his need to feel loved and appreciated but, whatever the cause, it certainly evokes sympathy from the audience. To compound things, Willy even lies to Happy later when he tells him that he is well liked in his profession. Willy not only lies to himself, he also lies to everyone else, with exceptional ease. Instead of hating Willy, we are moved to feel pity for him that he must behave this way. It is also pitiful when Biff attempts to tell Willy that he is nothing "but a hard-working drummer who landed in the ash can like all the rest of them!" "
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"Death of a Salesman" and "The Glass Menagerie", 2006. A discussion on the failure of the American dream , as described in "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller and "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams. 1,385 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 0 sources, $ 46.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses the lives of the main families in the plays "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller and "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams. It describes the way in which the Loman family experienced tragedy because they hoped and depended too much on the belief that subsistence to the American dream would, inherently, be the catalyst that will propel them towards economic prosperity and success. It then contrasts this to the Wingfield family who experienced tragedy because they thrived in the culture of hopelessness, believing that the world in itself was too cruel and their life was an already tragic one.
From the Paper "The Wingfield family of "Glass," meanwhile, suffered not from the hopefulness, but from the sheer lack of it. The pervasiveness of hopelessness in the family affected the lives and attitudes of Amanda and Tom. Like the Loman sons Biff and Happy, Tom failed to realize that hard work was the best recourse to take in alleviating his family's hardships and sufferings, taking them out of the tragic lives they led. From Tom's end, in fact, he showed no conscious effort to redeem himself from the fact that will always be poor and underprivileged, in the midst of the affluent lives of other people in the society they lived in."
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"Death of a Salesman", 2005. This paper compares the contrasting views of the American Dream of two characters, Willie and Charlie, in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman". 1,375 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 45.95 »
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Abstract This paper explains that Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" came out in 1949 during a postwar period of exceptional prosperity and optimism in the American Dream, which is the idea that anybody willing to work hard can have it all, at an all time high. The author points out that Willie, who is already a "has been" when the story opens, believes that wheeling and dealing is the essence of the American Dream; whereas, Charlie, who has a different view of the world and isn't caught up in dreams like Willie's, sees earning a living more concretely. The paper relates that it is significant that Willie, who believes so completely and aims so high, fails while Charlie, who is more realistic, succeeds.
From the Paper "Willie's idea of success is based on money. Towards the end Willie says to Charlie, "Funny, y'know? After all the highways, and the trains, and the appointments, and the years, you end up worth more dead than alive." He's thinking of his $20,000 life insurance policy that would give Biff a new chance to make good. Charlie answers, "Willy, nobody's worth nothin' dead." Charlie values life more than money. Charlie's identity isn't all tied up in his son's accomplishments and doesn't require hitting the big time. Willie says to him (about Biff's career as a football player), "When this game is over, Charley, you'll be laughing out of the other side of your face. They'll be calling him another Red Grange. Twenty-five thousand a year." Charlie, unimpressed with money and fame, kids, "Who is Red Grange?" "
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"Death of a Salesman", 2006. An analysis of the character of Willy Loman in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman". 920 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 31.95 »
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Abstract In this analysis of Arthur Miller's drama "Death of a Salesman" the writer provides an assessment of the dual roles of Willy Loman. It looks at how on the one hand Willy is a victimizer who hurts others and on the other hand he is an individual who has been a victim. It also argues that his loss of belief in his illusions causes him to commit suicide.
From the Paper " Arthur Miller's famous drama Death of a Salesman features protagonist Willy Loman, a washed up salesman whose delusions make him believe he is still highly skilled and in demand.Willy maintains a number of illusions that ..."
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Play: "Death of a Salesman", 2005. This paper analyzes Arthur Miller's classic play "Death of a Salesman". 920 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 31.95 »
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Abstract This paper is an essay about the play "Death of a Salesman" on the toxic nature of the American Dream. The author focuses on the roles of women in the play. The paper states that typically women in the play are either a dutiful housewife or a whore.
From the Paper "There is only one woman who has a major role in Arthur Miller's classic drama about the toxicity of the American Dream "Death of a Salesman". Willy Loman's wife Linda is a devoted and hardworking housewife who tries to ..."
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Maturation in "Death of a Salesman", 2005. Examines the character, Biff's maturation from material values to spiritual values in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman". 875 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 31.95 »
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Abstract In Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman", Willy Loman causes his son Biff to go through the three stages of an initiation and to learn that a person's worth is not based on material values but on spiritual values. This paper presents a brief analysis of Biff's maturation.
From the Paper "Finally, in the third and final stage of Biff's initiation, Willy causes Biff to become enlightened. Biff looks up and sees "the sky" and asks himself, "what the hell am I grabbing this [pen] for? Why am I trying to become what I don't want to be? What am I doing in an office, making a contemptuous, begging fool of myself . . . ?" (1943). He understands that Willy's teachings and set of values will not work because he has tested them and they all fail. He realizes that he and Willy are both "a dime a dozen," that he is not "a leader of men," and that he is regu-lar and that is alright (1943-1944). He says, "I'm nothing!" and breaks down and cries to Willy (1944)."
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Material Success in " Death of A Salesman", 2002. A look at the relationship of the couple in Miller's "Death of a Salesman". 900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 4 sources, $ 35.95 »
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Abstract A four-page paper on the pursuit of the American Dream in Arthur Miller's "Death of A Salesman," focusing on the quest for material success of Willy and Biff Loman.
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"Death of a Salesman", 2002. Analyzes Miller's play "Death of a Salesman" as a critical study of American culture. 1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 1 source, $ 53.95 »
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Abstract This essay analyses Arthur Miller's play, "Death of a Salesman." Miller's play is a study of American culture in a critical context, where the ideal of the "American Dream," and the myth of individual achievement is contrasted with the failings of a family, the Lomans. Willy Loman represents both the ideological success of American mythology, and the failure of that mythology in sustaining a realistic view of life. The Lomans survive in illusions, and in this essay, the power of illusions are compared with the power of the American Dream as a myth and a false promise.
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"Oedipus the King" and "Death of a Salesman", 2003. A comparative analysis of the tragic heroes from Sophocles' "Oedipus the King" and Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman." 690 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 23.95 »
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Abstract This paper examines the tragic heroes from Sophocles' "Oedipus the King" and Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman." It looks at the characteristics and fates of tragic the heroes and the effect of their quests.
From the Paper " The tragic heroes of Sophocles' Oedipus the King and Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, Oedipus and Willy Loman respectively refuse to passively accept their fate. In his essay Tragedy and the Common Man, Miller argued ..."
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Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman", 2002. Analyzes the theme of the American Dream in Miller's famous play, "Death of a Salesman". 2,530 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 76.95 »
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Abstract This paper looks at the notion of the American Dream as seen in Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman". The characters in the story are analyzed in terms of how they reflect attitudes about the American Dream, and scenes and dialogue are described to demonstrate how the story questions whether the American Dream is myth or reality.
From the Paper "Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman was written in the 1940s, and it showed that Americans after the war were questioning certain values they had long held dear and were asking whether the new world in which they found themselves would be as optimistic as the old one. The play presents a sort of Everyman in Willy Loman, the salesman who has lived his whole life on the road and who has survived largely by creating an illusion of himself not unlike the wider illusion by which Americans viewed themselves as superior in the world. Now he is faced with the loss of his illusion as he is no longer needed, and this forces him to reassess his life. The play reflects many American's concerns about the Twentieth Century and their place in it, and most of these are concerns that are still cogent today. One of the issues underlying the action is the idea of the American Dream and whether that dream is real or an illusion. The concept had fueled American optimism for decades. The concept is still raised today, though just as often it is raised as a false hope given to people with little chance of succeeding. Willy Loman is a man who believed in the American Dream but who now sees it as an illusion that has given him false hope for a better future. He believes he has done everything he was supposed to do to achieve it, yet it remains elusive."
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Production of "Death of a Salesman", 2005. This paper is describes a mock production of "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller. 3,171 words (approx. 12.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 91.95 »
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Abstract This paper talks about how things like the message, metaphor, setting, design specifics, performance space and a possible cast list for a mock performance of the play "Death of a Salesman."
From the Paper "When considering different types of theatrical productions, one of the most popular and common types is the tragedy. Normally a tragedy involves the misfortunes and death surrounding a central character who is a very important person in society. Arthur Miller takes a different look at tragedy in his production of Death of a Salesman. Miller believes that the central character does not have to be of nobility or of any great importance at all, but rather that even the death of a common man can be tragic. When considering how to do a production in general there are many things that must be taken into account before the piece can move from just a script on paper to living production. Such examples of the criteria for a live production are the message, metaphor, setting, performance space, design specifics, and cast list. First, however, a brief of the plot of the story is necessary."
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