Death of a Salesman

settings

crucial in highlighting themes and driving the plot forwards, collectively enhance the play’s exploration of the american dream, personal failure and the clash between aspiration and reality.

Willy’s house

in Brooklyn, overshadowed by towering apartment buildings, symbolises his struggle against the encroaching pressures of urban life and commercialism. once a symbol of the American dream, it now feels fragile and overwhelming mirroring Willy’s own feelings of inadequacy and failure.

contrast between city and nature

willy years for the freedom and opportunity represented by the natural world, as seen in his psychosis following his brother Ben’s adventurous path in Africa and Alaska. however the urban environment confines him, both physically and metaphorically, preventing him from achieving his dreams. this tension underscores Willy’s internal conflict and his ultimate sense of entrapment.

the backyard

a poignant setting where Willy tries to plant seeds, symbolising his desire to leave a legacy and nurture his family. Yet the surrounding buildings block the sunlight, illustrating the futility of his efforts and foreshadowing his tragic end.

abandonment and betrayal

Willy Loman’s life is marked by feelings of abandonment, starting with his father leaving him as a child. This theme is mirrored in Willy’s betrayal of his family through infidelity and his inability to provide emotional support. The tragedy deepens as Willy’s pursuit of success leads him to neglect the love and support his family truly needs.

fathers and sons

the strained relationship between Willy and his son Biff is central to the play. Willy’s unrealistic expectations and flawed values, such as prioritising likability over hard work, have left Biff aimless and disillusioned. this conflict highlights the generational impact of Willy’s dreams and contributes to the play’s tragic outcomes.

the american dream

Willy’s unwavering belief in in the American dream - that charisma and likeability guarantee success - blinds him to the reality of his situation. His tragic end underscores the destructive nature of this dream, as Willy sacrifices his life for the financial security he believes it would bring his family.

nature vs city

the encroachment of the city on Willy’s home symbolises the loss of personal freedom and self-determination. Willy’s yearning for a simpler, more natural life contrasts with the commercialism of the city highlighting his internal conflict and contributing to his tragic downfall.

willy loman

the protagonist, embodies the tragic consequences of chasing the american dream without self-awareness or adaptability

Biff Loman

willy’s elder son represents the conflict between reality and illusion. once a promising athlete, he becomes disillusioned with his father’s dreams and struggles to find his own path.

Happy loman

willy’s younger son, superficially successful but lacks depth and loyalty. he mirrors willy’s misguided values and pursuit of superficial success.

linda loman

willy’s wife, the emotional anchor of the family. supports willy despite his flaws and emphasizes the play’ s theme that even ordinary lives deserve attention and respect.

charley

neighbour and willy’s only friend, a successful businessman who represents a more pragmatic approach to life. he offers willy a financial help and serves as a foil to willy.

bernard

charley’s son a hardworking and successful contrasting Biff’s lack of direction. he highlights the importance of diligence over charisma.

ben

willy’s dead adventurous brother, symbolises the success willy yearns for. his stories of wealth influence willy’s misguided beliefs about success.

bill oliver

biff’s former boss who never appears on stage, represents biff’s failed attempt to secure a future based on past connections.

stockings

symbolise Willy’s infidelity and guilt. Willy gives stockings to the woman, which represents his betrayal of Linda. This act highlights his failure as a provider and his inability to understand that emotional support is more valuable than material gifts.

flute music

the music represents willy’s father and the lost opportunities of a simpler, more fulfilling life connected to nature. underscores willy’s longing for a past he cannot reclaim.

the rubber hose

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 of the water heater leads her to the conclusion that Willy had planned to inhale gas. Like Willy's other attempted method of suicide—driving off the road in the car he uses to travel to work—the rubber hose points how the conveniences such as the car and water heater that Willy works so hard to buy to afford might, under their surface, be killing him.

the seeds

desperate to have some tangible result of a lifetime of work. By planting vegetable seeds, he is attempting to begin anew. But as Linda gently reminds him, the surrounding buildings don't provide enough light for a garden. Willy's attempt to plant the vegetable seeds at night further reinforces the futility of his efforts.