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Arthur Miller

The author of Death of a Salesman.

October 17, 1915

The birth date of Arthur Miller in New York City.

Great Depression

A time period that affected Arthur Miller's family's financial stability.

Average student

Miller's academic performance in high school, more interested in sports than literature.

Auto parts warehouse and radio singer

Jobs that Miller worked before attending college.

The University of Michigan

The university attended by Arthur Miller.

Hopwood Award

An award won by Miller for his undergraduate plays, including No Villain (1936).

February 10, 1949

The date Death of a Salesman was first performed at the Morosco Theatre on Broadway.

Pulitzer Prize

One of the awards won by Death of a Salesman.

Critique of the American Dream

A major theme of Death of a Salesman.

Loman family

The family in Death of a Salesman, consisting of Willy, Linda, Biff, and Happy.

Traveling salesman

Willy Loman's profession.

False belief that success depends on being 'well-liked'

Willy Loman's primary flaw.

Loyal and supportive wife

Linda Loman's role in the play.

Truth and working outdoors

Biff’s view of success, contrasting with Willy’s materialistic ideals.

Desperate for love and approval

Happy's primary character trait.

Charley

Willy’s neighbor and friend, a successful and practical businessman.

Studious and successful lawyer

How Bernard contrasts with Biff.

Ben Loman

Willy’s deceased older brother who symbolizes wealth and success.

Betrayal of Linda

What Willy’s affair with 'The Woman' signifies.

Willy’s suicidal thoughts

What the rubber hose symbolizes.

Critique of materialism

Arthur Miller's criticism of the 'American Dream'.

1940s women’s roles

Addressed through Linda’s traditional role and loyalty to Willy.

Great Depression, World War II, post-war economic boom

Historical events that influenced Death of a Salesman.

Foreshadows Willy’s tragic end

The significance of the play’s title.

Harsh realities of business

What Howard Wagner represents in the play.

Societal expectations of the 1940s

What the setting reflects in the story.

Shifts between present and memories

The structure of the play exploring Willy’s psyche.

Symbolizes a 'low man'

Significance of Willy’s last name 'Loman'.

Downfall of a common man

The play's definition of tragedy.

Haunts Willy and represents unattainable dreams

Ben’s success plays in Willy’s life.

Anger and disillusionment

Why Biff burns his sneakers.

Willy commits suicide

How the play ends, hoping the insurance money will help Biff.

Heartbroken and emphasizes final mortgage payment

Linda’s reaction to Willy’s death.

Willy’s father and unattainable past

What the flute music symbolizes.

Loman family fractures and Biff’s rejection

The importance of the restaurant scene.

Downward spiral and loss of direction

The significance of Biff’s jail time.

Pride and stubbornness

Why Willy rejects Charley’s job offer.

Rewards of hard work

Importance of Bernard’s Supreme Court case contrasting with Biff’s failures.

Universal themes of ambition, identity, and family conflict

Reasons why Death of a Salesman is still relevant today.