Notes on Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller

Overview of "Death of a Salesman"

• Importance:

  • Often regarded as one of the finest dramas in American theater.

Background Information

• Author: Arthur Miller.

• Year of Creation:

  • Written in 1948.

  • Developed in a log cabin in Connecticut.

• Creation Process:

  • Miller started with the first two lines already fixed in mind.

  • Completed the final script in six weeks.

Themes and Content

• Main Theme:

  • A painful examination of American life and consumerism.

• Influence:

  • This play is credited with changing the course of modern theater.

Character Analysis

• Protagonist: Willy Loman.

  • Described as a destructive and insecure antihero.

Author's Intent

• Arthur Miller's Aim:

  • To illustrate the consequences faced by a man who lacks a firm grasp on the forces of life.