Death of a Salesman A Look at the

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Death of a Salesman A Look at the Cost of the American dream eprentice.

Death of a Salesman A Look at the Cost of the American dream eprentice. sdsu. edu/F 044/egutierrez/presentation. ppt

About the Playwright: Arthur Miller n n n Born in New York City on

About the Playwright: Arthur Miller n n n Born in New York City on October 17, 1915 Began as playwright at University of Michigan Pulitzer Prize winner for Death of A Salesman Double winner of New York Drama Critics Circle Award Interview with Charlie Rose

Married Marilyn Monroe in 1956 - Divorced her in 1961

Married Marilyn Monroe in 1956 - Divorced her in 1961

Central Themes n n Addresses family conflict in post-World War II America Takes a

Central Themes n n Addresses family conflict in post-World War II America Takes a close look at the price paid for the “American Dream” Charges America with creating a capitalist materialism centered around a postwar economy This materialism skewed the original view of the “American Dream” as envisioned by the founding fathers

Major Characters n n n n Willy Loman Biff Loman Linda Loman Happy Loman

Major Characters n n n n Willy Loman Biff Loman Linda Loman Happy Loman Charley Bernard Ben n n The Woman Howard Wagner Stanley Jenny Miss Forsythe and Letta

Willy Loman Father, traveling salesman n Believes in chasing the American Dream although he

Willy Loman Father, traveling salesman n Believes in chasing the American Dream although he never achieves it n Pins his failed hopes on his sons, Biff and Happy n Becomes mentally ill when pressure of reality crushes his illusions n

Linda Loman Loving, devoted wife n Naïve and realistic of Willy’s hopes n Emotionally

Linda Loman Loving, devoted wife n Naïve and realistic of Willy’s hopes n Emotionally supportive of Willy n Willy’s strength until his tragic perishing n http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=GAk. Ka 0 X 73 mw&feature=related

Biff Loman n n Elder son, 34 years old High school standoutfootball star, many

Biff Loman n n Elder son, 34 years old High school standoutfootball star, many male friends, and female admirers Academic failures lead to a life of kleptomania Represents Willy’s vulnerable, tragic side Fails to reconcile his father’s expectations

Happy Loman Younger son, 32 years old n In Biff’s shadow all his life

Happy Loman Younger son, 32 years old n In Biff’s shadow all his life n Relentless sex and professional drive n Represents Willy’s sense of self importance and ambition n Often engages in bad business ethics n

Something to Click about n A scene from a high school performance

Something to Click about n A scene from a high school performance

Charley The Lomans’ next door neighbor n Successful businessman n Often gives Willy financial

Charley The Lomans’ next door neighbor n Successful businessman n Often gives Willy financial support n Described sadly as Willy’s only friend n Willy is jealous of Charley’s success n

Bernard Charley’s son n Successful lawyer n Often mocked by Willy for being studious

Bernard Charley’s son n Successful lawyer n Often mocked by Willy for being studious n Compared to Loman sons by Willy; they do not measure up to his success n

Ben Willy’s deceased older brother n Independently wealthy n Appears to Willy in daydreams

Ben Willy’s deceased older brother n Independently wealthy n Appears to Willy in daydreams n Willy’s symbol of success that he desperately wants for his sons n