Death of a Salesman: Historical Criticism

The play Death of a Salesman, by Arthur Miller is set in the late 1940’s, meaning that WWII had just ended. America was on the rise as big business was rebuilding and the economy was growing. Along with economic growth, morale was on the up and up as men searched for the “American Dream”. The American Dream led some men to lives filled with material possessions and success yet most men were led to jealousy, envy and even depression. This is the case with Willy Loman, the protagonist of Death of a Salesman.

Firstly, Willy Loman only lived for the “American Dream”. He is an incredibly optimistic character when it comes to his dreams, saying, “What’s the mystery? The man knew what he wanted and went out and got it! Walked right into a jungle, and comes out, the age of twenty-one, and he’s rich! The world is an oyster, but you don’t crack it open on a mattress!” (27). Willy is in a period of time where all anyone is thinking of is striking some good fortune and getting rich quick. Willy is confident for the majority of the play that if others could do it, so can he.  

Additionally, the idea of the “American Dream” was so popular at the time, that Willy emotionally invested in the idea that he would achieve his dreams. When talking with Linda he says, “You wait, kid, before it’s all over we’re gonna get a little place out in the country, and I’ll raise some vegetables, a couple of chickens…” (49). Willy is living a fantasy in which he can afford to do that. The increase in the economy in the late 1940’s led people to believe that they were had a good socioeconomic standing. This distortion of reality left many high and dry as they realized that they could never achieve those far fetched dreams that seemed to be so close. Towards the end of the play, Willy comes to the realization that his dreams will not come true. He is distraught and thinks to himself, “Why? Does it take more guts to stand here the rest of my life ringing a zero?” Ben, A figment of Willy’s conscious replies, “That’s a point, William. And twenty thousand – that is something one can feel with the hand, it is there” (92). In one last ditch effort to, at the very least, provide the opportunity for his family to achieve their dreams, Willy commits suicide so that his family may collect the insurance money. Willy was overcome by jealousy and envy as he failed to achieve his “American Dream”. This ultimately led to his suicide in an attempt to provide his family with the life that he always envisioned them having.

Overall, Miller shows the downfall of the seeming great “American Dream” through his play Death of a Salesman.

Death of a Salesman Question

Willy: "Chevrolet, Linda, it's the greatest car ever built"(21).
Willy: " That goddamn Chevrolet, they ought to prohibit the manufacture of that car"(22).

Question: Why does Willy contradict himself so obviously about something as simple as a car?

New Year's Walk

As I threw on my winter jacket and opened the sliding glass door, camera in hand, I began to reflect on the past year and how fast it went by. As I walked along the beach, logs covered in a light blanket of snow, I thought about everything I have accomplished in the past year including learning to golf, a fantastic football season and more recently, teaching myself to ski. I also thought about the new friends I have made and the relationships that have been strengthened in the past year. I finished by thinking about all my favorite memories of the year and concluding that 2015 was a fantastic year.

            Next, I began to think about the future. 2016 is going to be a huge year in my life. I am super excited for graduation and anxious to find if I have been accepted into my top choice college. The beauty of the walk reminded me that God is the ultimate creator and that he has a plan for my life. Proverbs 16:9 comes to mind as I head into the new year; “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” This next part of my life will be full of new beginnings some doors in 2016 will close but many new doors will open. I am thankful for the opportunities 2015 provided me and all the people that added to it. That being said, I cannot wait for the next step in my life and for all the changes that are yet to come.        

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Antigone Trial

I really enjoyed the Antigone trial. It took some work but was a blast. I liked that we were able to use the other classes as a jury. I hope that we are able to have more trials this year where both parties have an equal opportunity to win.

            As a judge my job was to weigh the facts and make a fair verdict. However, I was also Zeus the Greek god who operates on his on rules and rarely makes fair and logical judgments. I really liked being a judge, I feel like the job suited me well. I just wish that I was able to judge without bias due to my character.

            I was surprised by the decision of the jury. It seemed to me that the prosecution had a much stronger argument and it was presented with poise and confidence. The defense seemed to be a little frazzled and inefficient with their question asking.

           Overall, it was a great experience and I think it would be very interesting to do this again without the dress rehearsal so that everyone has to think on their feet.

Antigone Quote of the Day

"For this poor girl, doomed to the cruelest death,
And most unjust, that ever woman suffered
For an honorable action -- burying a brother
Who was killed in battle, rather than leave him naked
For dogs to maul and carrion birds to peck at" (145).

Who is the tragic hero in this play? Why?

Antigone Quote of the Day

“The she picks up the dry earth in her hands,

And pouring out of a fine bronze urn she’s brought

She makes her offering three times to the dead.

Soon as we saw it, down we came and caught her"(138).

Does Antigone have a tragic flaw? If so, what is it?

ESTP

Extravert (6%) Sensing (22%) Thinking (19%) Perceiving (28%)

1. "ESTPs are spontaneous, active folks. Like the other SPs, ESTPs get great satisfaction from acting on their impulses. Activities involving great power, speed, thrill and risk are attractive to the ESTP. Chronic stifling of these impulses makes the ESTP feel 'dead inside.'"

• Although I am not spontaneous, I do enjoy being in a position of leadership or one with power. I find speed, thrill and risk to be incredibly attractive. 

2. "Gamesmanship is the calling card of the ESTP. Persons of this type have a natural drive to best the competition. Some of the most successful salespersons are ESTPs. P.T. Barnum ("Never give a sucker an even break") illustrates the unscrupulous contingent of this type."

• I am super competitive in everything I do. Whether it be on the field, in class, or competing for food around the house. My competitive spirit is evident in every aspect of my life.

3. "Almost unconsciously ESTPs look for nonverbal, nearly subliminal cues as to what makes their quarry "tick". Once they know, they wait for just the right time to trump the unsuspecting victim's ace and glory in their conquest. Oddly enough, ESTPs seem to admire and respect anyone who can beat them at their own game."

• I love to be the best at everything I do, but in those rare cases when others are better than me, I give credit where credit is due.

4. "If I was any better, I couldn't stand it!" To an ESTP, admission of weakness feels like failure. He admires strength in himself and in others.

• I am my biggest critic. Admitting weakness, in my opinion, is equivalent to having ones eyes gouged out with a rusty spork. I like to play off of others strengths and ignore their weaknesses.

5. "'Shock effect' is a favored technique of this type to get the attention of his audience. ESTPs love to be at center stage, demonstrating feats of wonder and daring."

• I absolutely hate to be the center of attention. A large audience is my number one opponent. In a smaller group setting however, I do like to "demonstrate feats of wonder and daring." 

                                                                                                                                             

1. Loyal
2. Protective
3. Loving
4. Hard working
5. Diligent

Jack takes on the role of a "big brother" in many ways. For example, no matter how many times one does wrong to him he extents grace and forgiveness, hence his loyalty. He will stick by the side of his brothers, teammates, and friends despite what he might get in return. This loyalty turns into something called selflessness. He is willing to risk it all for  the ones he loves, whether it be devoting his time, devoting his energy, and/or devoting his money. Jack is protective; he guards the hearts of the ones he loves. He would rather see himself fail and choke up his pride than let one of his brothers, friends, or teammates take the "hit" in a sense. Ironic because  as a quarterback most of time times he is being protected. However, if he doesn't make the right decision he takes personal fault whether it be in the game, at school, or in the mists of his very busy life. Jack is loving; he chooses his friends wisely for a reason. Why is he very cautious while choosing friends? I think it's because his loyalty and protectiveness supersedes that of just a friends. He has a select set of friends who he pours himself into, just as he treats his family. He loves them with every fiber of his being, not to mention he loves without expecting return. Hardworking is also a word that helps explain the character of Jack. He doesn't quit on anything or anyone. Whether that be staying up till all hours of the night studying for a quiz in his AP Calc class, lifting weights like he's some kind of bodybuilder in hopes it will help him in three months; or not leaving a fight unresolved because he knows relationships and friendships take a lot of "hard work". That runs into my next point; Jack is diligent. Give him a task and he will accomplish it. He's not afraid of a little work... or a lot of work. He wants to fix things. Whether it be the broken cupboard in the kitchen, a water logged cell phone, or a math problem most people would never try to solve without a calculator; he is your guy. He is diligent. Diligence is defined by: having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties. He cares. Jack cares about the little things because to him they are the big things. This small composition... in comparison to the character of Jack, are just some of the reasons people are drawn to him.  He is influential. He is an example. Jack recognizes these things and he carries himself knowing he is an influence and an example to all he comes in contact with. That is why he is leading Seattle Christian School. He is a true testament to a man of God; everyone's who who comes 5 feet from him knows that. Anyone would be lucky to stumble across this man, myself included.