Death of a SalesmanAn Introduction

The Playwright

Arthur Miller (1915-2005) Born: Parents: Poverty:

Early Life

Work after high school: University of Michigan: Post-College: Marriage: WWII: Professionally:

Controversy

Themes in the Crucible: Denied passport. House of Un-American Activities Committee Supreme Court involvement.

Later Life

Divorce and remarriage

And again…

Death of a Salesman

Began as a short story.

Inspiration Themes: First performed in

1949 Won Pulitzer Prize

Set

POV: Protagonist Willy

Glimpses to past Walls

Style

Experiments with how non-realistic elements blend with realistic ones.

Uses REALISM and EXPRESSIONISM in a unique way to truly represent Willy, his dilemma, and also his state of mind.

Stream of consciousness

Realism

Expressionism

A Tragedy

Can “Death of a Salesman” be considered a tragedy?

Aristotle on a tragic character: A person of noble stature who has a fatal flaw

(often arrogance or over-confidence) that leads to their downfall.

Suffering is not wholly deserved and through that suffering, the character gains some self-awareness that turns his or her defeat into a sort of triumph.

Play should not leave the audience feeling depressed but rather with a sense of compassion and awe.

The Play