Review of Death of a Salesman (1985) by James H — 04 Aug 2005

This is the first time I've seen Death of a Salesman, and I was happy to see there is much to relate to the play today as there was in 1949. Arthur Miller can show us characters we know, hate, and love and can display all the complexities of their relationships.

Willy Loman is a older salesman having spent over 34 years at one firm. We?re not told what he sells, but for the purpose of this play it?s inconsequential. Willy is the embodiment of the modern capitalistic drive to succeed regardless of the product or its value.

As with all good fathers, he encourages his sons to follow his perception of the path to success and riches. I was reminded of all the tactics I?ve applied and have been instructed to apply in selling.

At some point it involves some superficiality, which perhaps may not be unhealthy in of itself, except selling requires the perfection of superficiality. Willy has applied all the tools and tenacity he can muster to fulfill a failed dream, and when he cannot achieve it, all his experience and family life is no solace.

Failure is obviously not foreign in arts and literature, but seldom has it been expressed as an indictment of modern capitalism and the persona often associated with success. We?ve seen Willy Loman before, but often he?s the voice of comfort and encouragemen, not quiet despair.

Willy is also in denial about his status and place in the world, of which a healthy dose is meant to inspire, but in abundance leaves us spiritually spent every time we must return to reality.