BEYOND THE OBVIOUS:

Things are not always as they appear. At times many things are found to have deeper meaning. Arthur Miller displays his elusive technique as symbolism in Death of a Salesman. In this play, the author uses symbolism to establish the themes of pride and success. Furthermore, symbols are used to develop the characters of Willy, Biff and Happy.

The themes of pride and success are achieved by symbols used in Arthur Miller’s play. First of all, pride is shown when Willy refused to accept a recurring job offer from Charley. Charley asked Willy, “. . . What the hell is goin’ on in your head? . . . I offered you a job.” (Miller, 96) Willy would accept money from Charley, but would not lower himself to work for him. Charley ends up having a successful son and a good business. Even though Willy depended on Charley for income, he continually insulted him and refused a job. Willy’s sons were a source of false pride for him. He would not admit to Howard that Biff and Happy were not dependable and that he could not go to them for assistance. Moreover, Howard pointed out Willy’s false pride. When Willy said that his boys were “. . . working on a very big deal.” (83) Howard replied by saying, “This is no time for false pride, Willy,

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the death of a salesman, in his green velvet slippers in the smoker of the [train]. Willy’s car was symbolic because it is a representation of power and mobility while Willy’s life was filled with hopelessness, and despair. This burning was a symbol of his anger for his father and his giving up on the dreams that his father had always pushed him so hard for. ” (135) Willy never found any diamonds and he never found success. only a little boat looking for a harbour.

The theme of success is symbolized throughout the play by Willy’s brother, Ben, Willy’s idol, Dave Singleman and in the way Willy projects success onto his sons. In fact, the author uses symbols to establish the themes and characters in the play. Willy told Howard that the reason he became a salesman was due to Dave Singleman.

Willy’s older son, Biff, was developed by many symbols as well. Firstly, Ben gave evidence that he was always successful by the way he talked and the way he dressed. It also gave the impression that Willy felt everything closing in on him including time, debts, and relationships. Next Dave Singleman was a representation of the epitome of success to Willy, and he saw Dave as a role model.

Approximate Word count = 1571
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

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