The Many Faces of Death
Death is seemingly a defined term, but its not. Through usage of language can be made to
represent physical, spiritual or emotional death. Only by closely examining the exact language
used can one understand the death taking place, and the effects that stream into everyone's life.
Willy Loman dies, this is known to be true. He crashes his car in order to show Biff how
important he was and to provide money for his wife. We see the funeral, we know he has died,
but could he have died before he hit the tree? If he did die before the crash when? Where? And
how often did it happen? Could he resurrect himself? The answers lie hidden in the words of
Arthur Miller, author of Death of a Salesman.
Willy suffers the death of his spirit. It seems to fluctuate in himself, he will be down on
life then suddenly perk up, but he always returns to having no hope. "I'm tired to death. I
couldn't make it. I just couldn't make it Linda."(13) is what Willy says to Linda after coming
home from his failed attempt to get to New England. He's dejected, feeling worthless, and
though he casually mentions it, death is on his mind. While explaining the problems on his trip
Willy says "...So I went on again- and five minutes later I'm dreamin' again, and I nearly- I have
such thoughts, I have such strange thoughts."(14) This quote shows his desperation, his thoughts
of crossing the line and ending it all. It all seems like too much for him to handle, until he has
something he can look forward too, whether it be fantasy or reality.
When Willy thinks Biff might have a chance to make it big, his whole demeanor changes.
"I'll see him in the morning; I'll have a nice talk with him. I'll get him a job selling. He could be
big in no time"(16) This new life felt by Willy, though it may...