The Impact of Societal Expectations on Individual Success in Death of a Salesman: A Critique of Capitalism and Consumerism
The Impact of Societal Expectations on Individual Success in Death of a Salesman: A Critique of Capitalism and Consumerism
In Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller critiques the capitalist society that prioritizes wealth, success, and consumerism over personal fulfillment and emotional well-being. The play highlights how societal expectations and the relentless pursuit of success often lead to personal disillusionment and failure. Willy Loman is a product of this system, believing that his self-worth is determined by his ability to achieve the American Dream, which is rooted in material success and public admiration.
The pressure to conform to these expectations weighs heavily on Willy, and his inability to attain them leads to his eventual collapse. The play examines the inherent flaws in a society that values individuals solely based on their economic output and ability to consume, rather than on their character or contributions to society. Through Willy’s tragic story, Death of a Salesman critiques a system that promotes superficial success while neglecting the emotional and psychological costs of pursuing this ideal.
Miller’s exploration of capitalism in the play reveals the emptiness of the American Dream and the destructive effects of consumerism, offering a sharp critique of a society that equates success with material wealth.
6. The Generational Conflict in Death of a Salesman: Examining the Differences Between Willy Loman’s Dreams and Biff’s Reality
A central conflict in Death of a Salesman is the generational divide between Willy Loman and his son Biff. Willy is obsessed with achieving the American Dream and believes that his success, and by extension, his family’s success, can be attained through being well-liked and pursuing material wealth. However, Biff, having experienced failure and disillusionment, rejects these ideals and seeks a different path.
This clash represents a broader theme of generational conflict, as Biff desires a more meaningful, authentic life, free from the constraints of his father’s dreams. The tension between them intensifies when Biff realizes that his father’s values and vision for his future are not aligned with his own desires for independence and self-worth. This generational struggle highlights the changing values and expectations in society, with Biff representing a shift away from the traditional ideals of success toward a more individualized notion of personal fulfillment.
Through Biff’s rejection of his father’s dreams, Miller illustrates the generational disconnect and the evolving notion of success, ultimately revealing how the cycle of failure can be broken only by facing the truth about oneself and one’s values.
