The American Dream In Arthur Miller's Death Of A Salesman

Kaelin Johnson
Ms. Tague
AP Literature
14 Jan. 2013

Arthur Miller, one of the most influential writers of his time and the greatest playwright of the twentieth century, had a very difficult life growing up which indeed reflected the themes of his famous works of literature; one being Death of a Salesman. The great play, Death of a Salesman, was written by Arthur Miller in 1949. This world famous play was the recipient of the 1949 “Pulitzer Prize” and the “Tony Award for best play.” This play went on to showcase over 700 performances and it has been improved b Broadway four time which enabled the play to win three “Tony Awards for Best Revival.” Even though the play was filled with great actors and an excellent script, this was not the only reason for its success. The time period form which it was written attracted many people and the audiences were able to relate to the problems of the characters on stage. In the midst of a postwar boom in 1940, many Americans were optimistic about their future and their hope for an improvement with their finances. They hoped to become rich from a commercial venture and then live a peaceful life with their families; This was their definition of the “American Dream.” Arthur Miller’s creation of Death of a salesman was completely opposite of this belief that people formed in their minds (Marino). They play’s main theme was a man’s quest to achieve the “American Dream” and his failure to ever reach it which then causes his death. This theme is well acknowledged in a quote from Death of a Salesman, “WILLY: What’s the mystery? The man knew what he wanted and went out and got it! Walked into a jungle, and comes out, the age of twenty-one,

Show More

The American Dream In Arthur Miller's Death Of A Salesman

Related Documents: The American Dream In Arthur Miller's Death Of A Salesman

Economics: Leadership and Subordinates Essay