Arthur Miller is a famous social dramatist who is interested in the organic relationship between society as a whole and individual dealing with the moral and social problem in his plays. Death of a Salesman has been known as Miller's best play. In this play the leading character, Willy represents a modern common man who becomes ruined as he pursues his false dream. Willy in the midst of this modern materialistic civilization, pursues his false dream of great success with his anachronous personality and relies on the favors he can get from others. However, This method, causes him not to adjust to society and finally ends with his death. This thesis is aimed toward analyzing Willy's American Dream, aspects of alienation, the meaning of death in Miller's play Death of a Salesman.
In modern society Willy pursued the American Dream, but his fatal mistake was to pursue his dream with old-fashioned values. He admires his brother, Ben, who has a successful career life, and sets up his brother as the ideal. Willy also tried to emulate the salesman, Singleman, who had accomplished a large amount of success in regards to his popularity, personal relationships and his illustrious career. In this play, Willy doesn't see himself and the reality of society accurately. He chases his false dream of gaining material success, but his dream ultimately ends in failure. His failure, above all, stems from his antiquated views and false values.
This work reveals varying levels of alienation. First, his alienation from the current society that he operates within. Willy worked for his company for 34 years, but he is fired from his job because he can't play his role effectively within the company. also Willy wants to stay in a comfortable and cozy place, but he can't relax because his home is small and cramped even weeds can not grow in the yard. Secondly, he is alienated from his family. He has two sons named Biff and Happy. He should cling excessively to his children in order to realize his dream. However, they were given the wrong educational methods and values, so they have a difficult time adjusting to the actual society they function in and continue to wander. Linda is an obedient and devoted wife to Willy she understands her husbands need to live in his fanciful dreams. Thirdly, the alienation caused by his shortage in understanding himself as well as his self-centered character. Others are ignored while he continues to insist that his way is best although all evidence points to contrary.
As a result, Willy has ignored his aptitude as a carpenter and instead pursued material riches. Thus, trapped in the fantasy of the 'American Dream' results in his alienation and frustration. Arthur Miller ultimately intended to show modern men the error of current society and that the best way to live is with love and understanding for others. With these values we can overcome alienation and frustration. making it possible live happily with our neighbors.