The Portrayal of Masculinity in Death of a Salesman: Analyzing Willy Loman’s Struggles with His Role as a Man in American Society
In Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller explores the concept of masculinity through Willy Loman’s struggles with his role as a man in American society. Willy is deeply invested in the idea of being a successful provider, equating his worth as a man with his ability to achieve financial success and societal recognition. This narrow view of masculinity becomes a source of internal conflict as he falls short of his ideal, both in his career and as a father.
Willy’s obsession with providing for his family and his failure to meet the traditional standards of masculinity, such as financial success and social status, drive his emotional and psychological distress. His relationship with his sons, particularly Biff, is defined by his expectations of them becoming successful in the same way that he believes he should have. However, Biff’s rejection of these ideals creates a rift, exposing Willy’s inability to accept different definitions of manhood.
Miller critiques the traditional model of masculinity that ties success to material wealth and external validation. Willy’s breakdown serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive impact of rigid gender expectations and the importance of redefining masculinity beyond societal norms.
5. 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.