Intricacy and complexity of Arthur Miller`s play Death of a Salesman reflect not only existential along with social anxieties and miseries, but, also, American reality of the post-war period, when the US society seemed to get rid of devastating effect of the Great Depression and aftermath of WWII. In his play Miller depicts an average American who, like the rest of the world, has a dream. However, taking into consideration national and social peculiarities of protagonist this dream is tightly connected with more ideological notion entitled – the American Dream. Thus, through play`s protagonist, Willy Loman, one may see how Miller illuminates the other side of the American Dream; therefore revealing its dark side along with social anxieties and moods of the late forties. It should be mentioned that Miller does not mention the American Dream directly, on the contrary through Willy`s words and actions one may observe the distorted vision of the American Dream. Moreover, Miller`s envision of concept of the American Dream is embedded into other characters of this play. In order to understand the complex characters here, one must go deeper into analyzing Miller`s perception and treatment of the American Dream in the play along with defying this notion.
It should be mentioned that the essential meaning of the American Dream describes this notion as great possibilities that one may get only through hard and persistent work. Thus, one may conclude that this notion can be perfectly described by saying ‘no pain, no gain’. Another key point is that the American Dream is tightly intervenes with success and its outcomes and possibilities that can be achieved only by putting all efforts and strengths together. Significantly is that a vast majority of researchers proposes their interpretations of this phenomenon. Among them is a famous historian James Truslow Adams, who gave the most accurate definition of the American Dream in his Epic of America thus revealing its main components and initial meaning that was implemented by the founders. He states that the American Dream is
“a dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for every man, with opportunity for each according to his ability or achievement. [] It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position.” (Adams, 404)
As can be seen only one`s “ability” but not “the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position” is the key that leads to a successful life and achieving this dream. (Adams, 404) Moreover, Adams makes an emphases on one`s own strengths and determination that lie in the heart of the American Dream; therefore illuminating immaterial values, as dominant. Furthermore, this definition reflects not only building elements of the American Dream, but, also, the basis of the American society which is built and based on freedom. Given these points, one may draw a conclusion that the main components of the American Dream are determination and hard work that are not bound and determined by any social or financial status. Absence or – if to be precise – unimportance of any boundaries frees pursuer of the American Dream thus presenting one with limitless possibilities in the Land of Opportunities. With this in mind, one sees that pursuer of this dream is not limited in his/her endeavors or wishes, the only obstacle that may emerge is pursuer himself.
As it was mentioned Miller does not address themes of the American Dream directly; however presence of this theme is evident. Taking into consideration author`s source of inspiration, which is sociological observations, one may see that the American dream is rooted into this play, due to that fact that it has firmly merged into American society. Moreover, Amy Sickels mentions that Miller “critically examines the myth of the American Dream.” (Sickels, 79) Notes of the American Dream are evident in characters` actions or words thus one may agree with Sickels about Miller`s critical exploration of this notion because he examined social peculiarities of the post-was America and the American Dream was an additional ingredient that shaped the US as a whole. Moreover, in the introductory part of this play it is said “[Miller`s] focusing on middle-class anxieties brought on by a society that emphasizes the hollow values of material success has struck such a responsive chord” which proves that under his exploration was the middle class`s perception of success and values that were rapidly altering after historical stressful events. With this in mind one may see that Miller does not harshly attack or criticize the notion of the American Dream, on the contrary, he gives insights into this phenomenon illuminating set of values that promote materialism and capitalistic approach to the world perception.
Moreover, Miller presents the reader with the dark side and the opposite effect of the American Dream by portraying two brothers – Willy and Ben. To put it another way, Willy and Ben are two parts of the great notion entitled the American Dream, where Ben represents its bright and the most appealing side while Willy carries its hidden one. For instance, when Ben tells Willy about what happened when he went to look for their father one may see that Ben is a perfect example of achieving the American Dream. Moreover, by stating that “when I walked into the jungle, I was seventeen. When I walked out I was twenty-one. And, by God, I was rich!” Miller exaggerates this notion for the ironical purposes but at the same time he creates not only a reason for Willy`s envy but also a perfect background with the help of which reader sees all Willy`s misconceptions and reasons of his anxiety. (Miller, 33) Furthermore, Ben`s character incarnates initial meaning of the American Dream described by Adams. A free man without any social or financial benefits goes into the world and does its best. In Willy`s brother reader may observe idealized picture of the American Dream that highlights the result rather than process of hard and deliberate work. Miller does not give any explanations about what exactly Ben had done in order to gain prosperity. Omission of this key factor gives ground for Willy`s misconceptions and misinterpretations; therefore the illuminating complexity of this notion. With this in mind one may see that Miller`s perception of the American Dream suggests that a middle-class man of the late forties stepped away from the initial meaning of this notion. This re-comprehension or subjective interpretation is caused by the ambiguity of this conception and rapidly growing promotion of the materialistic values. New interpretation and inversion of this belief is incarnated in Willy`s character which reveals its hidden side; therefore creating contrast with his brother Ben which helps reader to observe alterations of this notion better.
It should be mentioned that Willy pursues his vision of the American Dream. The play`s protagonist possesses the utter desire to be successful and fulfilled; however, it would be better to say that he wants his bank account to be filled with money which in its turn will make him contempt. His desperate and distorted envision of success turns him into a slave of the American Dream. Furthermore, Chester E. The singer claims that “Willy Loman himself gives us the corrupt version of the [American] [D]ream” which proves that Willy`s misinterpretation of this concept elucidates not only its ambiguity but also change of values in the US society. (Eisinger, 98) Truly, Willy has all things that initial notion of the American Dream rejects like consumerism, domineering position of the material values and unwillingness to work hard. Compared with Adams`s description of the American Dream Miller`s contrasting portray of this notion can be explained by change of social renters. After a chain of horrible events like WWI, the Great Depression and WWII the US society became extremely vulnerable and anxious. People tried to silence and lessen their anxiety by accumulating material wealth which created the illusion of financial stability and safety. This consumerism and materialistic values are reflected in Willy Loman and successfully passed to his sons. Taking into consideration historical events and changes in the society caused by them Miller portrays domination of material values over spiritual. Moreover, consumerism as an inevitable and inseparable component of materialism is illuminated in this play. The Author presents people`s desire to gain something to be the owner of thus making life more secure and lessening anxiety because material things can be touched, exchanged or sold unlike spiritual.
Moreover, he has his own philosophy of life that is aimed at gaining success which is comprised with wealth and materialism. Willy`s distorted envision of the American Dream puts his personality instead of his dedication and hard work in the center of gaining success. For instance, he claims that appearance and social image are everything in gaining success – “cause the man who makes an appearance in the business world, the man who creates personal interest, is the man who gets ahead. Be liked and you will never want.” (Miller, 25- 26) He invented his own ‘theory’ how to be successful which celebrates image instead of deeds. However, this concept occurred to be devastating and false not only for him, but also for his sons. Thus, Willy Loman states that “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it—because personality always wins the day.” (Miller, 51) As can be seen Miller illuminates deflective perception of the American Dream that celebrates social approval and forsakes hard work. Also, through Willy author shows how easily one loses his personality pursuing dreams of being successful. For instance, “’Cause what could be more satisfying than to be able to go, at the age of eighty-four, into twenty or thirty different cities, and pick up a phone, and be remembered and loved and helped by so many different people?” these lines reveal Willy`s longing for approval which indicates his shallow desire to gain attention, which will highlight him in the crowd thus making look like he achieved something. (Miller, 58) He desperately needs to justify his shallow existence and to prove that he can be greater than his brother. Also, subconsciously he tries to implement the same pattern into his son like in scene where Biff tells how he mocked his teacher
“BIFF: I Crossed my eyes and talked with a lithp.
WILLY: (Laughing.) You did? The kids like it?
BIFF: They nearly died laughing!” (Milller, 87)
It should be mentioned that Loman family faces collapse of the American Dream and their personal values and beliefs. Willy, being a head of the family, creates a false direction in which his family is doomed to roam instead of sailing to prosperity and a better life. He is terrible at giving parental advises because his shallowness and inability to critically evaluate situation prevents him from analyzing what is good. Willy thinks only about the reaction of others and only then assesses the situation. This pattern can be seen in Happy who does not have his own values and morals. For instance, in his talk with Biff about job one may see that Happy has the same invasion of success as Willy which is clear in these lines “I bet he’d back you. ‘Cause he thought highly of you, Biff. I mean, they all do. You’re well liked, Biff” (Miller, 20) As can be seen success can be gained only with the help of social approval and admiration but not by hard work and dedication.
Also, Miller illuminates divergent interpretation of the American Dream that shifts focus from achievement or the result of hard work to one who does it. By doing this he shows his realistic treatment and perception of this notion. He does not criticize it; on the contrary, he presents the full picture that reveals the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of the American Dream. Miller`s observations and perception of this concept can be applied and traced nowadays because consumerism and longing for social approval only doubled. Moreover, social anxiety and desire to be worthy and prosperous have increased; therefore proving that Miller`s investigation of the American Dream and social interactions were not dramatized but accurate.
Moreover, Miller does not subvert notion of the American Dream, on the contrary, he expands it presenting viewer with the other side of it. For example, contrasting Ben and Willy he presents all sides of the notion of the American Dream thus showing in which direction it heads. Furthermore, it should be mentioned that “The play’s intellectual appeal lies in Miller’s refusal to portray his characters as two-dimensional — his refusal to involve himself in a one-sided polemic attack on capitalism.” (Miller, 2) This refusal to “portray his characters as two-dimensional” highlights themes put into discussion encourages reader to look for analogies in modern society.
All things considered, pointless chase for people`s approval and attention is caused by an incorrect set of priorities and values that Miller illuminates through the prism of the American Dream. Material possessions, approval of others and consumerism are things that become tightly connected with the American Dream which distances this notion of its initial meaning. It should be mentioned that Willy`s dream and world perception is transferred to his sons who do not perceive initial notions and values of the American Dream. His distorted vision of success destroys not only his life, but also damaged life of his sons.
References
Adams, James Truslow. The Epic Of America. Boston [Mass.]: Little, Brown, and Co., 1931. Print.
Eisinger, Chester E.”Focus on Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman: The Wrong Dreams”. Critical insights: Death of a Salesman. Ed. Brenda Murphy. California: Salem Press, 2010. 95-105. Print
Miller, Arthur. Death Of A Salesman. New York: Viking Press, 1949. Print.
Sickels, Amy. “Arthur Miller´s Death of a Salesman: History of criticism.” Critical insights: Death of a Salesman. Ed. Brenda Murphy. California: Salem Press, 2010. 76-91. Print.
