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3 pages/≈825 words
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APA
Subject:
Literature & Language
Type:
Essay
Language:
English (U.S.)
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Topic:

Death of a Salesman: Theme of Self Deceit and Deceit

Essay Instructions:

You are asked in your graded writing assignment for this module to analyze what you see as a major theme in Miller's Death of a Salesman, especially as you witness the protagonist become overwhelmed by guilt and isolated from his family, a conflict that only escalates as Willie Loman re-experiences more and more painful memories from the past combined with more and more disappointments in his present life.
First, re-read Miller's Acts I & II of Death of a Salesman. Use the module notes and assigned readings to further guide your analysis of the play's theme. Clearly, the play grapples with the theme of self-awareness and family values (think “Barn Burning”) and what it means to pursue the “American Dream” among other possible themes. You also should review the two (2) New York Times articles related to Miller's play and its themes, so ensure you review all of the following for this assignment:
Death of a Salesman.
Miller, Arthur (1949) Death of a Salesman. ACTS I & II. Retrieved from http://www(dot)pelister(dot)org/literature/ArthurMiller/Miller_Salesman.pdf
“Attention Must Be Paid.”
Mamet, David (February 13, 2005). Attention Must Be Paid. [Op-Ed Contributor]. New York Times. NY: NY. Retrieved from http://www(dot)nytimes(dot)com/2005/02/13/opinion/13Mamet.html
Tragedy and the Common Man.
Miller, Arthur (February 27, 1949). Tragedy and the Common Man. New York Times. Retrieved from http://www(dot)nytimes(dot)com/books/00/11/12/specials/miller-common.html
Write an essay of 500 words minimum analyzing what you see as the primary theme of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, and assert why you think “attention must be paid.”
You should provide at least two (2) quotes from Act I and two (2) quotes from Act II, for no less than four (4) quotes total from the play to support your argument/s. Of course, there are many essays on this classic play, so if you use another author's commentary on the drama, such as the New York Times articles you are asked to read in this module, make sure to cite that author's article and to include the cited website using APA formatting.
I was thinking and trying to write the theme being self deceit and deceit in general. I'm really looking for 2-3 pages, 825 words isnt neccesary.

Essay Sample Content Preview:

Death of a Salesman: Theme of Self deceit and deceit
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The theme of self deceit and deceit is highlighted in different scenes of Death of a salesman especially in the Loman family as represented by the memories and actions of Willy Loman the patriarch of the family. Willy is a struggling salesman, who is deluded that he is successful and despite his efforts to make a living he struggles financially. Loman is fired from his job by his younger boss Howard Wagner. While daydreaming Willy goes back in time when Biff his older son was a successful high school football star, but is now lowly paid. Additionally, Willy, his wife Linda and younger son wrongly believe that their lives will improve despite all the hurdles they faced.
Even though, Willy believes in the American Dream, he insinuates that there is a secret to getting wealthy that his brother and otters have utilized, “Ben. It’s who you know and the smile on your face! It’s contacts, Ben, contacts” (Miller, 1949). Willy further informed his son Biff that he would be successful if other people loved him. Clearly, there is self deceit in the thoughts of Willy who has to make excuses for failure to make it big. Similarly Biff and Happy Loman family are overly conscious of the American Dream, that they also think that people are failures for not working hard. In reality, the two sons also envision impractical plans that do not represent working hard and unlikely to bring in money that would last for long.
The flashbacks and illusions cause dreams, but it is the lack of money that mainly results in self-deception. Willy was unable to face the reality that his sons could not live his dreams, while he only acknowledged his failures much later. Linda also suffers from self deceit as she is loyal to a fault that she ignores her husband’s faults and failures. In the requiem for Willy, Linda states, “Forgive me, dear. I can’t cry. I don’t know what it is, I can’t cry. I don’t understand it,” (Miller, 1949). Linda was shaken by the death of Willy, but still failed to acknowledge hat his failure to achieve his dreams led to his death.

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