Meaning: Success is not gained by asking others to like you, rather by working toward goals that allow you to satisfy yourself.
· Willy constantly seeks other’s approval, but fails in his home and work life. Only Linda likes him in the end. Biff seeks personal fulfillment through physical labor, and the book ends with hope for success.
· Ben symbolizes the American Dream (making something from nothing) and he finds his success without being well liked.
Narrative Voice: Arthur Miller is known for his descriptive stage directions. He is very specific about the flute used in Willie’s flashbacks. He uses it to promote peace but surrounds it with unnatural shapes. This sharp contrast is reminiscent of Willy’s naivety and the real world.
Quote 1: “There’s nothing more inspiring or – beautiful than the sigh of a mare and a new colt” (Miller 22). This shows the satisfaction and happiness Biff finds when he is away from human interference.
Quote 2: “I made the last payment on the house today. Today, dear. And there’ll be nobody home” (Miller 139). This highlights the irony in the American Dream. Home ownership is tied closely with the traditional American Dream (or so propaganda tells me), and the fact that the dream was accomplished only after Willy died makes it clear that Willy did not have the dream.
I don't think the flute is supposed to be calming, it is more like the Pide Piper, luring him away to something he can never obtain. I also don't think that Ben is the American Dream, get rich quick doesn't really match hard work = reward like Biff's idea.
ReplyDelete