Family and Identity in Death Of A Salesman Essay

The concept of family and identity is conveyed through themes, events and relationships explored in The Death of a Salesman. The text gives insight to the isolation, the superficiality and nature of appearances as well as the nature of love in relation to family and identity.

The theme of allusion and reality is discussed as Miller explores the impact of Willys self deception and disillusionment has on his family. Willy holds great expectations for his sons in particular Biff, and perceives them as idealized people, comparing them to mythic figures and legends I thank the Almighty God you were built like Adonises. Grim irony is created as Willys disillusionment regarding his sons are juxtaposed against the reality of life were the audience can clearly see two mid thirty dysfunctional males, were Happy is a womanizer, Biff a thief . This theme relates to the concept of family and identity as it explores how the values and beliefs of the parent are instilled into the child, and how those values and ideals shape the identity and character of that child. Biff and Happy seem to be doomed to failure by the beliefs Willy has defined for them for e.g. I never got anywhere because you blew me so full of hot air. Miller also discusses the notion of success and failure through a heightened sense of dramatic irony and intensity when the audiences perception and anticipation differs significantly from that of the characters. For e.g. Ill go get the advance, and ill come back with a New York Job he (Biff) could be anything in that suit no question. No question at all. The certainty of the characters that there will be success is met with the uncertainty of the audience who see in the structural irony that they will never achieve any of those things which they desire. Willy is unique in the sense that he does not achieve the self realization or growth of a typical tragic hero, but by the end of the text represents a man who desires greatness but is reduced to nothing.

The thematic concern of the American dream is connected greatly to the theme of allusion and reality as well as the concept of family and identity. Miller questions the audience on how you can separate dreams from reality, placing strong artistic scrutiny on the American dream. Miller comments on the consequences the American Dream has on the family and how values of the society are instilled within the family unit .Willy strongly believes in the American dream, being well liked and making appearances as the key to success. His failure to gain success leads questions to be raised as to weather the American dream is attainable, weather someone can actually achieve greatness. The concept of family is demonstrated through the American Dream, as it shows the superficial nature of families in which appearances seem more important than reality. Within families the love of a family member can often be damaging and dangerous e.g.) Oh. Maybe it was the steering again. Linda responds to Willys inability to drive by making excuses rather than acknowledging deeper psychological troubles. It is Bernard and outsider who attempts to help Willy but sometimes it is better for a man to walk away. The nature of love within families is explored, were love can often be a overriding force, above both truth and reality.

Miller demonstrates the detachment and isolation which can exist in relationships within the family. In this theme, Miller also explores the effects of abandonment and betrayal on the family and identity. The sexual betrayal of Willy is represented through the recurring metaphor of the stockings which seem to foreshadow Biff discovery of Willy and the women. Will you stop mending stockings? It gets me nervous. I cant tell you, please. The psyche and consciousness of Biff is explored, were Willys betrayal has affected him almost, to the point of ruining his own life, for e.g. (Willy to Biff) you cut down your life for spite. Questions are raised as to weather forgiveness can be extended to a family member after an act of betrayal. In the Death of a Salesman Biffs perceptions of Willy are seen to undergo an irreversible change. The symbol of the rubber hose serves to illustrate Willys internal struggle with his sense of failure and his inability to provide his family basic requirements to live. Whilst he may co-exist with people in his family, he can reach out to no one for support and the inability of the family to help Willy even though they are aware of the rubber hose illustrates the distance which exists between them all.

Death of a Salesman is a text which conveys the tragic experience of Willy and the Loman family which gives valuable insights to the concept of family and identity.