Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller

In the play, Death of A Salesman, Arthur Miller depicts the dissolution of the American family, as well as the decline of the prosperous lifestyles that defined past generations, illustrating the theme of American decadence. From page one, the idea is set in motion by Miller that “the mighty have fallen”; that society clearly is no longer a place of opportunity. In this play, Miller puts forward the idea that opportunities of past generations in areas such as education and vocation are now nonexistent. A new society is being defined by Miller and his play illustrates a complete rework of contemporary America. However, Miller is not just able to define a new society on his own. As with other Arthur Miller plays, the characters presented in this play are extremely helpful in Miller’s development. Upon developing this theme of decadence, Miller establishes characters such as Willy and Biff. In the play, Willy is a good-natured, local salesman who travels from place to place providing for his family; he is the consummate father figure, symbolic of past America. Meanwhile, the character Biff is a lazy, uneducated, womanizer who cannot find a job, symbolic of present America. These characters, along with distinct traits, provide additional support for Miller’s overwhelming argument that America clearly has become fissured from its greatness.

In the play, Death of A Salesman, one way Miller establishes his theme of decadence is through the idea that work is nonexistent. During the 20th Century when America became such a nation of opportunity, the availability of jobs never tired; however, continuing with this theme of decadence, nobody in this play is able to find a job. For example, the youngest members of the family, Biff and Happy, ...

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...y express these views “Pop, I’m nothing! I’m nothing, Pop. Can’t you understand that” (133). This vocalization once again sets up the idea that the American dream is dead and depravity has taken over the once mighty country.

In conclusion, the dissipation of American society is expertly crafted by Arthur Miller. In this play, the reader is taken step by step through the process of the death of the salesman and of the American dream (connected). It seems from the first pages the ideas are set in motion that the decadence is real; the vocalizations and the contrasting traits provide proof. In the end, this play has a specific story and it is illustrated vividly. For Miller, the dreams of the past are dead as now society is in a period of decadence; truly the only hope for reclaiming the past glory days died with Willy Loman, the true salesman for the American dream.