Death Of A Salesman Tone Analysis

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In Death of a Salesman, by Arthur Miller, the complementary tones vary from at times seeming tender, climaxing to more ridiculing and harsh. The author’s intent for the tone helps identify relationships between characters and visualize their feelings on situations and their approach on handling it. The plot of the story focuses on a man concerned more on material aspects in life than on the well beings of others. He is corrupt, arrogant, and delusional. Arthur Miller makes it clear that Willy tries to achieve his “American Dream” of being successful by living vicariously through his son Biff. Willy contradicts himself with the tone of criticism and then switching it to reassuring a few moments later. This is seen in the first act when Willy criticized his son saying, “Not finding yourself at the age of thirty-four is a disgrace!” (Miller. pg 5, line 24). Willy is ridiculing Biff for not being successful by using the suggestion from his wife that he is finding himself and implying that he is shameful and not worthy of their praise. The tone is obviously angry and degrading but then s...

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