The Tragic Life of a Salesman

A detailed Summary of The Tragic Life of a Salesman


In Author Miller's relentless drama, Death of a Salesman, one is able to examine a common man and the downward spiral to his ultimate demise. This timeless drama addresses the raw, painful conflicts within one family and tackles the myth of the "American Dream." "It is the story of an aging salesman who has reached the end of his usefulness on the road." (Atkinson, 305) The common man in this tragedy is Willy Loman. Willy is portrayed as a delusional, flawed man, whose empty life is based on deception and false hopes. He is an insecure traveling salesman who has lied to himself and to his family for many, many years.

There are several conflicts that stem from Willy's flawed character. Willy has been unfaithful to his loving, supportive wife, Linda, for many years and the conflicts

within the Loman family are longstanding. One could easily say that this family is wrought with dysfunction, mainly stemming


It wasn't fate that led to Willy's downfall - it was free will. Willy's crucial failure to recognize the greater value of love and truth over being "well liked" is what ultimately led to his tragic death. Author Miller allows the reader to see the timeless lesson of a little man that is faced with the discovery of his smallness, rather than his greatness.

are his true friends and he is forever in a state of enthusiastic or depressed bewilderment." (Clurman, 308) "To Willy, success, respect, affection, and authority come to those who are 'well liked.' Greetings given gladly, doors opened eagerly, sales made readily - these represent the good life to Willy Loman." (Magill, 1367) It is somewhat ironic that Willy sacrificed much of what makes up the "American dream," in the pursuit of what he believed to be the "American dream."

The major conflict seeded in this drama is that of Willy's inner struggle with reality. He is living in a fantasy world and is co

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 656
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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