Self-Realization in Death of a Salesman and Our Town
The plays "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller and "Our Town" by Thornton Wilder relate to each other closely in their theme and purpose. Both plays have an interesting comparison of characters in which self-realization and their priorities in life make a sharp contrast. In "Death of a Salesman", Willy Loman sees material gain and the respect of others as paramount. Whereas, his son, Biff, displays a more genuine lifestyle in that he can admit that he does not know exactly his role in life but is willing to search to find true happiness. The comparison of characters in "Our Town" is a little less drastic in the manner that the characters start at about the same plane of self-actualization until one dies and then realizes life's true meaning. Emily and George start as two lighthearted teenagers. Emily is disciplined, goal-oriented, and determined but does not truly appreciate life until the end of the play. While George begins as an irresponsible teenager and ends up as a more mature but shallow adult. The authors of the play use the relationships between characters to portray their theme of life's simple pleasures that go unappreciated in a society that is driven by the eternal requirement of success.
Miller, Arthur. Death of a Salesman. Willy and Biff Loman show completely opposite approaches to life and their individual pursuit of happiness. Throughout the play of "Death of a Salesman" Willy convinces himself that the only measures of happiness and success in life are the value of your material possessions and the degree to which others respect you. These false images of life's meaning drive him to insanity and to a delusional suicide. The pressures of society force Willy to skew his goals and start down a trail of dishonesty to himself and his family. For instance, in his salesman quest Willy sleeps with a buyer's secretary simply to gain favor and a steady customer. In order to be successful he believes that he must make a good living, be liked by all his business companions, and raise boys that immediately uncover their fortunes in the world. However Willy is never a talented or top-producing salesman but he convinces himself psychologically that he's well liked and any day now he will strike it big. The desire to conform to society's idea of achievement stresses Willy so much that he actually surrounds himself with false images of success. An example is Willy's constant hallucinations in which he travels back in time to when his life was going well. Also, even in the direst of times Mr. Loman believed he would not only triumph but also come out ahead. Some may see this as a display of optimism but in reality Willy clouded his judgment with naive and irresponsible beliefs in future. In sharp contrast to his father Biff Loman wants to see the world and find his place where he is truly happy. Biff realizes he is not a naturally great or capitalistic, "I am not a leader of men, Willy, and neither are you. You were never anything but a
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Approximate Word count = 1191
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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