Millers Critique of American Society in Death of a...

In Death of a Salesman Miller offers a critique of American society. What is this critique and how is it conveyed to the audience? In Death of a Salesman Miller explores and exposes modern American society in a brutal and scathing manner. His analysis and critique is conveyed clearly to the audience concluding that society is based on a corrupt and immoral capitalist dream. Miller implies this through the Loman family and their struggle to survive and compete. Techniques Miller employs to illustrate this are symbolism, characters and structure. Capitalism had an effect on every aspect of the 1940s’ American society. McCarthy witch hunts were rife and creating a fear of communism, many American artists and authors felt disenchanted by†¦show more content†¦In addition to this Howard isn’t concerned how long Willy has been with the company and feels like he owes him nothing. Willy isn’t an asset in Howard’s eyes and this is represented clearly to the audience through Howard ignoring and keeping distant from Willy. â€Å"Ain’t they sweet?† Howard says about the voices of his children on the recording machine which has all his attention. Howard shows no compassion or empathy towards Willy instead is only concerned with a personal display or fulfilment. Throughout this scene Willy’s confidence reduces just like his salary demands, finally concluding in him being fired. This represents American society as being harsh and unforgiving showing that it lowers the protagonist to any level so that they can just purchase the essentials. Even when Willy voices his reason why he was a salesman in the first place and how he wants to have a funeral like David Singleman, who to the audience, is portrayed as a 84 year old, single salesman that dedicated the majority of his life to selling products even when he should be retired. Howard dismisses the â€Å"story† and disregards Willy to needing â€Å"medical help† and when he’s â€Å"better† he could come back. Following his dismissal Willy ends up in his â€Å"successful† neighbour’s office, Charley. Charley sees Willy is distraught even though Willy has come for his 50 dollars that we, the audience, know has beenShow MoreRelated The American Dream Conspiracy in Death of a Salesman Essay1728 Words   |  7 PagesArthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman tells the story of the failure of a salesman, Willy Loman. Although not all Americans are salesmen, most of us share Willy’s dream of success. We are all partners in the American Dream and parties to the conspiracy of silence surrounding the fact that failures must outnumber successes.(Samantaray, 2014) Miller amalgamates the archetypal tragic hero with the mundane American citizen. The result is the anti-hero, Willy Loman. 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