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What is the theme in Death of a Salesman Act 1?
In Act I, Scene 1, Miller introduces the three major themes of Death of a Salesman: denial, contradiction, and order versus disorder. When Willy returns home early from a sales trip, Linda casually asks if he wrecked the car.
Is Betrayal a theme in Death of a Salesman?
By Arthur Miller (Click the themes infographic to download.) Death of a Salesman is full of betrayal. Willy betrays Linda’s love and Biff’s trust with his affair. As the chief betrayer himself, Willy is preoccupied by the fear of betrayal.
What is a theme for death?
Themes like betrayal, vengeance, greed, honor, justice, courage, and failure are almost always portrayed in conjunction with death.
What is Willy’s dream?
He dreamed of being respected and honored by the people around him. He thought that respect and honor could be earned only by becoming a rich person. Willy was searching for that one wrong turn that he took in his life which is stopping him to achieve his dream.
Why did Willy’s boss fire him?
It’s not just that Willy isn’t making the money he needs to make (and he hasn’t for many years), nor that he’s cracked up his car; Howard doesn’t want to Willy to represent the company any longer. He fires Willy there and then.
What is the irony of Linda’s last speech?
The most ironic thing about Linda’s speech is when she says that she and the family are now “free.” In a financial sense, that’s perfectly true. Now that Linda’s finally paid off the mortgage, a great burden of debt has been lifted from everyone’s shoulders. But Linda herself is certainly not free from illusions.
What is the second theme of death of a salesman?
The second major theme of the play is contradiction. Throughout the play, Willy’s behavior is riddled with inconsistencies. In fact, the only thing consistent about Willy is his inconsistency. From the very beginning of Act I, Scene 1, Willy reveals this tendency.
What was the American Dream in death of a salesman?
The American Dream that anyone can achieve financial success and material comfort lies at the heart of Death of a Salesman.
What happens to Willy in the death of a salesman?
Willy’s life charts a course from one abandonment to the next, leaving him in greater despair each time. Willy’s father leaves him and Ben when Willy is very young, leaving Willy neither a tangible (money) nor an intangible (history) legacy.
Who are the fathers and Sons in death of a salesman?
Fathers and Sons The central conflict of the play is between Willy and his elder son Biff, who showed great promise as a young athlete and ladies’ man, but in adulthood has become a thief and drifter with no clear direction. Willy’s other son, Happy, while on a more secure career path, is superficial and seems to have no loyalty to anyone.