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Context of Death of a Salesman (Arthur Miller (1947 first stage success…
Context of Death of a Salesman
Arthur Miller
born in 1915- middle class, Jewish, New York living family
family struggled financially in 1930s great depression
plays explore overwhelming political and economic forces
1947 first stage success "All My Sons"
family struggling after WW II fighter son goes MIA
Americans suffering wartime loss
economy and politics affect ordinary people trying and failing to make their way
1949 second, bigger success "death of a Salesman"
national fame and Pulitzer Prize
Americans empathise with man struggling to fulfil dreams in a ever changing society
Married Marilyn Monroe in 1956
other plays ("The Crucible" and "A View From the Bridge") confirmed him as powerful social commentator
accused of communist sympathiser in 1952 (punished when refused to talk)
courage and principles earned him respect and- outspoken defender of freedom
Historical context
late 1940s New York- moment of rapid change
emerge from WW II and great depression suffering- on the verge of sustained 1950-60s
American dream is reborn
play references to modern goods and brands shows America becoming a consumerist society dominated by marketing
explores what is lost in rush to modernity and Willy Loman is a victim to new, more ruthless capitalism
age of mass marketing and new tech= salesman is useless
power and wealth concentrated to big cities due to urbanisation
opening sound of flute reminds that America is being lost or forgotten
setting
Loman house is "small" and "fragile" compared to "towering, angular shapes" of sky scrapers
claustrophobic, suffocating neighbourhood intensifies drama and illustrates loss of older, traditional, wild frontier America
differnt time settings shown by different spaces
painful memories of Willy= frontstage
during his psychological collapse past and present uncontrollably collide using lighting to make audience unsettled
American dream
American dream shows everyone can have equality and freedom
Wealth and property can be won by anyone who works hard
Charley and Bernard work hard and live a happy,respectful life
Shows how destructive dream is to Lomans
Lomans judge success on personal popularity, initiative, and self-reliance
success makes them lose sight of reality
Capitalism
Willy fired when no longer an asset despite all his loyal and hard work
judges own value financially and kills himself to be of material worth to family
spotlight on family to expose reality behind ideal American families celebrated in ads