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DOAS: Context - Coggle Diagram
DOAS: Context
the 1940s
"cultural heart of a great nation", "cultural leader"
watergate has been a great importance to national economy- biggest and busiest port in the world- 4,000 foreign ships dock there each year
"over 60 different national origins together"- pride itself on diversity- immigrants come to the greatest city to make themselves
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lower east side is where the poorer people and the immigrants live-referred to as a "blight"- conflict between the upper and lower classes
characterised by its magnificent buildings- skyline of commercial New York with buildings crowded together is a spectacle (still characterised by this today)
Empire state building is 1,250 feet over the sidewalks- proud of this building (tallest in the world at the time)
geographic location, tremendous harbour, banking wealth (financial centre of the wealthiest nation)
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various homes, complex school system, different churches and multied storied hotels- praising urbanisation
contrasts to Willy's criticism in the play of the urbanisation and diminuation of the natural world that the Lomans thrive in
even though you are welcomed, you will be divided based on this status but that's not highlighted like the 'welcoming persona' is.
American dream
first used by historian James Truslow Adams in his 1931 book "The Epic of America"- describes the dream as a place where "life should be better and richer and fuller ... with opportunity for each according to ability."
not focused on "motor cars and high wages" but rather on a "social order" in which people are empowered to reach their highest capabilities
"recognized by others for what they are," an idea Willy wrestles with through the importance of being well liked.
Many early prospectors bought cheap land west of the Rockies in the hope of finding deposits of gold. The American Dream was a driving force in the Gold Rush of the mid to late 1800s,
America is the land of opportunity, where everyone has an equal chance of reward as the result of a productive work ethic- John D Rockerfeller began life in humble conditions, but went on to control vast corporations and the fortunes that resulted
poverty, racism, sexism keep the dream elusive for millions- the growing gulf between the affluent and middle classes [is] anathema to the American Dream- Thomas Byrne Edsall
reflected in Willy's desires to achieve social recognition and material success, but his sense of optimism is frustrated,
the promises of the future are hollow as Loman's sense of identity is unfulfilled, his relationship with Biff is fractured, and he is unable to adapt to the changing world.
Irish Potato Famine and other problems in Europe encouraged mass immigration to America. People fled in order to prosper from the freedom and financial security that they had heard existed in America.
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Great depression and WW2
mid 20th Century USA had a booming economy due to the success of the war but Miller shows how that potentially isn't good for everyone
published and set in 1949 Brooklyn, Manhattan and Boston after the great depression of 1929-39- about 15 million people were unemployed
America plummeted into the worst economic downturn it had ever faced. Companies and families lost everything, leaving a bruised national psyche that lacked confidence
illustrates the personal effects of the Great Depression. The shattered dreams of Miller's family, and of the American people, are reflected in Willy's shattered dreams
Willy is unable to attain financial or emotional stability despite a lifelong career as a salesman and a long marriage
manufacturers began to develop mechanised weaponry, advancements in medicine, and improved transportation to support the war effort
By the time the war ended in 1945, new technologies focused on domestic improvements, from washing machines and refrigerators to automobiles.
with the reaffirmation of life back at home, many Americans availed themselves of new technology, embracing a new American consumerism. Thanks to advertising many people believed they could "have it all"