To what extent is death involved, is it fear, or physical death and the reality of it?
Analyzing various images with the same, simple, title lead me toward a path of foreshadowing that something bad was to occur in the play. Let it not be confused that the simplicity of the title does however trigger an inevitable curiosity embedded deep within the thoughts of the audience. Looking back to what I thought of this play, (before watching the play) never would I have guessed that a story with such a simple title would evoke an epiphany or promote a common theme of the challenges reality brings in its many forms.
Examples of these many forms are developed throughout the relationships of the distinctive characters and the many conflicts they face including so much as inner as outer. The varying personalities are all representations of examples of truth that we as a society today try our absolute best to avoid or hide. Take Willy for example, he exhibits pride on so many levels, just as extreme as Linda, the representation of being silent, limited or even reprimanded. It was as if each of the characters were made to specifically emulate an unbearable truth representing a continuous pattern in many scenes; a pattern that is shame, found within all the characters and displayed in their actions. The characters ironically share hope, as much as hopelessness and are surrounded by an environment that seems to collapse on them from every corner as they are in search from what seems to be an irretrievable dream.
A dream of the good old days.
Nostalgia in my opinion, seems to be the backbone of the play as it is built off countless flashbacks. Flashbacks according to the dictionary is: a sudden and disturbing vivid memory of an event in the past typically as the result of psychological trauma. I found it very interesting how almost every other word in the definition had negative connotation, almost the same negativity felt after watching the play.
The play was not at all disturbing. The play was incredibly powerful especially once one analyzes the impact it made on society when it first came out. Its amazing to see how major events and key points within the play are found so often in todays society and in our daily lives. Constant struggles, overwhelming insecurity, proximate endings and floods of inner conflicts that can permanently mark us.
The ending of the play is what was most symbolic to me. The death in the form of suicide, the injustice situation that pierces the hearts of each of the characters is what I contemplated most. It meant many things, coming back to the same main idea that reality isn't pretty and truth can be detrimental.
It reminds me of a part of a quote that says, "only those who understand complexity can communicate simplicity". The author Arthur Miller did exactly this communicating life changing situations and common issues such as pride, giving in, struggles and loss (in many forms) in a highly revered play.
A dream of the good old days.
Nostalgia in my opinion, seems to be the backbone of the play as it is built off countless flashbacks. Flashbacks according to the dictionary is: a sudden and disturbing vivid memory of an event in the past typically as the result of psychological trauma. I found it very interesting how almost every other word in the definition had negative connotation, almost the same negativity felt after watching the play.
The play was not at all disturbing. The play was incredibly powerful especially once one analyzes the impact it made on society when it first came out. Its amazing to see how major events and key points within the play are found so often in todays society and in our daily lives. Constant struggles, overwhelming insecurity, proximate endings and floods of inner conflicts that can permanently mark us.
The ending of the play is what was most symbolic to me. The death in the form of suicide, the injustice situation that pierces the hearts of each of the characters is what I contemplated most. It meant many things, coming back to the same main idea that reality isn't pretty and truth can be detrimental.
It reminds me of a part of a quote that says, "only those who understand complexity can communicate simplicity". The author Arthur Miller did exactly this communicating life changing situations and common issues such as pride, giving in, struggles and loss (in many forms) in a highly revered play.
I agree. Every time I read/watch this play, it is powerful and impacting. Every character is developed beautifully, and each conflict is universal. So much of what the character's deal with resonates with me too, because we are all severely flawed at times like Willy, yet pure and good at times like Biff. Hope you continue to enjoy it as we read back through!
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