Death of a Salesman ~ Arthur Miller

Motif: A recurring thought or idea that acts as a unifying element. Develops as a commentary on themes or on characterization in the work.

#1) Vital in New England Willy’s perception: he’s needed as a salesman The reality: he’s not good enough to get a job at the home office

#2) Debt Things are used up by the time they’re paid off (the house, the car)

#3) Boxed in “Nothing will grow here.” Life is actually closing in on Willy

#4) Personal attractiveness If you are well-liked, the whole world opens up to you (this is Willy’s belief about success. Not that hard work gets one ahead, but that you need to be well-liked)

#5) Father/son relationships Biff’s attempts to get Willy’s approval Happy is the unnoticed son; overshadowed by Biff Willy doesn’t have healthy relationships with either of his sons

#6) Theft Willy’s morals are confused; tells Biff it’s okay to steal as long as you’re well-liked (football, carton of basketballs, lumber...)

# 7) Happy...isn’t Lives in the past and the future, but not in the present Past: Future: “I’m going to get married.”

#8) Silk stockings Willy gave the stockings he’d bought for Linda to the “woman” in Boston Feels guilty every time he sees her mending stockings (which aren’t silk) Remember, this is before nylons, so stockings were made of cotton, wool...or silk

#9) Ben Represents the success that eludes Willy Willy’s ideal of what true success is: get rich quick “When I was 17 I walked into the jungle and when I was 21 I walked out and I was rich.”

#10) the flute Willy’s father made his own flutes then took his entire family with him to sell them; therefore it was an adventure Willy sells things made and owned by others and leaves his family behind; therefore it is work