Death of a Salesman USE OF MEMORY IN ACT 1

 Shows Willy as being unable to cope with the present – he seeks sanctuary in the past.  Whilst at first the memories are pleasant, they soon turn sour as his failures as a man become all the more apparent.  Use of Memory scenes is a key tool used by Miller to show us the fragility of Willy and also his weaknesses.  They show how Willy can manipulate the truth to suit his own needs.  For example, in the present he cannot understand why Biff ‘with such personal attractiveness’ is a failure. The memories show us why…  Willy failed Biff as a father. Biff was a failure at school, and what’s more, a thief.  Biff believed that to be ‘well liked’ is the only thing that matters.  Highlights the fact that Willy’s view of the American Dream is warped.

Key points  Starts with a fond family scene – father and two sons  Willy gives advice and is idolised by sons; he also idolises his sons – they are seen as ‘Adonises’, a beautiful youth beloved by Aphrodite. Epitomises the idea that outward appearance are all that matter. Give off the impression of success and you will be successful. Of course, this is not true.  We see key failures in Willy’s advice.  Linda and Willy are struggling with money – they desire the material goods to show success, but can’t afford them. This is Willy’s way of appearing successful.  Miller is attacking materialism here: obtaining these goods causes strife financially; they continuously break, meaning that a new one has to purchased. He uses this to attack capitalism – American economy based on consumerism. The illusion is that obtaining commodities brings happiness. It brings Willy nothing but anguish. Again, his view of the American Dream is flawed. His fault or society’s?

 Tender love scene between Willy and Linda  Contrasts with rather lewd scene involving the Woman – Willy’s guilt in his mind.  Stockings are a symbol of this infidelity.  Memory scene ends with short, fragmented dialogue illustrating the anguish and confusion Willy feels.  His life is falling apart and rather than finding solace in the past, he only finds torment.

Question:  In what ways does the first memory scene of the play help to develop the characterisation of Willy?