Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller (Book Analysis)

This practical and insightful reading guide offers a complete summary and analysis of Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller. It provides a thorough exploration of the play’s plot, characters and main themes, including conceptions of masculinity, materialism and the American Dream. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time.

This clear and detailed 58-page reading guide is structured as follows:

• Biography of Arthur Miller
• Presentation of Death of a Salesman
• Summary of Death of a Salesman
• Character study
  • Willy Loman
  • Linda Loman
  • Biff Loman
  • Happy Loman
  • Charley
  • Bernard
  • Uncle Ben
  • The Woman
  • Howard Wagner
• Analysis of Death of a Salesman
  • The American Dream, modernity and its context
  • Immateriality in the theatrical space
  • Growing up and concepts of masculinity

About Death of a Salesman

Death of a Salesman is considered one of Arthur Miller’s significant plays. It tells the story of Willy Loman, the titular salesman, whose career is floundering as a result of his obsession with his dreams and inability to adapt to the fast-paced changes of modernity. Willy’s life is further complicated when his elder son, Biff, returns home. The relationship between father and son is extremely strained, the reasons for which are explored through flashbacks and dream sequences that take place throughout the play.

About Arthur Miller

Arthur Miller was one of the most celebrated American playwrights of the 20^th century.  After working on a variety of plays for the stage and radio, he shot to fame in 1947 with his play All My Sons, which won him his first Tony Award. His work over the next few years continued to earn him renown, as did his marriage to Marilyn Monroe in 1956. He was also called to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee later that year. He died in Connecticut in 2005.