Death Of A Salesman: Societys Alienation Of Willy Loman :: essays research papers

Death of a Salesman Societys Alienation of Willy Loman     It is often stated that society is very judgmental. It can be seen inmovies, literary works, or just an everyday walk of life. Arthur Miller choosesto portray societys prejudice against the protagonist, Willy Loman, in his play,Death of a Salesman. Society, in this case, rejects Willy Loman because heisnt speeding class, and because he is getting up in age. Many occurranceshighlight societys judging of Willy, including him being fired, the "spite"that he recieves from his sons, and the way he alienates himself. All of these heretoforetually take place to the downfall of a strong, determined, but confused character.     Perhaps the most defeating action that happened to Willy was the loss ofhis job. All he had ever been in life was a salesman, accordingly it was the onlytrade that he was any good at. When he had the conference with Howard, he hadhis hopes up. Willy had regain ed his confidence in himself and was ready to takecontrol of his life at a very crucial time. However, Howard crushed all of thatby firing Willy, simply because he thought Willy, "needed some rest." Actually,Howard never intended to communicate Willy his job back. He was merely trying to takeWillys position because he didnt believe Willy could hack it anymore. This isa reflection of societys present day treatment of the elderly. youngergenerations now, move older people into rest homes and try to keep them out ofpublic view, for risk of embarassment. This is reflected by Howards statement,"I dont want you to represent us anymore." Societys supposal of Willyscapabilities, in this case, cost him his job.     A second occurrance that displayed Willys alienation happened in hisown family. Biff doesnt believe whatsoever in his start and has no hope forhim at all. Biff even says in act one that his father has no character. Biffis a perfect symbol for society in the play. Biff knows his father has problems,but even as a son, "cant get near him." Even though he accepts his father as afake later in life, Biff tries over and over again to reach his father and tohelp him, but an unseen barrier prevents Biff from doing so. Happy is the typethat knows whats going on with his father, but wont try to help him. Althoughit is never actually said verbatum, it is obvious that Willy has some kind ofmental problem that needs some attention. Yet even in his own home, he cant get