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Literary Analysis of Death of a Salesman: Symbolism and Characterization

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Abstract

This paper examines five critical quotations from Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, analyzing each through a distinct literary lens: theme (false illusions), characterization (Linda Loman), setting (Boston), symbolism (seeds), and imagery (stage directions). For each quotation, the analysis explores its significance, reveals character motivations and dramatic turning points, and examines Miller's deliberate stylistic choices, including tone and mood. The paper demonstrates how these literary elements collectively illustrate the tragedy of Willy Loman's inability to reconcile his fantasy of the American Dream with harsh reality, ultimately driving the play's tragic conclusion.

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What makes this paper effective

Structured analytical response: Each section follows a consistent framework (quotation, significance, authorial intent, tone/mood), making the argument methodical and easy to follow.
Specific textual grounding: All interpretations are anchored directly to Miller's language and stage directions, avoiding unsupported generalizations.
Thematic coherence: Despite analyzing five separate elements, the paper consistently traces how Miller uses each device to expose Willy's self-deception and its destructive consequences.
Demonstrates understanding of dramatic craft: The analysis moves beyond plot summary to explain Miller's deliberate use of visual symbolism (blue vs. orange light) and dialogue rhythm to reinforce meaning.

Key academic technique demonstrated

Close reading with interpretive analysis. The paper selects representative quotations and then interrogates them using guiding questions (Why is this important? What does this reveal? Why does the author say it this way?). This technique ensures that evidence directly supports claims rather than serving as mere decoration. The analysis of the Boston scene, for example, doesn't just identify the affair as a plot point—it explicitly connects Willy's reaction to his broader failure to face reality, linking the individual moment to the play's central tragedy.

Structure breakdown

The paper organizes five parallel analytical units, each beginning with a quotation, followed by a paragraph of interpretation. This parallel structure allows readers to see how different literary elements (dialogue, character action, setting, symbol, visual staging) all serve Miller's central theme of delusion versus reality. The progression moves from internal psychological truth (Willy's false hope), through family dynamics (Linda's complicity), to a turning-point revelation (Boston), then to concrete symbolic action (planting seeds), and finally to the playwright's technical vocabulary (lighting design). This sequence traces the escalating crisis from fantasy to catastrophe.

Theme: False Illusions

Quotation: "LINDA: He'll find his way. WILLY: Sure. Certain men just don't get started till later in life. Like Thomas Edison, I think. Or B.F. Goodrich. One of them was deaf. [He starts for the bedroom doorway.] I'll put my money on Biff." (Act 1)

The play focuses on how the delusion that Willy creates for himself affects both himself and his family. In the play, Willy holds to the hope that his son, Biff, will become a major business success and settle down. This, however, is very unlikely, yet Willy clings dearly to the thought. This false hope shows that Willy is unable to see reality for what it is and holds an impression that is not objective nor in a sound state of mind. This point of view is what eventually leads to Willy's suicide. The tone of this conversation is reassuring to Willy's fantasy that Biff will indeed become successful when in fact he will not, and the mood is content as Linda consoles Willy's hope such as you would a child.

Characterization: Linda Loman

Quotation: "BIFF: God Almighty, Mom, how long has he been doing this? LINDA: Don't, he'll hear you. BIFF: What in the hell is the matter with him? LINDA: It'll pass by morning." (Act 1)

In the play, Linda Loman only exemplifies the perfect American dream that Willy strives for by playing the perfect wife and mother for that day and age. She remains obedient to each and every command and keeps her opinion to herself all the while continuing to encourage Willy's fantasy view of the world. This reveals that Linda does not want anyone shattering the delusion Willy has built for himself. The tone of this passage is apathetic, like she cares for his well-being but not enough to make him see reality. The mood of the passage is desolate, almost as if they have given up hope on Willy ever seeing the world in its true light.

Setting: Boston

Quotation: "WILLY (after a pause): Well, better get going. I want to get to the school first thing in the morning. Get my suits out of the closet. I'll get my valise. (Biff doesn't move.) What's the matter! (Biff remains motionless, tears falling.) She's a buyer. Buys for J. H. Simmons. She lives down the hall—they're painting. You don't imagine—(He breaks off. After a pause.) Now listen, pal, she's just a buyer. She sees merchandise in her room and they have to keep it looking just so... (Pause. Assuming command.) All right, get my suits. (Biff doesn't move.) Now stop crying and do as I say. I gave you an order. Biff, I gave you an order! Is that what you do when I give you an order? How dare you cry! (Putting his arm around Biff.) Now look, Biff, when you grow up you'll understand about these things. You mustn't—you mustn't overemphasize a thing like this. I'll see Birnbaum first thing in the morning. BIFF: Never mind. WILLY (getting down beside Biff): Never mind! He's going to give you those points. I'll see to it. BIFF: He wouldn't listen to you. WILLY: He certainly will listen to me. You need those points for the U. of Virginia. BIFF: I'm not going there." (Act 2)

This is the point in the play where we find out why Biff never pursued summer school in order to earn his diploma and attend a university. This reveals the American dream of the story being shattered as Biff has caught his father, Willy, cheating on his mother. This reveals that for Biff, it is Willy's fault that he was never successful and that one family member's actions can affect more than just them. The tone of this passage is resentful as Biff now holds a grudge against his father, while the mood is sorrowful in that Biff is now facing internal conflict over what he has come to know: his father, a supposedly successful family man, is now revealed to be a cheater and liar.

Quotation: "WILLY: Nothing's planted. I don't have a thing in the ground." (Act 2)

Symbolism: Seeds

At this point in the play, Willy has lost all he has known—his job and has been deserted by his sons at the restaurant. As a last-ditch effort, he goes home and plants seeds in the middle of the night. These seeds represent or symbolize his last shot at success, as he does not have anything else. Even though he has worked for years, it has led to having no tangible proof of success. The tone of this conversation is almost paranoid as Willy sets his mind to go home and plant seeds in the late hours of night. The mood is brooding, as the reader does not know what is to ultimately come but can draw conclusions about Willy's desperate state of mind.

Quotation: "Only the blue light of the sky falls upon the house and forestage"

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Imagery: Stage Directions · 155 words

"Blue and orange lighting reveals fantasy versus reality"

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Key Concepts in This Paper

False Illusions American Dream Willy Loman's Delusion Linda Loman Biff's Awakening Stage Lighting Symbolism of Seeds Family Tragedy Delusional Optimism Dramatic Irony