page 1119 #5 Death of a Salesman

There are multiple themes that are expressed in "Death of a Salesman". The most important themes that stood out to me when I read the play were the typical desire to reach the American Dream, abandonment, and disappointment. These three themes connect "Death of a Salesman to "The Glass Menagerie", which both share many similarities relating to characters and plot. Like the Wingfield family in "The Glass Menagerie", the Loman family in "Death of a Salesman" is striving toward the American Dream. Willy is all about being a well-liked and successful bussinesman, and he tries to instill this goal into the lives of his sons. Willy and his wife both want their family to be able to live comfortably and happily in their home. They desire financial security and happiness, which are popular characteristics of the American Dream. The next theme of abandonment can be applied to multiple characters in the story. Like Amanda and Laura feeling neglected by the father and Tom, Willy felt abandoned when his father left when he was young. Willy's sons also experience this same feeling when Willy is constantly traveling and working in order to become his idea of a perfect salesman. Finally, the theme of disappointment can be found throughout both plays. In "Death of a Salesman", Willy is disappointed in Biff for failing math and leaving to go out west and work. Biff and Happy are disappointed that their father is not doing well with business. They are also upset that he is having mental lapses and slowly losing his mind. Finally, the boys and Linda experience disappointment when they realize that they can no longer save Willy from himself in the end.