Recommended Book "Death of a Salesman"
This book is recommended because it brings the idea of confrontation upon the reality of the society especially about job opportunities which result in loss of the main character’s identity and challenges in accepting the change.
The book, “Death of a Salesman” written by Arther Miller, represents the loss of identity as in trying to accept change within the main character, Willy Loman, himself, and the society by having a connection with the American Dream. Death of a Salesman is a play that divides into two different acts with a montage of memories, dreams, confrontations, and arguments that happen to be in Willy Loman’s life. It begins with the disappointment that he has with his son Biff, not being able to find a job, and leads to the flashbacks that represent the thoughts of suicide that Willy has. After Willy gets fired from his job, he commits suicide so that he can help Biff use the insurance money and this leads to an end to the play.
“What’s the mystery? The man knew what he wanted and went out and got it! Walked into a jungle, and comes out, at the age of twenty-one, and he’s rich! The world is an oyster, but you don’t crack it open on a mattress!” (Miller 32). Willy describes Ben as a person who can be ready to take risks. With this having been said, Ben’s success results in Willy being able to express his belief in opportunities even if there are failures. This symbolizes the American Dream as in the success that Willy experiences in his way.
“I saw the things that I love in this world. The work and the food and the time to sit and smoke. And I looked at the pen and I thought, what the hell am I grabbing this for? Why am I trying to become what I don’t want to be . . . when all I want is out there, waiting for me the minute I say I know who I am” (Miller 105). There is a final confrontation between Biff and Willy in Act II. Biff seems to be very confident and feels comfortable with his knowledge however, Willy seems to be the opposite, not able to comprehend his identity. This also represents the “well-liked” -ness promised by the American Dream. Since Biff had made some mistakes, failures, he was able to be free from Willy’s expectations. Therefore, the American Dream is shown with Willy’s actions and thoughts that have been taken within the last collision. Accordingly, this book, “Death of Salesman” represents the acceptance of the change that WIlly faces with the relationship of the American Dream.