Introduction
In the play “Death of a Salesman,” written by Arthur Miller, the main themes are portrayed with the help of a variety of symbols. They are intertwined with the memories of the main character, Willy Loman, who reflects on his failure as an employee, a husband, and a father. This technique allows considering the events through the lens of one’s life and connects the emotions of the man to the feelings of people around him. Therefore, the material success and the impossibility to attain it alongside denial and attempts to compensate for the adverse outcomes are represented by symbols, such as footballs, cars, diamonds, seeds, champagne, and stockings.
Football and the Seemingly Bright Future
One of the main themes in the play, which is Willy’s illusions regarding his son’s bright future, is depicted with the use of football. It symbolizes deceit and directly indicates the upcoming frustrations related to the former’s unrealistic expectations. In the first scene in act 1, Biff tells about the ball as if he “borrowed it from the locker room,” whereas, in fact, he simply stole it. This lie evokes concerns in his mother, Linda, and she insists on returning it to the school. This event demonstrates the questionable morals of the boy, whom the father believes to be potentially successful in life. In this way, the case with the football resembles an open statement of Biff’s vice, whereas Willy refuses to see it. The latter claims that the son is ambitious and capable of becoming a businessman in the future while ignoring the discrepancy between his perceptions and reality.
Car as a Part of the American Dream
Another symbol in the play being significant for the narrative is a car, and it is related to Willy’s failure to achieve the American dream. Chevrolet is typically associated with this endeavor as it is one of the most popular vehicles produced in the United States. Hence, the fact that in the beginning, the man owns a car of this brand adds to the idea of his willingness to pursue the mentioned goal. In the third scene, act 1, he confirms this stance by claiming it is “the greatest car ever built” when talking to Linda. However, his views change over time, and this shift is reflected in act 2 when Willy refers to it as “that g***amn Chevrolet!” when it breaks down. This new attitude correlates with the failure in family life and career, and this symbol is essential for showing the progression of events leading to his death.
Diamonds and the Prosperity of Generations
The third element considered within the scope of this essay is the role of diamonds in ensuring prosperity for their children in the long run. These assets are tangible and serve as the clear evidence of one’s success, which is more solid than in the case when reflected solely by money. Thus, in scene 1, act 2, Willy’s uncle Ben tries to convince him to go to Alaska in a search for diamonds by saying that he has “a new continent at your doorstep.” He believes this trip can make him rich and allow him to leave a fortune to his offspring. Nevertheless, it is simply another illusion, and it is used by the author to reflect on the impossibility for Willy to gain financial security. This case demonstrates another aspect of the failure to live the American dream and is opposed to the rationality of his wife Linda, who immediately rejects the idea.
Seeds and Labor
The fourth symbol incorporated in the play is seeds, which represent Willy’s futile attempts to compensate for his misfortune. The man cannot find any value in his labor in the past and, as he puts it in scene 8, act 2, “Nothing’s planted. I don’t have a thing in the ground.” In this way, he bitterly realizes that the work he emphasized throughout his life happened to be meaningless, and everyone in the family saw it. In turn, the desire to instill his beliefs in sons also happened to be fruitless, and they formed their morals and directions varying from the ones of their father. The irony in this situation is in the fact that the place selected by the man for planting seeds does not have enough light, and even this project is doomed to failure.
Champagne and Unattainable Wealth
The fifth symbol in the play is champagne, and it indicates the fact of belonging to wealthy people. In act 2, it is referred to as “the drink of the complexion,” which means that not everyone might have access to such luxury. For Willy, it is a sign that the ones who drink it have money in the first place. Since he is overly concerned by the financial aspect of the matter, which is his main goal in life, the man continuously highlights the significance of this element. In addition, Happy, another Willy’s son, when trying to attract the attention of a girl, claims that he is a successful champagne salesman. This occasion proves that the distorted perceptions of wealth instilled by his father were somehow partially adopted by his sons, who pretend to have the goods demonstrating their favorable position in society. The only difference between Willy and his children is in the fact that the former cannot imagine life without wealth, whereas the latter’s attitude is simpler.
Stockings and the Feeling of Guilt
The last symbol used by the author to reflect on the misfortunes of Lomans is stockings, and it is connected to their unhealthy relationships. In act 1, Willy thinks about Biff’s discovery of his affair with another woman and the act of giving her Linda’s clothes. Hence, it becomes evidence of the man’s sexual infidelity and, more importantly, betrayal of family values. This element is contrasted by the above components showing the meaning of wealth for Willy and confirming his neglect of morals while paying attention solely to the external attributes of respectable people. This circumstance adds to his guilt in the end when both his financial endeavors and romantic desires fail. Thus, he neither provides for the family nor finds peace of mind and, consequently, commits suicide.
Conclusion
To summarize, the impossibility of gaining material success in the play is transmitted through a variety of symbols. The stolen football shows the deceitful nature of offspring and illusive expectations of the father. The car he drives symbolizes the American dream, which becomes unattainable as it breaks down. In turn, diamonds are viewed as a guarantee of prosperity for future generations, whereas champagne is one of the main external signs of wealth. They are opposed to seeds showing the futility of Willy’s attempts to compensate for his failure and the improper morals demonstrated by the act of giving Linda’s stockings to another woman. Thus, the consideration of the story through the lens of symbols allows for distinguishing its themes and personalities.
Reference
Miller, Arthur. Death of a Salesman. Penguin Books, 1998.