Post by amandac02 on Mar 19, 2008 20:54:16 GMT -5
Amanda Chang
Period 2
Word Count: 518
One could claim that reputation is not an accurate measure of satisfaction; however, in Arthur Miller’s play Death of a Salesman, salesman Willy Loman declares, “Be liked and you will never want” (Miller 33). Loman’s longing for popularity is strikingly evident in the capitalistic society in which we live. In examining the play’s title, Death of a Salesman, it may be inferred that the play might as well be about any of us, any American. The generality of “a salesman” implies that this salesman is no different from the rest. Indeed, Willy’s son Biff Loman substantiates this suggestion by telling Willy that the latter is simply “a dime a dozen” (132). So, in short, Willy Loman represents all people that can be categorized as the quintessential salesmen, who are all people deemed “unsuccessful” by American society.
To be sure, society forces us all to sell, to a certain degree, for we sell ourselves whenever we attempt to convince others of our appeal. In a capitalistic society, worth is directly correlated to demand. In essence, an increase in demand leads to an increase in value. And to be in high demand goes hand in hand with “being liked” (33). Undeniably, in our society the “people person” is always esteemed, evaluated as able to perform social tasks more readily. For this reason, Willy tries to convince himself and others that, “they know me up and down New England,” as this renown would boost his personal worth (31).
However, it is evident from the minute turnout at Willy’s funeral that he was not well liked; in fact, he was hardly known at all (137). This is reflective of our culture, as the average man, which Willy clearly is, does not ever reach the level of wealth that he or society attributes with success. As a matter of fact, currently about twelve percent of Americans live below the poverty line and significantly more live with growing debt, reminiscent of Willy Loman. This failure to bring in a sizeable income arises when the lack of demand for an individual renders him or her unimportant, just like an obsolete product will not produce a profit. The cutthroat nature of this capitalism is best summarized by Howard’s blatant statement, “it’s a business, kid, and everybody’s gotta pull his own weight” (80). There are no excuses for failure in our society; those who do not meet top standards are easily and ruthlessly replaced.
Our economy and culture is such that those deemed “the best” will succeed and the less able are simply disregarded. As one who did get lost in the masses, Willy Loman embodies America’s common man; it is probable that Miller’s audiences will be able to connect with Willy and be able to evaluate their own situations through the presentation of his. One’s working value nowadays is “cut and dried,” based mostly on statistical abilities and social aptitude (81). As long as capitalism is the doctrine of our economy, little emphasis will be placed on some potentially influential factors as noted by Willy: “respect, and comradeship, and gratitude” (81).
Period 2
Word Count: 518
It’s All About Popular: Capitalistic Demand in Death of a Salesman
One could claim that reputation is not an accurate measure of satisfaction; however, in Arthur Miller’s play Death of a Salesman, salesman Willy Loman declares, “Be liked and you will never want” (Miller 33). Loman’s longing for popularity is strikingly evident in the capitalistic society in which we live. In examining the play’s title, Death of a Salesman, it may be inferred that the play might as well be about any of us, any American. The generality of “a salesman” implies that this salesman is no different from the rest. Indeed, Willy’s son Biff Loman substantiates this suggestion by telling Willy that the latter is simply “a dime a dozen” (132). So, in short, Willy Loman represents all people that can be categorized as the quintessential salesmen, who are all people deemed “unsuccessful” by American society.
To be sure, society forces us all to sell, to a certain degree, for we sell ourselves whenever we attempt to convince others of our appeal. In a capitalistic society, worth is directly correlated to demand. In essence, an increase in demand leads to an increase in value. And to be in high demand goes hand in hand with “being liked” (33). Undeniably, in our society the “people person” is always esteemed, evaluated as able to perform social tasks more readily. For this reason, Willy tries to convince himself and others that, “they know me up and down New England,” as this renown would boost his personal worth (31).
However, it is evident from the minute turnout at Willy’s funeral that he was not well liked; in fact, he was hardly known at all (137). This is reflective of our culture, as the average man, which Willy clearly is, does not ever reach the level of wealth that he or society attributes with success. As a matter of fact, currently about twelve percent of Americans live below the poverty line and significantly more live with growing debt, reminiscent of Willy Loman. This failure to bring in a sizeable income arises when the lack of demand for an individual renders him or her unimportant, just like an obsolete product will not produce a profit. The cutthroat nature of this capitalism is best summarized by Howard’s blatant statement, “it’s a business, kid, and everybody’s gotta pull his own weight” (80). There are no excuses for failure in our society; those who do not meet top standards are easily and ruthlessly replaced.
Our economy and culture is such that those deemed “the best” will succeed and the less able are simply disregarded. As one who did get lost in the masses, Willy Loman embodies America’s common man; it is probable that Miller’s audiences will be able to connect with Willy and be able to evaluate their own situations through the presentation of his. One’s working value nowadays is “cut and dried,” based mostly on statistical abilities and social aptitude (81). As long as capitalism is the doctrine of our economy, little emphasis will be placed on some potentially influential factors as noted by Willy: “respect, and comradeship, and gratitude” (81).