Death of a Salesman - Essay

Success is a concept that varies in definition from person to person; however it is one’s attitude towards their failures that truly determines their attainment of success. This statement is very well crafted into the play “Death of a Salesman” written by Arthur Miller. Through various characters, the play shows different depictions of success based on the approach towards the character’s respective failures. Those who refuse to acknowledge their failures and let their failures impact their ardor and zeal, often find themselves rendered unsuccessful. Yet those who take on their failures as an obstacle, overcome their shortcomings and persevere through downfalls are the ones deemed successful - despite their setbacks. Amongst many great characters, the ones that adhere to this notion of success most justly are: Willy, Linda, Biff and Happy.

To be able to attain success, one should not only be able to concede their failures but show resiliency towards them and maintain the enthusiasm they had. As shown in the play, Willy Loman is portrayed as unsuccessful since he fails to grasp onto the latter idea. He very often tries to avoid facing his failures and reassures himself by constructing false realities. When offered a job by Charley, Willy says “[He] already [has] a job” and indignantly asks Charley “[To] not insult [him]” (43). Despite the fact that Willy has not been able to get a steady income, he refuses to believe he is struggling and avoids his failure. Not only does Willy keep himself blinded to the reality of his failures, he gets discouraged whenever an incident of criticism occurs. As Willy comes back from his day of work one instance, he seems distraught and is in a very temperamental mood ready to give up his strive, only because “[The people] seem to laugh at [him] and “just pass [him] by” (36). Through this one instance of failing to be a good salesman, Willy loses all incentive to carry on and suggests to go work elsewhere, where he is more ‘liked’. Willy’s lack of acceptance for his failures and the decrement in enthusiasm due to failures he faces, is what makes him unable to be resilient and hence prevents him from the path of success.

Success can come in different forms for each individual, but ultimately it is the ability to accept and be resilient to one’s failures - even if they do not end up seeming successful according to society’s standards. Biff Loman is a fine representation of this particular belief. Despite constant mishaps in his academic and career path, Biff does not lose himself to the idea of his failures. Throughout the play he is shown to not let what his father and society sees as his failures, get to him and continues on doing what he pleases. He faces reality and acknowledges the fact that “[He is] not a leader of men…” (132), and chooses to pave his path of personal success. This is the characteristic of acceptance that one needs to attain success. He also realizes what he is capable of and recognizes that “[He] will not be bringing home any prizes [accomplishments] anymore” (132). Though the fact, that he will not be able to achieve so much in life anymore, is a failure on Biff’s part, he does not let this ruin his way of life and he continues to pursue his path while staying content with the way he is headed. Biff’s choice to take upon his failures with a strong approach and remaining steadfast on his own path without his enthusiasm being damaged, is what made him ultimately successful.

Success is not only that of academics, intellect or career but also that of connections and relations around you. To be able to maintain a healthy and positive atmosphere through the bonds you share with people around you, is a success in itself. This is displayed intricately through Linda Loman’s character. Despite her husband’s ill-mannered behaviour, Linda continues to support him and be understanding, tender and compassionate towards him. Although “[She does not] say that he’s a great man” she believes that he is a “...human being and a terrible thing is happening to him” therefore “[She] will not [allow him] to fall into his grave like an old dog” and asks for “Attention [to be] finally paid to such a human” (56). Willy has constantly treated Linda unfairly, yet still when he starts losing support and his own sons turn their backs to him, it is Linda who stands up for Willy. The failures of her marriage do not stop Linda from striving to fix matters and make things pleasant once more. Her husband is not the only one Linda shows compassion towards. When the Loman sons, Biff and Willy start to change their attitudes and their behaviours start deteriorating,