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Transcript

Willy's Company

The theme abandonment once again shows itself to the reader when Howard fires Willy from the company where he had dedicated 34 years of hard work.

This made Willy's situation more desperate.

Quotes

"Willy, you can't go to Boston for us."

"I don't want you to represent us. I've been meaning to tell you for a long time."

Biff and Happy

Likely a result of these early experiences, Willy develops a fear of abandonment, which makes him want his family to conform to the American Dream. His efforts to raise perfect sons, however, reflect his inability to understand reality. The young Biff, whom Willy considers the embodiment of promise, drops Willy and Willy’s zealous ambitions for him when he finds out about Willy’s adultery. Biff’s ongoing inability to succeed in business furthers his estrangement from Willy. When, at Frank’s Chop House, Willy finally believes that Biff is on the cusp of greatness, Biff shatters Willy’s illusions and, along with Happy, abandons the deluded, babbling Willy in the washroom.

Themes of Death of a Salesman

ABANDONMENT

Willy's Dad and Ben

American Dream?

Although Arthur Miller wrote Death of a Salesman in order to scorn the idea or the principle that is the"American Dream", this theme is not as significant or prominent as abandonment.

According to the following quotes:

Quotes

About Willy's father -

"All I remember is a man with a big beard, and I was in Mamma's lap, sitting around a fire, and some kind of high music."

About Ben -

"I have an appointment in Ketchikan Tuesday week."

"Haven't the time, William."

One of the very first examples of abandonment throughout Willy's life is when his father abandons him.

Ben also then abandons him when he departs for Alaska in order to find their father.

"Because the man who makes an appearance in the business world, the man who creates personal interest, is the man who gets ahead."

"Be liked and you will never want."

'"I never have to wait in line to see a buyer. "Willy Loman is here!" that's all they have to know and i go right through."

Introduction

Throughout the Pulitzer Winning play—Death of a Salesman, many key themes were presented such as American Dreams, Betrayal, Dreams & Reality and Abandonment. However after the examination of quotations, inferences and stage directions, we believe that abandonment is the most vital and significant theme amongst all. Several examples can verify our statement.

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