Themes
There are many social themes that were portrayed by all of characters
throughout the play. Of the most important themes is the dominance of the
positive image. For example, Willy depended on his status and image to sell his
products and exert his dominance within his trade. Also, when instructing Biff
in regards to school, Willy always emphasized not the moral actions or the
practical actions, he always advised Biff to act in a way that would boost his
status or popularity. Willy would even use Bernard as a counterexample to what
he wanted. Bernard, though he did worry about status, focused on his studies
instead of his popularity. Miller then develops this theme in a negative aspect.
Though a good reputation and popularity had served the Loman family in the short
run, those who did not focus on their status alone succeeded in the end while
people like Willy and Biff suffered. Bernard became an extremely successful
lawyer while Willy and Biff suffered. Willy’s reputation only carried his
success for a short amount of time.
Another theme that was emphasized is crucial to the characters of
Linda and Happy. The effects of an overbearing leader on other characters are
highlighted throughout the play. Both Linda and Happy were ignored and
suppressed by Willy and both were unable to express themselves as they sought
Willy’s approval. Happy was constantly seeking his father’s attention that was
devoted to Biff and his success in football. This might have led to Happy’s
behavior with woman in the future. Linda was obviously suppressed by Willy as
she wasn’t even allowed to speak. She cared deeply for Willy but she could not
express even that. She would live only for Willy, or at least until she died.
There are many social themes that were portrayed by all of characters
throughout the play. Of the most important themes is the dominance of the
positive image. For example, Willy depended on his status and image to sell his
products and exert his dominance within his trade. Also, when instructing Biff
in regards to school, Willy always emphasized not the moral actions or the
practical actions, he always advised Biff to act in a way that would boost his
status or popularity. Willy would even use Bernard as a counterexample to what
he wanted. Bernard, though he did worry about status, focused on his studies
instead of his popularity. Miller then develops this theme in a negative aspect.
Though a good reputation and popularity had served the Loman family in the short
run, those who did not focus on their status alone succeeded in the end while
people like Willy and Biff suffered. Bernard became an extremely successful
lawyer while Willy and Biff suffered. Willy’s reputation only carried his
success for a short amount of time.
Another theme that was emphasized is crucial to the characters of
Linda and Happy. The effects of an overbearing leader on other characters are
highlighted throughout the play. Both Linda and Happy were ignored and
suppressed by Willy and both were unable to express themselves as they sought
Willy’s approval. Happy was constantly seeking his father’s attention that was
devoted to Biff and his success in football. This might have led to Happy’s
behavior with woman in the future. Linda was obviously suppressed by Willy as
she wasn’t even allowed to speak. She cared deeply for Willy but she could not
express even that. She would live only for Willy, or at least until she died.