Similarities between Death of a Salesman and The Glass Menagerie

Ben: "The jungle is dark but full of diamonds, Willy... One must go and fetch a diamond out...It's dark there, but full of diamonds" (1627).

Both plays, Death of a Salesman and The Glass Menagerie, contained multiple nonrealistic elements. In the beginning stage directions of each, the description mentions dreams and how the stage is meant to convey this dreamlike state. In The Glass Menagerie, this is to illustrate the idea of memories, and in Death of a Salesman, the dreamlike stage is for Willy's imaginings. The similarity that seemed the most significant was the influence of two characters that were absent from the main characters lives. Tom's father was a driving force in Tom's decision to leave even though the father had left many years ago. For Willy, his dead brother Ben would have conversations with him in his mind that helped convince him to commit suicide. Ben tells him of the diamonds right before Willy gets in his car for the last time. Both plays incorporate dreams, memories, and imaginings to convey a truth through nonrealism.

Antagonists: Death of a Salesman

Biff: "Screw the business world!...I don't care what they think! They've laughed at Dad for years, and you know why?" (1579).

Even though Willy's pride caused his downfall, society was also involved. The expectations of society, specifically the business world, and the American dream weighed heavily on the family, especially Biff and Willy. Regardless of how hard Willy works or how much he wants to succeed, he cannot seem to get ahead in his career. The world is cutthroat, moving on when Biff and Willy could not keep up. Both Willy and Biff's lack of success causes them much strain, although they deal with the stress in different ways. The play can be considered a social commentary, reflecting on how people can work themselves to death, but sometimes that is not enough. The American dream is a tough ideal to realize, and people spend their whole lives just out of reach. The whole play was really depressing and full of unfulfilled dreams, leaving the characters struggling to cope. This tore the family apart and contributed to Willy's death.

Tragic Flaw: Death of a Salesman

"I've always tried to think otherwise, I guess. I always felt that if a man was impressive, and well liked, thta nothing-" (1602).

Even though I struggle with Willy being a tragic hero, he certainly has a tragic flaw that leads to his downfall. I just can't see Willy as a hero, but maybe that is because he is not a typical heroic character. His character is weak and he seems crazy, but his downfall comes from his pride. Willy constantly pursues popularity and the American dream, not bothering to face the reality of his situation. His relentless quest for approval takes a toll on him, and he begins to imagine people and conversations. Willy refuses to take a job from Charley, and he asks Charley not to tell Linda about him borrowing money. His pride prevents him from taking the appropriate actions to care for his family. Although Willy's denial and imaginings hurt his family, his intentions are always good as he tries to provide for them. Even with his last desperate act of suicide, Willy had his family in mind.