Death of a Salesman

The American Dream: Willy Loman believes that being "well-liked" and attractive are the keys to success. How does the play support or challenge this idea of the American Dream? What insights does Miller provide about the disparity between the dream and reality?

Truth vs. Illusion: Willy has a hard time separating memory, fantasy, and the present. How does Miller blur the lines of time and reality to highlight Willy's mental state? What does Willy's struggle to confront truth cost him and his family?

Father and Son Relationships: In what ways do Willy's expectations affect Biff and Happy differently? How does Biff's quest for self-awareness reflect his reaction against his father's values?

Linda's Role: Linda remains devoted to Willy, even as she sees his shortcomings. Is she a victim, an enabler, or a hero? How does her character shed light on the play's themes of dignity and self-deception?

Tragedy and the Common Man: In his essay "Tragedy and the Common Man," Miller claimed that an ordinary person can be a tragic hero. Does Willy Loman fit this description? What is his hamartia (fatal flaw), and does he gain any recognition before his death?

Social Criticism: How does Death of a Salesman critique mid-20th-century American capitalism and consumer culture? Are the challenges Willy faces tied to his time, or do they still resonate today?

The American Dream: Willy Loman spends his life believing that charm and likability are the keys to success. How does the play affirm or critique the concept of the American Dream? What insights does Miller offer about who can achieve it and what sacrifices it demands?

Self-Deception vs. Reality: Willy often struggles to tell apart memory, fantasy, and the present. In what ways does his inability—or unwillingness—to face reality affect his relationships with Biff, Happy, and Linda?

Father and Son Dynamics: The relationship between Biff and Willy is central to the play. How do Willy's aspirations for Biff's future clash with Biff's true self? Who, if anyone, bears more blame for the deterioration of their relationship?

Linda's Role: Linda remains fiercely loyal to Willy, despite his shortcomings. Does her loyalty portray her as a sympathetic character, an enabler, or something more nuanced? How does she reflect or challenge the gender expectations of mid-20th century America?

Tragic Hero: Aristotle described a tragic hero as a noble individual brought down by a significant flaw. In what ways does Willy Loman align with—or challenge—the traditional notion of a tragic hero? What might Miller be conveying by choosing an "ordinary" man as his lead?

Success and Failure: Biff and Happy react differently to their father's legacy. How do their views on work, identity, and success differ? Which brother, if either, seems to have a clearer sense of self by the play's conclusion?

Memory and Time: Miller employs a non-linear narrative, intertwining past and present through Willy's recollections. How does this storytelling technique influence the audience's perception of Willy's mental state and the play's overarching themes?

The Title: The play is titled Death of a Salesman instead of Death of Willy Loman. Why is this significant? What does it reveal about Miller's broader critique of society?