Introduction
“Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller is a play that relates to the capitalist system in various ways. The play portrays the destructive impact of the capitalist ideology on human relationships. It depicts the struggles of a salesman, Willy Loman, who is trying to achieve the American Dream but is instead consumed by the capitalist system and its ideals. In his work, Miller exposes the harsh realities of capitalism: the obsession with achieving success at any cost, the commodification of personal relationships, and the preference for material success over genuine fulfillment. The play illustrates that this ideology compels individuals to prioritize self-interest, ultimately leading to the erosion of family relationships.
Analysis
The play reveals the detrimental impact of the capitalist system’s pressure to succeed at any cost on human relationships, as seen through the character of Willy Loman. Willy Loman’s drive to succeed in the capitalist system comes at the expense of his relationships with his family. He constantly puts pressure on his sons to be successful in business, telling them that “the man who makes an appearance in the business world, the man who creates personal interest, is the man who gets ahead” (Miller, 1996).
This pressure causes tension between Willy and his son Biff, as Biff struggles to meet his father’s expectations and feels like a failure. Willy’s obsession with success also leads him to have an affair, which ultimately destroys his marriage. As Linda says to Willy, “You make mountains out of molehills all the time”, indicating how Willy’s obsession with success has distorted his priorities (Miller, 1996).
“Death of a Salesman” also shows how the commodification of life and relationships further perpetuates this destructive cycle. The play engages with the capitalist system by portraying the destructive impact of its ideology on human relationships, particularly through its emphasis on material success over personal fulfillment. Another way in which the play engages with the capitalist system is through the character of Biff Loman, Willy’s son. Biff is a character who refuses to buy into the capitalist ideology and rejects the idea that success is the only measure of a person’s worth.
He is content to live a simple life and work on a farm rather than pursuing a business career: “Why am I trying to become what I don’t want to be? What am I doing in an office, making a contemptuous, begging fool of myself, when all I want is out there, waiting for me the minute I say I know who I am!” This puts him at odds with his father, who is obsessed with success and material possessions (Miller, 1996). However, Biff’s refusal to buy into the capitalist ideology allows him to form deeper and more meaningful relationships than his father, who is consumed by his desire for success.
Conclusion
Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” critiques capitalism by illustrating its devastating effect on human connection. The play highlights the system’s brutal demand for success and its elevation of material wealth above personal satisfaction. Through Willy Loman, the work illustrates how the relentless pursuit of success inevitably leads to the collapse of family relationships.
Conversely, the character of Biff Loman rejects the capitalist ideology and prioritizes personal fulfillment and meaningful relationships, which enables him to find contentment outside of the confines of the system. Ultimately, the play serves to expose the detrimental nature of the capitalist system and the significant toll it can take on individuals and their interpersonal relationships.
Reference
Miller, A. (1996). Death of a Salesman: Revised Edition. Penguin.