The novel Death of a Salesman, by Arthur Miller, has several themes that are seen throughout the book. One of these themes is hard work. Willy has spent his entire life working himself to the brink to provide for his family. He continues to work hard even when he has achieved nothing and is told to “take a break” from his job. Willy’s working hard attitude it also working him to death. The idea of “working hard” is also prominent in what Willy teaches to his sons. Linda and Willy are always encouraging Biff and Happy to work for their future and to at least get jobs. Instead, they are unemployed, almost penniless and yet to work for anything.
Another theme present in Death of a Salesman its love. There are many different forms of love in this novel. Willy loves his sons Biff and Happy. Linda loves her husband Willy. Willy love Linda but also loved his secretary. I believe Willy cheats on Linda because he is looking for a different kind of love. A kind of love that Linda and he do not have anymore. Another example of love in Death of a Salesman can be seen in Willy’s lack of love for his life. This important because it shows one thing that Willy has forgotten to appreciate.\
One last theme from Death of a Salesman is the American Dream. Throughout all of Willy’s life, he has been trying to achieve the American Dream. His brother Ben actually did achieve the dream. I also think that a reason is so disappointed in his sons is because he know they will never reach the same dream that he was so intent on finding.
Fred I have to disagree with you. I think that Biff and Happy still have a chance to do something with their lives, but they're going to have to get started quick and use someone other than Willy as a role model. He's quite the failure and the boys won't go anywhere if they try and follow in Willy's footsteps.
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