Not a GREAT Man...

Death of a Salesman is the everyman drama about an American failure, but the work was an instant success when it was first staged. The play is an attack on the American dream. Does it make us see something of ourselves--something of our hopes and what we imagine might be a promise for the future? And, what is the reality of our dreams? Willy Loman escapes to death. What is the great American escape? Is there such a thing?

In Death of a Salesman, Miller writes, "I don't say he's a great man. Willie Loman never made a lot of money. His name was never in the paper. He's not the finest character that ever lived. But he's a human being, and a terrible thing is happening to him. So attention must be paid. He's not to be allowed to fall in his grave like an old dog. Attention, attention must finally be paid to such a person."

Miller also writes: "I realized what a ridiculous lie my whole life has been."

Here are a few more quotes from Death of a Salesman. Also, here's a review of the play.

Cover Art © Penguin.