Symbolism in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman Essay

Symbolism in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman In his play, Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller employs many symbols to illustrate the themes of success and failure. They include the rubber hose, the tape recorder, and the seeds for the garden. These symbols represent Willys final, desperate attempts to be successful and the failure he cannot escape. The rubber hose represents both success and failure. It is attached to the gas main in Willys house and provides him with the opportunity to commit suicide. Willy sees this as a way to finally do something for his family to make up for years of disappointment. He will no longer be a burden to them when he is gone, and they will remember him in a positive light. Yet Willy†¦show more content†¦He fires Willy, all the while playing with his new toy. While Willy is experiencing ultimate failure in the business world, the loss of his job, Howard is focusing on his own success, represented by the tape recorder. The tape recorder also reflects Willys inability to learn new technologies and adapt to society. Willy is an old-fashioned guy who made no attempt to change or evolve. He cannot even figure out how to turn off the tape recorder when he is left alone with it. Instead, he panics and calls for Howard to come help him. Not only is Willy afraid of new technology, but also he honestly believes that the old ways are best. Even when it becomes obvious to everyone else that his outdated sales tactics arent working, he still believes in them. Once again, Willys inability to change with the times leaves him unhappy and unsuccessful. In spite of all of his setbacks, Willy still has hope things will improve for his family. The seeds that he plants in the backyard garden represent this. By being successful at this one little thing, Willy will show that he cannot be written off. He will prove that everyone is wrong about him; he can be successful at something. And the garden will be something nice for his family to enjoy. Yet Willys seeds of hope are doomed to failure. He plants them at night so no one can seeShow MoreRelatedSymbolism In Arthur Millers Death Of A Salesman1783 Words   |  8 PagesEdison believes individuals cannot cheat the process of success to get to the top, they must work for it. In the play, Death of a Salesman, the author, Arthur Miller, uses the narrative techniques of imagery, motifs, and symbolism to show how success and social acceptance can be deceptive for Willy Loman and his family. Willy Loman is a troubled, self-defrauding travelling salesman. He genuinely believes in the Ameri can Dream of easy success and prosperous wealth, but he cannot achieve it. NeitherRead MoreSymbolism In Arthur Millers Death Of A Salesman717 Words   |  3 PagesArthur Miller’s â€Å"Death of a Salesman† takes place in New York City in the late 1940’s. 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