Symbolism in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman"

Introduction

Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" is a cornerstone of American theater, exploring the disillusionment of the American Dream through the life of Willy Loman, a struggling salesman. The play is rich in symbolism, which Miller uses to deepen the narrative and offer insights into the characters' internal conflicts, societal issues, and the overarching themes of the play. This essay will examine key symbols in "Death of a Salesman"—including seeds, the stockings, and the rubber hose—to reveal how they contribute to the play's critique of the American Dream and the modern capitalist society.

Body Paragraph 1: Seeds

One of the most potent symbols in "Death of a Salesman" is the seeds that Willy Loman desperately plants in his backyard. The seeds symbolize Willy's hope and yearning for growth, renewal, and legacy. Throughout the play, Willy's fixation on planting seeds mirrors his desire to cultivate something that will outlast him, reflecting his deep-seated need for validation and success. In a pivotal scene, Willy says, "I've got to get some seeds. I've got to get some seeds, right away. Nothing’s planted. I don’t have a thing in the ground." This moment underscores the emptiness and futility he feels about his life and career. The seeds also symbolize Willy's failure to provide for his family and leave a lasting legacy, as the barren, urbanized environment of his home renders the act of planting seeds almost absurd. Thus, the seeds poignantly reflect Willy's existential struggle and the impossible dream he chases.

Body Paragraph 2: The Stockings

The stockings in "Death of a Salesman" serve as a complex symbol of guilt, infidelity, and economic hardship. When Willy gives new stockings to his mistress while his wife, Linda, mends her old ones, the stockings become a tangible reminder of his betrayal and moral failure. Miller uses the stockings to highlight Willy's internal conflict and the disintegration of his moral compass. The scene where Linda is seen mending her stockings evokes a sense of sacrifice and devotion, contrasting sharply with Willy's actions. The stockings also represent the economic struggles the Loman family faces. Linda's act of mending old stockings signifies the family's financial instability and Willy's inability to provide for them, exacerbating his feelings of inadequacy. This dual symbolism of the stockings underscores the personal and societal pressures that contribute to Willy's downfall.

Body Paragraph 3: The Rubber Hose

The rubber hose in "Death of a Salesman" symbolizes Willy's existential despair and his contemplation of suicide as a means of escape from his failures. The hose represents a constant, looming threat to Willy's life, indicating his deteriorating mental state and the weight of his unfulfilled dreams. When Biff discovers the rubber hose and confronts Linda, it becomes clear that Willy's despair is not a private struggle but a family crisis. Linda's acknowledgment of the hose and her plea for Biff to communicate with his father reveal the deep fractures within the family dynamic. The rubber hose, therefore, encapsulates the pervasive sense of hopelessness that permeates the Loman household. It also symbolizes the destructive nature of the American Dream, as Willy's relentless pursuit of success leads him to consider ending his own life to provide financial security for his family through insurance money. The rubber hose is a chilling reminder of the ultimate cost of Willy's delusions and societal pressures.

Conclusion

In "Death of a Salesman," Arthur Miller employs powerful symbolism to unravel the complexities of Willy Loman's character and critique the American Dream. The seeds, the stockings, and the rubber hose serve as multifaceted symbols that enrich the narrative and illuminate the play's central themes. Through these symbols, Miller not only portrays Willy's personal struggle but also critiques the broader societal values that contribute to his downfall. The seeds symbolize Willy's futile quest for growth and legacy, the stockings represent his guilt and economic hardship, and the rubber hose signifies his existential despair. Together, these symbols weave a poignant commentary on the human condition, the elusive nature of the American Dream, and the profound impact of societal expectations on individual lives.