The Symbolic Meaning of Stockings in "Death of a Salesman"

In Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman," the symbol of stockings appears multiple times throughout the text, representing various themes and ideas. These stockings, belonging to Willy Loman's mistress, serve as a metaphor for both deception and desire, shedding light on the destructive nature of Willy's pursuit of the American Dream. Through an analysis of the symbolism of stockings, this essay will explore the ways in which they contribute to the overall themes of the play, including the pursuit of success, the illusion of happiness, and the disintegration of the Loman family.

The Pursuit of Success

The stockings in "Death of a Salesman" symbolize Willy's relentless pursuit of success and wealth. From the very beginning of the play, Willy is depicted as a man who believes wholeheartedly in the American Dream, the idea that hard work and dedication will lead to success and prosperity. He sees the stockings as a representation of the material wealth that he believes will bring him happiness and fulfillment.

One example of this can be seen when Willy gives stockings to his wife, Linda, as a gift. He hopes that the stockings will serve as a reminder of his success as a salesman and, by extension, his ability to provide for his family. However, this gesture is ultimately deceptive, as Willy has obtained the stockings through his affair with another woman. The stockings, therefore, become a symbol of the lies and deceit that Willy engages in to maintain the illusion of success.

Furthermore, the stockings also symbolize Willy's desperation to achieve the same level of success as his older brother, Ben. Willy idolizes Ben and sees him as the epitome of the American Dream. When Ben shows Willy a diamond watch, he mentions that he could have bought it in Africa for a "hundred and twenty dollars." This comment prompts Willy to ask, "How can they whip cheese?" His desire to understand how Ben achieved such wealth and success drives him to pursue the same path, symbolized by the stockings.

The Illusion of Happiness

Additionally, the stockings in "Death of a Salesman" represent the illusion of happiness that Willy desperately clings to. Despite his extramarital affair and his failing career, Willy believes that acquiring material possessions, such as stockings, will bring him the happiness he desires.

Willy's belief in the power of material possessions is exemplified in his conversations with his sons, Biff and Happy. He repeatedly tells them that "the man who makes an appearance in the business world... has got to be well-liked." Willy's emphasis on being liked and having the right image reflects his belief that success and happiness are achieved through external validation and the acquisition of material wealth.

However, as the play progresses, it becomes clear that Willy's pursuit of happiness through material means is ultimately futile. Despite his efforts, he is unable to achieve the level of success he desires, and his obsession with material possessions only serves to further isolate him from his family. The stockings, therefore, symbolize the emptiness and disillusionment that result from chasing after a superficial definition of happiness.

The Disintegration of the Loman Family

The stockings in "Death of a Salesman" also serve as a metaphor for the disintegration of the Loman family. Willy's affair and his gift of stockings to Linda not only symbolize his deception but also highlight the breakdown of trust within the family.

When Biff discovers the stockings, he becomes aware of his father's infidelity and confronts him about it. This revelation shatters Biff's idealized view of his father and leads to a complete breakdown in their relationship. Biff's realization that his father is not the perfect role model he once believed him to be contributes to his own disillusionment and subsequent rejection of the American Dream.

Moreover, the stockings also contribute to the strained relationship between Linda and Willy. Although Linda is aware of Willy's affair, she chooses to remain silent and continues to support him. Her acceptance of the stockings as a gift represents her resignation to the deception and betrayal within their marriage.

As the play unfolds, the disintegration of the Loman family becomes increasingly evident. The stockings, as a symbol of deception and shattered trust, underscore the broken relationships and lack of communication that ultimately lead to the tragic end of the play.

Conclusion

The symbolism of stockings in "Death of a Salesman" plays a significant role in conveying the themes of the play. They represent Willy's relentless pursuit of success and his belief in the material possessions that he sees as a measure of happiness. Additionally, the stockings symbolize the illusion of happiness that Willy desperately clings to, as well as the disintegration of the Loman family resulting from his deception. Through their multiple appearances in the text, the stockings serve as a powerful symbol that highlights the destructive consequences of Willy's pursuit of the American Dream.

By examining the symbolism of stockings, we gain a deeper understanding of the themes and ideas explored in "Death of a Salesman." This analysis prompts us to question the true meaning of success and happiness, as well as the impact of deception and betrayal on individuals and families. The stockings serve as a reminder of the dangers of prioritizing material wealth over genuine human connections, and they invite us to reflect on our own values and aspirations in the pursuit of a meaningful life.

Bibliography

Miller, Arthur. Death of a Salesman. Penguin Books, 1998.