Capitalist Society in The Death of a Salesman by Arthur...

Capitalist Society in The Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller Death of a salesman is a tragedy of a common man. Throughout the play the reader sees how Willy Loman struggles to achieve something, which is beyond his capability. He has a dream, the American dream of success and accomplishment. And yet, he is not able to ever thrive because his idea of how to succeed is wrong. The times have changed, the play is set in the period of an economic boom and increasing desire for material goods in America and the Loman family is now living in a capitalist society, however, Willy seems not to have realised that things have changed. He is constantly battling between the present and the past, the†¦show more content†¦Howard therefore simply sees the relationship as diplomatic and business like and understands that Willy is not able to pull his own weight anymore. Yet for Willy this is all about loyalty gratitude and comradeship, because he was in the firm when Howards father used to carry him in his arms. Willy perceives his relationship with his boss as being far closer, than it really is. All Howard has to say to Willy, however, is that business is business. This a good example of Willys misunderstanding of the co-operative and benevolent nature of capitalism and his inadequacy to put aside feelings and emotions, which should not interfere with the business. Loman has been unable to learn that business ethics, the morality of his work-community oppose the traditions he assumed were still in action: the personal ethics of honour. Willy also has his own, distinct perception of success. For him it is all about money and being well-liked. That is how he saw Dave Singleman and assumed this was a perfect ideal of success, which he, himself, could achieve becoming a salesman. He imagines that pursuing the same career in the same merchandise field, he will be just like Dave Singleman: Without ever leaving his room, at the age of eighty-four, make his living. His dream was to prove himself within the capitalist system, which requires a personShow MoreRelatedEssay about Marxism and the Fall of Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman2986 Words   |  12 Pagespost-Depression America, the United States endured internal battles in political ideologies between capitalists and Marxists, which is the focus of Arthur Miller’s play Death of a Salesman. 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