Death of a Salesman: Arthur Miller’s Viewpoint on Materialism: Death of a Salesman: Arthur Miller’s Viewpoint on Materialism

Ahmed W. Hachim, M.A

Authors

Ahmed W. Hachim, M.A Department of English, College of Arts, Al-Iraqia University

Abstract

Arthur Miller (1915-2005) is one of the most illustrious American playwrights duringthe post-1945 period. Miller realisesthe impact of materialism on the American society as derived from the money-oriented individual, the distorted concept of the American Dream, and corrosive Capitalism. Subsequently, he tackles it throughhis Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Death of a Salesman (1949) with great emphasis. The study examines the impact of materialism on both the individual and society alike. In addition, it raises some questions: Is perusing materialistic way of living incarnated as an attempt with dire consequences? Or is the protagonist’s undependable and incompetent character the problem behind his tragic end? Does materialism in a capitalistic society have a positive side? If so, does money overweighs morals?

Death of a Salesman: Arthur Miller’s Viewpoint on Materialism