July 18
Overall this was a very good play as it told a good story with very interesting characters. In my opinion, the main theme I think of when I read this play is Dreams, Plans and Visions of America. The characters in the book especially Willy truly believe in the "American Dream" where someone who works hard can earn their keep and make a good living. Lies and Deceit also because everyone in this story tells lies except for perhaps Linda, and Charley. Biff and Happy lie about their jobs as well as deceiving Willy about their about their opportunities. Biff especially because he said that Oliver was considering his proposition. Willy however is the most deceitful out of all of them because he was in complete denial about everything. He was cheating on his wife, lying about the money to his wife, lying to himself about his job and to many other people like Howard, Bernard, etc.
It was this denial that he upheld to the end of the book which eventually destroyed him as he killed himself at the end. Pride also takes a big role in this as Willy is very concerned with personal reputation and looks. Some of his fondest memories are of his son looking better than all others in school. Willy also betrayed everyone as he betrayed Linda's love when he cheated on her, Biff's trust when he caught him and ultimately himself because he wasn't the person he thought he was. I also think that expectations is a important theme. Everyone in the book had some sort of expectation. Biff expected to get a loan from Oliver, Willy and Linda expected Biff to graduate college back then, Willy expected Howard to give him a job in NYC, etc but none of these really came true. So the sense of hope and dreams if used in excess, can negatively impact your ultimate future.
No comments:
Post a Comment