If you read Death of an Salesman you should know the answer.?

Question

What insight into society or human nature (the human condition) does this book offer? Why was this book written?

Answer 1

Oh my goodness. Where do you start in attempting to explain this play? And the whole 'death of the American dream' business. I agree that sleep is necessary before trying to tackle this. Let me think for a bit and come back to it. A shallow answer would not suffice.

Ok, here a goes my brief, only slightly more composed response while my baby sleeps.

Willy Loman represents the typical man who is suffering the consequences of believing in 'the American dream', the need to define himself by wealth and his role as a provider. As his self worth has become so intrinsically defined by these capitalist ideals, he eventually becomes crushed by the wheels of the machine when he comes to the 'realisation' that he is worth more to his family dead than alive.

Although this is the main theme behind the novel, it is also a portrait of a family on the edge of disintegration. Willy is unable to reconcile his life with 'what could've been'. He constantly refers to his brother Ben, and the life he believes he  would have if he followed him to Alaska. This also comes through in his unrealistic hopes for his son Biff. The main tragedy of their lives is their inability to see themselves as they truly are. Willy even denies his affair to himself as he sinks further into his imagination to cushion himself from the reality.

In contrast, we are presented Willy's next door neighbour Charley, who has been able to remove himself from the rat race, and has no need to impress others. He shows no interest, nor cares about pushing his son into sport, much to Willy's disgust. Of course the outcome is a far more successful work, financial and family life.

I suppose then the insight into human nature and society could be our ability to place an emphasis on objects and wealth as opposed to spirituality or intellectualism. Also our inability to accept the truths about ourselves and others, the whole 'ignorance is bliss' idea.

That's a pretty shallow recap, and if it's for homework I hope it helped. I'm sure there's better out there.

Answer 2

Gosh, so many things. okay. the old car is symbolic, as are other things, but that farm had so much going on with it. The older lady needed someone, but oh well. then along comes some guy who tries to swindle her, and....

Okay, do you really need me to think for you. I'll just star the question and come back later when I'm not tired. Good question.

Answer 3

first of all, it's a play not a book.

second, the correct title is "death of a salesman."  

third, it's an attack on the "american dream."