What does it mean to die the death of a salesman?

Question

In Arthur Miller's book Death of a Salesman, Dave Singleman supposedly died the death of a salesman. What exactly is meant by this phrase?

Also another quote I'm having issues with is when Linda says "Life is a casting off". Can anyone explain what that pertains to?

any help would be much appreciated.

Answer 1

Willy tells Howard the reason he became a salesman in the first place: he thought that he would die the death of a salesman, namely that he would die after living a life of luxury, having been a famous, loved and respected salesman who didn't even have to leave his hotel room to make his deals.

But Willy finds that the promise that he would be rewarded for his service to the company) has gone back on his father's word by forgetting the salesman in his golden years, throwing away the peel after eating the orange, so to speak.  Howard ends the meeting by firing Willy.

The sixty-something failing salesman grows increasingly insane throughout Death of A Salesman, eventually ending his life in suicide.  I believe this was the real death of a salesman.

As for "life is a casting off" I believe that this relates to Willy's dreams of being as successful as his brother.  Casting off impossible dreams could be what this means but I am guessing.