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Essay / The Ideology of Capitalism in Death of a Salesman
After World War II, writers began to use their platform to express their opinions and concerns about the world. Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, performed in 1949, tells the tragedy of Willy Loman who gave his life in pursuit of the American dream. The main ideologies seen during this time were the rise of capitalism and with it, the idea that success dictates a man's worth. People strongly believed in the idea of rugged individualism where hard work and respect can help you achieve your goals. These are the ideas that Death of a Salesman appeals to. Arthur Miller uses a series of generic conventions to reinforce and critique the values of capitalism and achievement. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The use of setting suggests the idea that ordinary life in a capitalist society is oppressive. The opening of Death of a Salesman depicts Willy Loman returning home from his job as a traveling salesman. The elements of decor and staging work together to convey an oppressive atmosphere, linked to the critique of life in a capitalist society. The first sentence of “before us lies the seller's house” creates connotations of oppressive mood, conveying the claustrophobic environment in which Willy lives. Willy's house is also dwarfed by "imposing, angular forms" with buildings that "surround it on all sides." These elements use a sonic narrative voice that takes advantage of the atmosphere by using words like surround and imposing with negative connotations to heighten the readers' emotions and make the setting come alive. These elements also imply that Willy has a restricted life and is trapped in a hostile and unforgiving environment. Additionally, the surrounding buildings are also described as being a "solid vault", creating connotations in the reader's mind of an inescapable prison. These elements apparently work with the "angry orange" lighting that illuminates the scene. This creates an overall unpleasant setting for the play and creates a disturbing picture of ordinary life in a capitalist system. The characterization may encourage and endorse the ideology of capitalism. This characterization mainly through the character of Charley and the use of conflict can help to strengthen the ideas defended in a hegemonic economic system. Throughout the play, Charley embodies a radically opposite approach to life in general compared to Willy Loman. Thus, the relationship between the two men can be seen as a confrontation. This is seen symbolically through the card games they play. When Willy stops Charley's hand by saying, "If you can't play...I'm done," readers realize the underlying feeling of rivalry and competition between the two neighbors. This competition also reflects the society they live in, where they must compete to be the best. This existential gap between the two characters is also seen metaphorically with the possessions they own. “Charley bought a General Electric and it’s still going strong,” while Willy’s refrigerator “goes up belts like crazy.” This comparison shows how everything in Charley's life seems to be going smoothly while much of what Willy owns is broken and needs to be repaired, thus emphasizing how comfortable Charley is in society capitalist in which he lives. As the play progresses, the credits reveal the conventions of conflict and..