Analyzing Arthur Miller's 'Social Study Of A Salesman'

Responding to the idea that our past events and knowledge affect how we perceive actualities, I have responded using a expository analysis in the form of a hybrid expository creative essay directed at young adults who have conscientious views on global events and the ideals that pervade society. I will incorporate inclusive language throughout the response with numerous phrases using ‘us” and “our society” to bring a sense of responsibility to readers along with a shared understanding towards my views. Utilizing ideas and views explored by American playwright Arthur Miller along with the social philosophies of American politician Frank A. Clark allows me to paint a more intricate picture of how different experiences may alter our different
Whilst all of us are created as equals, life quickly finds a way to change that. Everyone becomes blinded by memories and knowledge as they are left to discover their own truth. The doomed “Willy Loman” from Arthur Miller’s social study “Death of a Salesman” portrays a man who is but an “empty skin” waiting to be “thrown out” by the progression of society. He is blinded by his memories and knowledge as he desperately seeks to fulfil the American dream. Willy Loman is used to represent the dangers of pursuing a dream at all costs and brings the harsh reality that not everyone can achieve their dreams. The writing style of Arthur Miller was heavily influenced by the environment he was raised in with the idea that pursuing and achieving the “American dream was something all men should aim for. We can all relate to the idea of being shaped by our surroundings just as Miller was shaped by his by reflecting on the choices we make in our own lives and questioning ourselves if they really are our “choices”. We are subconsciously injected with numerous dream, ideals and personalities as we live out our daily lives, mingling with the different circles of our society. The concept of an “American dream” blinds Willy from the truth before his eyes as he tears his family apart with his delusional pursuit of an impossible goal. Our society is becoming closer to Arthur Miller’s writing’s than we’d
Whilst our society encourages and over glamorizes people who have achieved their dreams, they fail to portray the real truth behind obtaining those dreams and the people who aren’t as fortunate. I mean, who wants know about someone that’s just a dime in a dozen? The media is a powerful tool for telling the truth but equally powerful at blinding us from it. With the release of the chauvinistic biography of Jordan Belford in the blockbuster film “The Wolf of Wall Street”, the media immortalizes a man who ascends to wealth but fails to represent the people that had to fall victim to allow the achievement of that dream. Whether pursuing a dream that results in the destruction of others or the failure of your own, society is tasked with the problematic choice of both of these options. We can either aspire to be Jordan Belford’s or Willy Loman’s as we chase the idea that isn’t ours in the race to achieve