Essay Comparing The Crucible And Death Of A Salesman

Within The Crucible and Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller’s most famous plays, are two important protagonists that accompany a similar role in society. In The Crucible, John Proctor is a highly respected and strong man in society, but his few weaknesses bring him to a screeching halt and to his own death. Willy Loman, the protagonist in Death of a Salesman, is a vital father figure that again accompanies many weaknesses leading to his unhappy death. Both characters have exceptionally similar but also different lives. John Proctor and his name in Salam is vitally important to him and his love for the Proctor family. Proctor says, “Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because
Willy greatly struggles with his insecurity and corrupt goals he sets in life. He falsely boasts quite often attempting to hide from his self doubt and anxiety. Willy remarks: “You and Hap and I, and I’ll show you all the towns…And they know me, boys, they know me up and down New England. The finest people. And when I bring you fellas up, there’ll be open sesame for all of us, 'cause one thing, boys: I have friends.” This passage shows one of the many examples of his insecurity and boastful nature. Willy is a failure and has brainwashed himself by his belief of popularity equals success in life. “Because the man who makes an appearance in the business world, the man who creates personal interest, is the man who gets ahead. Be liked and you will never want.” This quote highlights Willy’s thought of popularity and how it can affect one in their life. This is ironic because he repeatedly claims that people will remember him which adds fuel to the fire when no-one shows at his funeral. Therefore, his family can only think that he is a liar and ultimately a failure. Willy’s fatal flaw is that he cannot accept his lack of success in life; however, he tries to use his son, Biff, to solve his problem and deal with his