Classic English Literature

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Classic English Literature

Relationship between father and sons in Hemingway and Death of a Salesman

“For a salesman, there is no rock bottom to life. He don’t put a bolt to a nut, he don’t tell you the law or give you medicine. He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine “(Miller 32). The author uses this quote to portray the drama in a style that is easy to understand. The story depicts the American dream and gets the reader in an uplifting mood while allowing him/her to think critically. The characters have a terrible personality and yet the author allows the reader to feel compassion for them. This raises a controversial excitement and view of the novel. The second play of the book comes out very strongly and the author’s literary skills are illuminated especially when the characters’ reactions are written in italics. This engages the reader even more and one is able to relate with the characters while understanding the writer’s point of view. The writer is also keen to engage the reader with the use of flashbacks. Willy’s visions allow the reader to relate the past with the present and understand Loman’s behavior. The author entertains the reader by use of numerous symbols throughout the drama. This makes it easier for the reader to understand the story easily. For example, Willy and his seeds or the diamonds that Ben keeps talking. In addition, the writer adds a dynamic twist to his novel through his multiple themes. These include The American Dream, rejection, betrayal and lying, all of which summarize a perfect example of an American tragedy. “The ghetto of one’s own mind and thinking can become a very dark place” (Miller 38).

Denial in Death of a Salesman and Hemingway

“There is no art that teaches us to know/ The temper, mind or spirit of any man/ Until he has been proved by government/ And lawgiving” (Miller 49). Although the title of this novel gives away the plot, the author’s classic drama creates suspense throughout the play. The writer fully utilizes the stage and tells the story by breaking down each of the character’s journey and feelings. The voices in the past and the emotions of the present are clearly depicted simultaneously. The plot of the play reveals its simplicity with more emphasis on the past and the ways in which members of a family have played a role in destroying others. The script further shows how the salesperson has led an unfulfilling and bitter life. This revelation engages the reader in an incredibly moving portrayal of an ordinary life led by a man and his problems until his titular demise.

The writer’s direction on the stage, the lights and the music gives one a sense of euphoria and hence, makes the plot even more relatable. This not only entertains but also sets a challenge to the audience long after the curtain falls. Miller’s play brings out the reality of the famous American Dream while still instilling hope. The play captures the changes and the struggle of the citizens of the post-WWII in America. The play clearly exhibits how Miller is acquainted with his characters and how people should relate with the characters even in real life. This makes it a memorable process for the audience as it is staged through relatable themes such as vulnerability and weakness in humans, which adds more sense to the quote, “And if I have to die for this pure crime,/ I am content, for I shall rest beside him;/ His love will answer mine” (Miller 72).

Work in Hemingway and Death of a Salesman

“You can’t have money lying around. You need to have that money working somewhere” (Hemingway 43). This quote portrays resilience and entrepreneurship. In this play, the writer depicts war, death and a lost of generation. He portrays his characters as tough bullfighters, athletes and soldiers and does not include a pessimistic attitude in his work. Subsequently, the characters are full of life, determination and an optimistic spirit. The characters do not show any signs of giving up and are not afraid of resistance. One of the characters is portrayed as a rare hero and the readers can easily identify with him. The book has a nice plot structure and the storyline just flows. This is more evident because the characters are easy to identify with, even in real life, especially in the end. Some of the characters worsen while others better. In addition, the theme allows one to draw a conclusion from the lessons learnt and the outstanding moral of the story is portrayed as the importance of making good decisions in life as bad ones are the cause of an unsuccessful life. The fact that the characters are incredibly human makes it easier for the reader to relate to them as if in real life. The theme further exposes each one of the characters dysfunctional lives and the inverse disappointments of idolizing humans who are nowhere near our expectations and dreams.

The play further portrays the trials and tribulations of low-income earners in the society and this is clearly depicted where one questions one of the character’s ability to cater for bills. The play brings out the contrast in citizens who have stable jobs as depicted by the lawyer characters that effortlessly provide the luxuries and needs of their family. This appears to be the writer’s overall purpose in writing Work in Hemingway and Death of a Salesman. The play therefore, displays the vital results of living a life based on commission, travel and perennial failures with a closing quote, “There is no lonelier man in death, except the suicide, than that man who has lived many years with a good wife and then outlived her. If two people love each other there can be no happy end to it” (Hemingway 47).

Works Cited

Hemingway, J. A Life Worth Living: The Adventures of a Passionate Sportsman. Guilford, Conn.: Lyons Press. 2003. Print.

Miller, A. Death of a Traveling Salesman. World in A Curtain of Green. 2011. Print.