Customer Reviews

Death O/A Salesmn (Blm's Nts) (Oop) (Bloom's Notes)

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Although most readers will develop an emotional attachment to the downtrodden family, the language is just too dry and dull. In short, the scenes are boring. The characters have very little physical action, no humor, and no eccentricity. The only upside is that it's easy to understand and a quick read. But clearly better seen than read.

This play continues to attract international audience. In Japan, there are so many Willy Lomans under long-term recession. To my surprise, the top reason of death for Japanese men from 30's to 50's years old is committing suicide. Last year, I watched Japanese version of "Death of a Salesman" in Tokyo. Famous and talented actor as the role of Willy greatly fascinated audience. It was very rare to get a big hit here in these days.

Through watching and reading this play, I felt this play told us not to end up our lives by committing suicide, but to become stronger so as to find out another option by ourselves to survive in this severe world. This is not simply an old story. We must take Miller's important message to heart.

This "classic" play that so many love for it's tragic presentation of the average man being swept up in the American dream isn't that emotionally heart wrenching as one would like to believe. The fault lies in Willy himself. Willy is too stupid to be a well loved character. I had less sympathy for his suicide than when I saw a squirrel hit by a bus. Willy brings his problems upon himself. He is not a victem of a n unfair economical system, he is just a failure. He can't be tragic. Not only does he not realize his own faults, he is a completely static character. One can feel for a character whose flaws condemn him to failure if that character is noble in spirit or purpose, or one who tries to change. Willy is neither. He's entire life has been a failure, and at his one possible moment of redemption, his single opportunity he uses to destroy himself. HTere is no tragidy, just a purposeless life. The play on the whole is much too sentimental. It doesn't prevoke deep thought, it merely leaves the reader with vague and unconnected questions.

I had to read and research two of Author Miller's books for a grade 11 English assignment. I had already read the crucible another of Miller's play's and found it absolutley brillant. I was hoping that this would also be enjoyable but was greatly disapointed. I found it to be boring, confusing and depressing. Trust me, don't read it unless you have too!!