Introduction Death of a Salesman and Glengarry Glen Ross are two plays that attempt to validate key values strongly held by capitalism. The two works focus on somewhat similar themes, but these themes are presented in different styles. Both Miller and Mamet have a similar interpretation of success in that the success of the main characters in the two plays is measured from a material point of view. According to Miller and Mamet, these characters will do anything within their reach to keep up with other members of society (the system/principle of capitalism), but as fate would have it, tragedies befall them in the end. However, Miller and Mamet interpret these themes from different perspectives. For example, Miller's writing style supports the idea that modern writing should always strive to establish the meaning, solidity, and unity that have been lost in modern ways of life. Klages defines modernity as a period (era) in which social norms and values determine the social order. Consequently, anything that goes against these norms is considered immoral and, in the social sphere, truth is the absolute element. However, on page 4 of Tragedy and the Common Man, Miller maintains a diverse position when he states that “if society alone is responsible for limiting our lives, then the protagonist's needs must be so pure and impeccable.” Although the concept of relativism is not adequately developed within this story, Miller captures all its essential elements. He judges capitalism based on what his culture thinks is right or what he personally thinks is right. He uses clear and transparent language and shares his personal feelings about capitalism with the audience accurately and clearly. We can therefore see that Miller's Death of a Salesman is in line with the elements of
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