Topic > The Ideology of Capitalism in Death of a Salesman

After World War II, writers began to use their platform as a way to express their opinions and concerns about the world. Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, performed in 1949, tells the tragedy of Willy Loman who gave his life in pursuit of the American dream. The main ideology seen in this period was the rise of capitalism and with it the idea that success determines a man's worth. People strongly believed in the idea of ​​strong individualism where hard work and respect can help you achieve your goals. These are the ideas that Death of a Salesman appeals to. Arthur Miller uses a series of generic conventions to reinforce and criticize the values ​​of capitalism and success. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The use of setting offers the idea that ordinary life in a capitalist society is oppressive. The opening of Death of a Salesman depicts Willy Loman returning home from his job as a traveling salesman. The elements of setting and captions work together to convey an oppressive atmosphere, connecting to the critique of life in a capitalist society. The opening phrase “before us is the seller's house” creates connotations of an oppressive mood, conveying a claustrophobic environment in which Willy lives. Willy's house is also overshadowed by "towering, angular shapes" with buildings "surrounding it on all sides". These elements use a sonic narrative voice that takes advantage of the atmosphere by using words like surround and towering with negative connotations to heighten readers' emotions and make the setting seem vivid. These elements also imply that Willy has a limited life and is trapped in a harsh and unforgiving environment. Furthermore, the surrounding buildings are described as a "solid vault", creating the connotation of an inescapable prison in the reader's mind. These elements appear to work with the “angry orange” lighting that illuminates the stage. This creates an overall unpleasant environment in which the show can take place and creates a disturbing image of ordinary life in a capitalist system. The characterization can encourage and support the ideology of capitalism. This characterization, primarily through the character Charley and the use of conflict, can help reinforce ideas held in a hegemonic economic system. Over the course of the show, Charley embodies a radically opposite approach to life in general than Willy Loman. Therefore, the relationship between the two men can be seen as a confrontation. This can be seen symbolically through the card games they play. When Willy stops Charley's hand by saying, "If you can't play...I'm done," the feeling of rivalry and competition between the two neighbors becomes clear to readers. This competition also reflects the society they live in and where they have to compete to be the best. This existential gap between the two characters is also seen metaphorically with the goods they possess. "Charley bought a General Electric and it's still good", while Willy's refrigerator "waste belts like a damn maniac". This comparison shows how everything in Charley's life seems to be running smoothly while many of Willy's things are broken and need to be repaired, thus further emphasizing how comfortable Charley is with the capitalist society he lives in. conventions of conflict and characterization continue to support capitalist ideology. As Willy's world continues to fall apart, Charley tries to help..