Every once in awhile, a piece of writing sets itself apart from the others in its brillia
nce. The play, Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, written in 1949, is that piece of writing. It’s one that still touches the hearts of its audience and leaves it stunned at the end.
I had a chance to see it for the third time last week on Broadway. It didn’t disappoint. Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman as Willy Loman, Andrew Garfield (of Social Network fame) as Biff, this rebirth of a masterpiece, directed by Mike Nichols, did not disappoint. In fact, I left the theatre bawling.
So what is it about this story that connects in such a powerful way? What is it that makes this story timeless?
At the Ethel Barrymore Theatre
In examining what I’d heard and seen, I realized it wasn’t just Hollywood stars taking their turns at a classic. Nor was it Mike Nichol’s brilliant direction. They all did a magnificent job bringing this play to the stage once again. But it was more than star power that had the audience on its feet in a standing ovation. It was Arthur Miller’s words that made it all happen. Without them, there wouldn’t have been this theatrical magic.
What Arthur Miller did was create a character that any man (or woman) could relate to. The lead character, Willy Loman, is a man with dreams and a man who loves his family so much that he embellishes his work life as a traveling salesman to impress his wife and his two sons. When he encounters trouble along the way, he keeps it to himself. He keeps up the facade he’s created. He can’t face the fact that he isn’t successful nor is he the man he pretends to be. He’s too proud (his failing) to admit the truth. In the end, his lies catch up with him. He’s a broken man who’s no longer the hero to his boys nor the breadwinner for his wife. He tried to live the American dream, but it didn’t pan out for him.
It’s hard to say whether the dream broke him, or he broke the dream. It’s that ambiguity that has the audience leaving the theater thinking about life’s choices. As a writer, I can only hope to write such a story.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this play or your thoughts on my thoughts.
I’ve read the play and seen it a couple times. While I love the work, it never fails to depress me, because the story seems to be the lot of every man or woman. Reminds me of Tennessee Williams who also depresses me with his bleak and cynical view of the human condition. Ah well… nobody said life would be perfect.
You’re right. It is very depressing but I felt it also had lessons for parents and others who influence young people. One of the worst things you can do, which this play exposes, is imposing your wishes on the young, the goals that you think they should reach. That is what makes the play so superb. It shows, as you say, every man or woman’s story, but it also encourages listening to your children, tuning in to their desires,even if they are different from our own. In Death of a Salesman, Willy Loman was so busy trying to impress his family, he had stopped listening. What he wanted for them was what he wanted for himself. I think, too, the play suggests we stop once in awhile at least in our lives and take stock of where we’re going. Is it working? Willy Loman had opportunities through his friend but his pride stood in his way. Another lesson. There was humor in the play as well. That helped me deal with the tragic ending.
Diana, you know what the play always reminded me of? The song by Harry Chapin – Cats in the Cradle.
Huh, I don’t know that one. I’ll look it up. It’s probably one I’ve heard before but it dropped off my radar. Thanks.
I just finished a very long bio of Marilyn Monroe by Donald Spoto and it gave me an entirely new view of Arthur Miller. Interesting.
I’m intrigued. I’ll have to look it up. I’ve always been fascinated by strong women married to powerful men, and how that affects their minds, especially if they are ambitious as well. I wonder if Donald Spoto’s bio addresses this.
Arthur Miller was one of a king writer.I didn’t read many of his books. He was like echoes down the corridor. I think he died in 2005? Yeah great writings.
Like your metaphor for Miller. “Echoes down the corridor.” Very nice. If you get a chance, his work is worth reading. All My Sons is also fantastic.