Death of a Salesman (Coles Notes)

by Arthur Miller and Coles Notes

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0774030232
• ISBN13: 9780774030236
• Release Date: January 1991
• Publisher: Coles Publishing
• Weight: 0.22 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.3" x 0.3" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

The deterioration of the life and the dream of a salesman.

I know that many people have already read this play and already have their own ideas about it, but I feel I can offer a unique perspective. Several years ago my father opted for a career change. After looking around he settled on a traveling salesman job. My father knew that the job would not be exciting, but he looked forward to making connections with his buyers. He hoped to be trusted and have a position of respect among the buyers. Perhaps he only wanted to be (as Willy says)"well-liked". His original hope for this new job led only to disappointment, and a couple months down the road he found himself fed up with the long hours, and too far in debt to quit. His buyers did not respect him, and they were not loyal to him. My father's career as a salesman did not last, but his dream lived on through my brother who is currently a successful salesman. He was raised with the idea that being "well-liked" was one of the most important things in the world, and, unlike Biff, my brother found his niche in the business world. I have seen both sides of the coin so I understand how life of a salesman is a struggle to keep in touch with the dreams and possibilities of being a salesman. Being a salesman is a risky career choice because if things don't work out from the get-go, there may never be a chance to improve your position. That is the dead end trap that Willy dragged with him for all his years as a salesman, but if he had it to do over again he would chase the same dream. The chance of being well trusted and well liked is too great for any would be salesman to pass up. His dream in life can be summed up in one quote "...that's the wonder of this country, that a man can end with diamonds here on the basis of being well liked!" For Willy, the diamonds one can get here are much more tempting than the ones he could have tried for in Africa.