Name and Object Symbolisms in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman

Amy Schrum

Introduction to Literature 2413

Instructor Urie

6 December 2011

Name and Object Symbolisms in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman

The use of symbolism to express the mysteries of human existence is the element that makes Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman as one of the famous plays of the twentieth century.

In the play, Miller successfully exploits the use of symbolism to reflect reality of life through the use of characters’ names, setting, language, characters, situations and many others. Among these elements used by Miller, the most interesting symbolism in his work is the use of characters’ names to symbolize and interpret materialistic realities in the human existence. The play becomes extraordinary because of its successful use of names as expressionism to portray theatrical reality (Barranger 258).

The main protagonist’s names, for instance, extensively add to the characterization of an idealistic businessman who gradually spoils himself due to the great adherence to the false standards of life. As the name implies, Willy Loman stands for an ordinary man since the tragedies happened in his life are very similar to every common man (Rathore 149). His last name Loman stands for his being a “low man” who is someone at the bottom of the social ladder and is expected not to succeed. But Willy denies to himself and to other people that he is nothing but a low and common individual. His first name Willy, in addition, refers to his “willfulness” or belief that he can become a successful businessman someday. He believes in the American Dream that likeable and good-looking individuals have place in the competitive world of business. On the contrary, Willy is only an idealistic and foolish man whose dreams will never be realized. Aside from symbolizing Willy’s determination to succeed, his first name also signifies his willfulness to believe and hold in the false aspect of life.

Moreover, the main protagonist is named as Willy...