So, the Death of a Salesman that you read was not the first draft Arthur Miller wrote (duh). In one of the original drafts, Willy says to Biff:
To enjoy yourself is not ambition. A tramp has that. Ambition is things. A man must want thingsl You're lost. You are a lost boy. And I know why now. Because you hate me you turned your back on all your promise. For spite, for spite of me, because I wanted you magnificent.
Clearly, you see a variation of that in the big ol' fight in the kitchen at the end of Act II. Now, it's not clear why Miller changed the script as he did (and elminated that particular tidbit), but Ms. Rouleau thinks it's probably because he didn't want the issue of materialism to be so heavy handed. Part of Miller's genius (and part of why DOAS is so enduring) is that the issue (problem) of American materialism isn't so in-your-face...it's lurking, quietly, in the corner.
So, here's the question: where is materialism apparent in the version of the play that YOU read? Is the materialism in the final play as effective as those abandoned lines? More effective? Less effective?
There are several key instances where you can point out "things," physical, material, tangible "things" that address that issue of materialism, but certainly in a quieter and less obtrusive way.
Sound off in the comments, chickees. And I want textual evidence. Feel free to use the page numbers in the textbook.
In Death Of A Salesman there are several examples of materialism, mainly exhibited by the main character, Willy. In Act I, he snaps at his wife who is mending her stockings saying, "I won’t have you mending stockings in this house! Now throw them out!" This outburst demonstrates his materialism because he would prefer to buy something new and flaunt his wealth, rather than swallow his pride and fix something that can be mended. Another example is in Act II, when Charley offers Willy a job for the second time and Willy insists that he has a job. Charley replies using, "Without pay? What kind of a job is a job without pay?" Willy eventually admits that he was fired and asks to borrow money from Charley. This conveys that Willy is materialistic because he would rather be handed money rather than get a new job where he can work to earn his own money. He is far more concerned with being able to make payments on his material possessions than he is with getting a safe job to support his family. Willy focuses on the end result and attempts to forego the hard work that it takes to become financially stable. Finally, In Act II, Willy reasons that Biff will be "magnificent" once he receives the $20,000 insurance premium. This serves to further demonstrate how Willy only cares about wealth, and would be overjoyed to see his son inherit money rather than work for it.
ReplyDeleteI think that the final draft of the play is much more effective in displaying Willy's materialism because of its subtlety. The quote above is very blatant and directly characterizes Willy as materialistic. The examples I provided are more indirect, and allow the reader to draw their own conclusions, which I believe is the key to great works of literature. When the reader has to draw their own conclusions, and he or she understands the author's intentions without them being directly stated, it gives the work more depth and dimension and makes the meaning much more effective.
Materialism is apparent throughout most of the play but is definitely not as in your face as in the piece Miller took out. I agree with Jess in that materialism in the final play is more effective than those abandoned lines. The subtlety of it allows the theme to build rather than having it thrown in your face. Good writers know how to get their meanings across without directly stating them. Linda and Willy spend all of page 1911 talking about money and how much they owe on the refrigerator, the washing machine, the vacuum, and carburetor. If these material things were not so important to them, they would not have spent over a page talking about them. Another scene where we see materialism is when Willy visits Howard. Howard is so focused on his recording machine that he pays Willy little attention. He also tells Willy that he has to buy one for himself. Jess makes a good point that didn’t even cross my mind when she mentioned Willy receiving money from Charley to pay off his bills on material things. If Willy were a little more concerned with the American dream rather than materialism, he may have decided to get a job that would allow him to pay his bills rather than keep taking money from Charley. It is funny to note that the play actually ends with materialism. The play ends with Linda standing over Willy’s grave apologizing for not being able to cry. Then she says that she made the final payment on the house that day. Linda continues on and says, “We’re free and clear” (1969). Freedom only comes upon the final payment of the home which shows that material things are a huge part of life. If it was important enough for Linda to mention it at Willy’s grave, then material things were something important to them. Linda continues to say the words “we’re free” as the play closes. Perhaps it is this freedom and comfort in the owning of this (material) house that keeps Linda from crying.
ReplyDeleteMaterialism is apparent in the play we read, but not as blatant as the passage that was in the original draft of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. Willy places value on monetary things and thinks that money is the answer to all of his problems. He does not address his problems as he tries to lie and manipulate to get money from Charley. Willy wants to show everyone that he can afford appliances and belongings when in reality he really cannot. He lies about his sales and misleadingly brags about how money is more important than the truth. I agree with Jessica when she says, “Willy is materialistic because he would rather be handed money rather than get a new job where he can work to earn his own money.” This point Jessica makes really shows why Willy is materialistic in his actions and motives. Willy says, “I don’t want your goddam job!” (Miller, 113). After Charley repeatedly offered Willy a job, Willy constantly rejects the offer in a testy manner. Willy says he has a job, and then finally says that he has been fired by Howard. Willy does not want a job and just wants the money from Charley. I believe the materialism in the final play is more effective than the materialism in the passage from the original draft. I think that if Miller would have kept that passage in, the play would not be as effective. It would have taken away from the subtleness of the materialism used throughout most of the play. Willy’s American Dream subtly shows his materialistic goals which is far more effective than directly stating his desires for material goods and for material success.
ReplyDeleteOne instance in the play where we see materialism is in Act II when Willy speaks with Bernard before he sees Charley. When he speaks with Bernard, he notices the rackets and asks, “You going to play tennis there?” Bernard replies that he is “staying with a friend who’s got a court” (1941). Willy is impressed and tells Bernard that they “must be fine people, I bet” (1940). To Willy, having material possessions like a tennis court is impressive and is what makes people “fine.” Another instance where the play shows materialism is in the stage directions on page 1898. The directions describe “a silver athletic trophy” above a bed. The trophy comes from Biff’s younger years as a football player. Since the Loman’s keep the trophy for so long it means that they value it. They value a small materialistic item. A different stage direction that shows materialism in Act II is “Happy carries Biff’s shoulder guards, gold helmet, and football pants” (1939). These directions occur before Biff’s major game at the end of his high school career. The color of the shoulder guards and football pants are not specified. However, the type of helmet is. The helmet is not plain, but rather “gold.” The author specifically made it gold on purpose, and since gold often signifies wealth and the Loman’s put a great amount of care into Biff’s football career, they care a lot about the materials that their son wears. Biff cannot just wear an average helmet; instead, he must wear a special “gold helmet.”
ReplyDeleteThe play shows materialism also in the scene when Willy goes to see Howard. During this conversation, Willy tries to talk to Howard, but Howard keeps interrupting Willy and talking about how great his new recorder is. Howards is so obsessed with it that it has “been driving me crazy, the most terrific machine I ever saw in my life. I was up all night with it” (1933). Howard cares more about playing with this item than he does talking with or even listening to another human who is in his presence.
I think that the final play is more effective in displaying and portraying materialism. The quote that was in the first draft is too obvious, “very blatant,” as Jess says. “When the reader has to draw their own conclusions, and he or she understands the author's intentions without them being directly stated, it gives the work more depth and dimension and makes the meaning much more effective,” which I agree with. It seems very strange for an author to tell you something so directly. It is usually hidden or disguised, and you must read just a little closer to find it, that is what separates the good writers from the really great ones whose writing will outlive those of the good writers.
Materialism is present throughout Death of a Salesman. However, it is never directly stated as a belief or desire by any character. Rather, Arthur Miller indirectly presents materialism through the actions, words, and dialogue of the characters. If Miller had included the quote above, this indirect inclusion of materialism would not have been possible. Like Brandon said, the "subtlety of it allows the theme to build." If materialism was constantly talked about, it would not be as poignant as a theme. It would not fully encompass the materialistic aspect of the American Dream. Willy continually focuses on the material things within his life. The Loman family, mainly Linda and Willy, desire these material things within their household. They buy a refrigerator, a Studebaker, and even a mortgage for a house. However, Willy desires to have complete ownership of these things. It is not enough for him to just have them in his possession. Not only does Willy want new technology and products, but he wants them to still function by the time he owns them. He says "Once in my life I would like to own something outright before it's broken" (Miller 1931). It is not enough for Willy to have the opportunity to own nice things. He wants the best, and he does not want to wait twenty years to own it. I agree with Jess when she says "The quote above is very blatant and directly characterizes Willy as materialistic." This statement about Willy's desire to own something "before it is broken", unlike the quote above, indirectly characterizes Willy as a materialistic person. Willy goes even further and desires the top name brand of refrigerators. He says "Whoever heard of a Hastings refrigerator?" (Miller 1931). Suddenly, his own material things are not even good enough. Willy desires material things in his life, and even desires more than he has and can afford. All the money that he earns or receives from Charley, immediately goes toward his payments on his material wealth. When Linda and Willy discuss the money that he has recently brought home, Linda says "you got one more payment on the refrigerator" (Miller 1931). This displays Willy as even more materialistic because everything that he brings home goes toward materialistic wealth within his life. The indirect characterization and indirect development of the theme of materialism are more effective than the quote above. They emphasize Willy as a materialistic character, as well as his true materialistic desires.
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ReplyDeleteJust so everyone knows, my page numbers are according to my iPad!
ReplyDeleteMaterials are definitely a part of Willy's dreams, though this only becomes obvious through subtleties in Miller's writing. As my other classmates have pointed out, we learn that Willy is materialistic through his interactions with other people. Willy uses materials to improve his relationship with The Woman, when he brings her sheer stockings. The Woman shares his love of material possessions when she says "I love a lot of stockings," (26). Willy uses materials to gain her affection. Lauren makes an excellent point when she says "Willy goes even further and desires the top name brand of refrigerators. ... Suddenly, his own material things are not even good enough. Willy desires material things in his life, and even desires more than he has and can afford." It is also not enough for Willy to own nice things, he must have the best and they must work properly for him. He wants them to last for a while because he knows he cannot afford to fix or replace them. His attention to brand names and advertising also emphasizes his materialism, such as when he tells Linda, "I told you we should've bought a well-advertised machine. Charley bought a General Electric," (51). This quote also demonstrates how Willy constantly compares himself and his possessions to other people, especially Charley. Willy also does not want to have to work for what he has, he just wants the money to buy nice things. His continuous attention to materials continues through his interactions with Howard and with Bernard, when he notices Howard's recorder and Bernard's tennis rackets. As Ashley points out, "To Willy, having material possessions like a tennis court is impressive and is what makes people 'fine.'" In Willy's mind, the measure of a man's success comes from the amount and quality of the things he owns.
I believe the final draft of Death of a Salesman is a better representation of the theme of materialism, because as Brandon says, "The subtlety of it allows the theme to build." The final draft is more effective because Willy is characterized indirectly through his words and actions, which tells the reader more about his personality than if he was directly characterized as materialistic through his lines about a man needing "things" in the other draft. Leaving that line out also allows for Willy's dreams to include more than "things," as Willy focuses on more than that, such as his desire for success, friends, and fame. Ambition in the final draft is about more than the wanting "things," as Miller shows through subtle characterization rather than heavy-handed and obvious statements.
Materialism is apparent in the final version of Death of a Salesman, but is discussed subtly. The reader infers the value of materialism and monetary success through the charachter's dalogues with eachother but no one ever makes blunt statements about money and materialism a in the lines that Miller discarded. I agree with Zach's statement that Willy places value on monetary things and thinks that money will solve all of his problems. Willy believes that Biff's hatred for him, stemming from his discovery of Willy's affair,results in Biff's failure in the business world. Willy constantly tries tho push Biff towards success hoping that it will mend their relationship. The quote Jess mentioned is a great example of Willy's materialism. In Act I Willy says to Linda, "I won't have you mending stockings in this house! Now throw them out! Linda wants to mend the stockings because they are so expensive. But Willy thinks that the act of mending stockings is beneath her. He would rather have her spend money on something new than try to fix something that is damaged. This shows that Willy is materialistic because he has no concerns about going out and buying something new, when the old object could be easily fixed. By saying this, Willy attempts to show how highly he regards money. By demanding that Linda buy new stockings, he infers that money is not an object.
ReplyDeleteMaterialism is a very apparent theme in Death of a Salesman. The lines that were taken out make the theme much more effective, however, because of the blatant statement. It is clear in the play that Willy's main focus is materialistic because he values money and success. Jessica gives prime examples of Willy's materialistic nature when she mentions how Willy doesn't value the hard work that a job requires and would rather just borrow the money from Charley. Willy also is proud of how well his sons clean the car and that they are well liked rather than their work ethic or intelligence.
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ReplyDeleteMaterialism is apparent throughout the play, even if not directly quoted. Rather, Arthur Miller conveys this idea of materialism to the reader through the dialogue of the characters. If Miller included the quote mentioned from his first draft, materialism would be too blatant. As Brandon has said, the "subtlety of it allows the theme to build." The indirect characterization of the Loman family through actions and dialogues help to advance the theme of materialistic success. Willy longs to be successful and for his children to be successful—but he yearns for that success of material wealth. He wants to measure up to his brother, Ben. He has instilled this value in his son, Happy. In Act I, Happy speaks to Biff about the merchandise manager at his job, saying “He can’t enjoy it once it’s finished. And I know that’s just what I’d do…And I think of the rent I’m paying. And it’s crazy. But then, it’s what I always wanted. My own apartment, a car, plenty of women,” (Act I). Willy also attempts to instill this idea in his son Biff, saying “That’s the wonder, the wonder of this country, that a man can end with diamonds here on the basis of being liked!” (Act I). Willy has a fixation on being considered the best; and the best involves being materially wealthy. The way Willy lives his life and raises his family portrays him as a materialistic character whose only wish is to be viewed as successful—a success based on material possessions.
DeleteIn Death of a Salesman, materialism is a subtle theme that occurs in various times all throughout the play. Although subtle, it is obvious as the reader continues on and reads the play that the subtle mention of material things is key to the progression of the play; I agree with Brandon when he says “The subtlety of it allows the theme to build rather than having it thrown in your face.” This causes the reader to dig deeper into the reason why the Loman family, Willy especially, care and place so much value on material wealth. It adds a new layer to the play. Willy says many things that point towards him thinking that material possessions are the only way to be “well known.” He says “When he died— and by the way he died the death of a salesman, in his in his green velvet slippers in the smoker of New York, New Haven and Hartford, going into Boston— when he died, hundreds of salesman and buyers were at his funeral” (Act 2). Willy does not focus on the work that this salesman who died did even when looking back on his death and funeral. Willy points out his “green velvet slippers.” Willy does not think that value is on experiences and personality; but rather strictly on material possessions. I think that the subtle implication of the “green velvet slippers” is a more effective way of showing how Willy feels about riches and wealth instead of Willy saying directly “I idolize this salesman because everyone came to his funeral. I thing everyone came to his funeral because he is rich.” In my opinion, that would be a boring play to read because everything is already “spelled out” for the reader and there would be nothing to discuss or take a deeper look at. So therefore the way that materialism is presented throughout the play is more effective than the abandoned lines because it lets the theme build instead of giving the theme away in the first line.
ReplyDeleteMaterialism is a motif apparent in the play Death of a Salesman. The fact that Willy is a Salesman shows that he is in the business of materialism. Willy himself even says that he "idolizes this salesman...because he is rich". As a playwright, Arther Miller chooses to be nonchalant, and implies the motif of materialism. This shows a command of literary devices because he is able to use indirect characterization to show Willy's want of material items. He allows other people, like Charlie to foil him, showing a person who wants to be righteous and successful which leads to material items and then Willy who wants only success but not morality.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Brandon and Andie when they say “The subtlety of it allows the theme to build rather than having it thrown in your face.” This can be seen through the words of other characters, describing Willy. Even Willy admits that he does not want to be like Charlie because he is "not well-liked" meaning that he makes upright decisions that are in line with his moral code but not pleasing to others, more specifically his clients. Great literature sponsers thought, so the second draft is better because it shows the strength of the author's writing abliltiy.
DeleteIn the play Death of a Salesman, materialism is ever present. It is never actually fully stated out right but is mentioned subliminally. As Ms. Gaj stated in her comment, that Willy fights to completely own many things throughout the play such as his car, the fridge, and their house. Biff expresses his thoughts on materialism in act one. As Jordan said from Act 1, "it’s what I always wanted. My own apartment, a car, plenty of women,” (Act I). This helps express the materialism throughout the play. I do think the final draft is better then the quote stated above because the underlying message of materialism has a greater meaning then if it were stated outright.
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