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The Early Work of Arthur Miller Critic In this larger analysis by Leonard Moss on the complete works of Arthur Miller, the subsection regarding "All My Sons" explored the use of diction and other literary techniques to develop the complex family relationships of this novel. The family unit in "All My Sons" enjoys strong bonds and affections according to Moss; nonetheless, they are plagued with uncertainty and distrust among other members of the family despite this closeness. Moss progresses through the plot sequentially in order to support this claim about the family. Along the way, the article notes the language used by Miller to supplement the work. Colloquial language is used frequently, for instance, along with many allusions which are employed to reveal secrets of the family and signify shifts in emotions found within the story. Specifically noted is the "verbal contrast bringing out a psychological contrast" such as "harshness starting to displace simple folkiness, fearfulness displacing the comfortable self-assurance." Once accounting for the social truths and themes put forth by Miller, and the many supporting details, the author of this article concludes that much of the plot is centered on characters whose existence thrives in their pride as an honorable family member. This claim is supported by the actions of Joe Keller; after learning of his sons' discontent with his job as a father, he gives up everything and commits suicide because his life has no worth. These sentiments are definitely reflected within "Death of a Salesman" as well, which leads Moss to further conclude that Miller has strong opinions regarding family norms of this time.

The author of this critic, Terry Thompson, examined the family relationships and themes of Arthur Miller's "Death of A Salesman". Specifically the author examined two central symbolic elements to these aspects of the play, the first being the names of and the second being the physical characteristics of Willy, Biff, and Happy Loman. When closely examined, Thompson points out, the only character who is not addressed by a childish rendition of their name is Willy's brother, Benjamin Loman. Coincidently this is the only character of the novel that is viewed as successful; Willy, Biff, and Happy all continue to use immature pseudonyms which reflect their perceived shortcomings in life. In this same manner, the only characters who have facial hair and other features typical of grown men are Benjamin Loman and the father of Benjamin and Willy Loman. Again, this signifies their superiority, maturity, and success over the characters of Willy, Biff, and Happy. These minor details solidify the relationships between the male characters in the play, which lead to the conclusion by Thompson that Willy and his sons were truly inferior to other males. Moreover, this definition of inferiority was purely devised through standards put forth by Willy's idea of success stemming from the influences he had from men as he was growing up. This is clearly shown when Willy asks Benjamin to describe their father to his sons in order to show them a real role model and guide for success. Overall, Willy had a very harsh view about what success and self-worth comprised of.

Short biography of Arthur Miller's life which also talks about his book Death of a Salesman.

This literary critic by Steven R. Centola investigates the "timeless human dilemma" that Arthur Miller portrays through his tragic character of Willy Loman, which is the quest to justify one's life. In order to fully examine this idea, the author progresses through the plot of the play and analyzes the occurrences that support this claim. Moreover, all the supporting characters are fully scrutinized to show their influence over Willy, especially his brother Ben who supplements the characterization of Willy due to his sharply contrasting ideals. Centola specifically mentions Willy's pursuit of a seemingly impossible dream as a tactic to justify his life and self-worth; however, Willy's desire for the love and respect of his family is noted as the ultimate indication of his success in life. There is a "tremendous variance between his [Willy's] deep feelings about and inadequate understanding of fatherhood, salesmanship, and success in one's personal life as well as in the business world in American society" though, which contributes to his eventual demise. With his textual support and intricate analysis of minute details and overarching themes, Centola concludes that Willy fails to fulfill his dreams pertaining to business and, more importantly, family. Despite his drastic choice to end his life, death does not defeat Willy because he was definitely loved by his family even if he never realized it; therefore, his memory and legacy will continue to live on and he will always influence his two sons - both positively and negatively. This facet connects to a major assumption made by Centola, which is that Willy wanted to sell himself more than any individual product hence why Miller never names the product he is trying to sell in his days as a salesman.