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Nicole Keefe

Death of A Salesman Critic - 0 views

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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.
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    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.
Sam Haddad

Arthur Miller - 0 views

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

Arthur Miller's 'Weight of Truth' in The Crucible - 6 views

In Stephen Marino Literary Criticism about Arthur's Miller novel The Crucible, Marino highlights the importance of Miller's use of the word "weight" at crucial moments of The Crucible, claiming tha...

Truth Crucible Miller Arthur

started by Alan Adjei on 20 Jan 11 no follow-up yet
VIctoria Fernandez

The Writings if Hawthrone- Literary Criticism of the Scarlett Letter - 0 views

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    Arthur Cleveland Coxe wrote "The Writings if Hawthrone" to criticize Nathaniel Hawthorne for his work The Scarlet Letter. He criticizes Hawthorne for the inspiring "social licentiousness" and making fun of all religion. He believes that the subject matter is inappropriate a romance novel and that woman everywhere would be offended that they were painted in a negative light. Coxe's argument while coherent and consistent lacks logic because he provides next to no proof of his argument. His argument is a shallow criticism that doesn't attempt to understand the work on a deeper level. The only evidence Coxe provides is the subject matter of the novel and the Nathaniel Hawthorne's participation in a six-month stay in a Transcendentalist commune. He argues that because Hawthrone associates himself with enlightened ideals he must be trying to destroy the Gospel. He deduces "this sort of sentiment must be charged to the doctrines enforced at 'Brook-Farm.'" His assumptions hold no basis because he doesn't provide any proof from the text other than dialogue that he finds disgusting. The author concludes that Hawthorne is trying to obliterate morality with The Scarlet Letter and suggest adulterous relationships are acceptable. The author's belief is not without bias to say the least. His criticism was published in The Church Review and further research reveals the author was the second Episcopal bishop of New York. Of course he would overlook the satirical purpose of The Scarlet Letter because he did not see anything wrong with the way they Puritans treated Hester Prynne.
Nicole Keefe

Family Values in Death of a Salesman - 0 views

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    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.
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