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Death of a Salesman

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Death of a Salesman
Choose a play in which a central character experiences not only inner conflict but also conflict with one (or more than one) other character.
Explain the nature of both conflicts and discuss which one you consider to be more important terms of character development and/or dramatic impact.

The play “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller is one in which successfully shows the troubling impact of inner conflict of the central character Willy Loman and also his conflict with his son Biff. Miller explores this concern through the dialogue of these characters and how they interact and perceive themselves in front of others. The nature of Willy’s own conflict is much to-do with his own self deceit. Through his own denial and teachings that he has passed on to Biff – there is more conflict as Biff tries to make his father see past his own lies and forces him to realise what he (Biff) really is. I personally feel that Willy and Biffs explosive relationship is more important in terms of character development as it shows the reader how they both progress in their relationship with each other and how Willy feels he has to sacrifice himself in order for Biff to be successful in life. This exploration is also important to the play as it helps the reader understand the importance of being true to yourself and the disastrous consequences of self deception.

“Death of a Salesman” follows the tired life of overworked sixty-four year old Willy Loman and his family. Willy is constantly burdened with his underachieving job as a salesman and is struggling with his relationship with his eldest son Biff (a thirty four year old man, who up to this point, has no aspirations and only now realises the wrong teachings of his father). “Death of a Salesman” jumps back into Willy’s past where we see his interactions with his brother Ben – who offered Willy the opportunity to become as wealthy as he was- and helps the reader understand the route of his false self image. This play is set over

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