Symbolism In Death Of A Salesman By Arthur Miller

Great Writers create great elements. In “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller, Willy is a lonely man who lives with his wife, Linda, and has two sons, Biff and Happy. Willy was a man who was very depressed and wanted to commit suicide. He was fired from his job and his son, Biff, was a failure in life. His family and him would constantly get into arguments because they did not always see eye to eye. Miller uses the the flute, rubber pipe, and the stockings to describe how each symbolize a part of Willy’s life. Miller uses the flute to symbolize the connection Willy has to his father. Willy’s father created flutes and throughout the story, flutes will sound. The story opens with the sound of a flute playing. Before the curtain rises, “a melody is heard, played upon the flute. It is small and fine telling of grass and trees and the horizon” …show more content…
WIlly sees Linda mending stockings and he has a flashback where he is with another woman. The woman tells him, thanks for the stockings. I love a lot of stockings” (195). When Willy see his wife mending the stockings, it reminded him of the affair he has in Boston. In a flashback. Willy’s son, Biff, was failed one of his classes. Biff went to Boston,where his father works, to see him and ask for his help. Willy realizes his father is having an affair with another woman. Before the woman leaves Willy’s room she tells him “Where are my stockings? You promised me stockings Willy!” (261). The stockings symbolize the affair he was having with another woman. After the woman leaves, Biff and Willy begin to argue. While arguing, Willy tells his son “she means nothing to me” and Biff says, “You--gave her Mama’s stockings” (262). The stockings symbolize how Willy’s affair is uncovered and how he is wasting the little money he has on another woman. Miller uses the stocking to symbolize a dark period in Willy’s life because the stocking symbolized the affair and lust he