After reading “The Salesman” by Arthur Miller, I perceive several key themes. The first theme that I perceive is the loss of identity and the lack of ability of Willy to accept change within himself and the world. Willy, who lived in the past, continued to talk about things in the past. Miller writes, “Remember, Christmas time, when you had a party here? / You said you’d try to think of some spot for me in town” (Qtd in Barnet, Burto, and Cain, p. 1600). In Act 2, we saw another example of Willy living in the past when he reminded Howard of the promises made between him and Howard’s dad. Miller writes, “I ‘m talking about your father! /There were promises made across this desk! (Qtd in Barnet et al., p. 1601).
Another theme seen in the play
Another theme seen in the play