Death Of A Salesman Symbolism Analysis - 1145 Words

Symbols in â€Å"Death of a Salesman† by Arthur Miller Symbolism, as defined by Oxford Dictionary, is the â€Å"use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.† Throughout the play Death of a Salesman, by Arthur Miller, he uses symbols to represent a greater idea and to say more than what is actually being said. Through the use of silk stockings, a rubber hose, and the flute music that drifts through the play, Miller demonstrates the power that these items have over the Loman family. One reoccurring symbol throughout the story was the silk stockings. The silk stockings are representative of Willys Shame, guilt, and infidelities. Throughout the story, Willy scolds Linda for mending her stockings. Willy says, â€Å"What’s that?† Linda replies, â€Å"Just†¦show more content†¦She says to her sons, I was looking for a fuse. The lights blew out, and I went down to the cellar. And behind the fuse box- it happened to fall out- was a length of rubber pipe-just short†(1455). Linda is ashamed that she cannot bring herself to confront Willy about the hose. She says, â€Å"How can I mention it to him? Everyday I go down and take away that little rubber pipe. But, when he comes home, I put it back where it was. How can I insulate him that way?†(1456). The hose represents all of the lies and deception that has been taking place between the members of Loman family .Linda refuses to accept that Willy would ever kill himself. When Biff tells h er that he got rid of the pipe, she is relieved but also saddened by the fact that Willy did not remove it himself. L.M. Domina, author of â€Å"Overview in Death of a Salesman writes, â€Å"This inability to acknowledge the truth affects the family on many levels but most particularly in terms of their intimacy with one another and their intimate relationships with others.†Biff brings the hose out onto the kitchen table in an attempt to bring the truth to the light. Willy tries to pretend he doesn’t know what it is. Biff has grown tired of being blamed for their familys lack of success. He realizes that he wants to follow his own dreams, he tells his father, â€Å"Will you let me go, for Christs sake? Will you take that phony dream and burn it before something happens?† (1495) The rubber hose serves as a symbol of all the secretsShow MoreRelatedThe Theme Of Death In Arthur Millers Death Of A Salesman1064 Words   |  5 PagesDeath is often seen as a scary and dreadful reality that everybody must face. Suicide is perceived as selfish and cold-hearted by many. What about somebody who commits suicide for the greater good? This harsh actuality is depicted in the play â€Å"Death of a Salesman† by Arthur Miller. 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