Key Symbols and Motif's Flashcards
Willy’s Jacket
Symbolic of Willy’s armour/front that he puts on but Linda tries to remove.
The flute
The flute music that drifts through the play represents the single faint link Willy has with his father and with the natural world. The elder Loman made flutes, and was apparently able to make a good living by simply traveling around the country and selling them.
Diamonds
Symbolic of material wealth and are associated with Ben, who becomes rich in an immoral way. Reflects the selfishness of capitalism.
Car
In Death of a Salesman, the car is a symbol of the American Dream. Cars are an American symbol of individual mobility, freedom, and social status. For Willy, the car represents his hope for the future and his desire to achieve the American Dream. However, Miller uses the positive American suggestions of this symbol in a negative and ironic manner. The car (American dream) ultimately kills Willy.
Hose pipe
Symbolic of Willy’s suicidal thoughts, something which was not openly discussed at the time. Reinforcing the negative consequences of The American Dream.
Stockings
Symbolic of Willy’s affair in Boston and the guilt that haunts Willy.
‘towering, angular shapes’ (1,7)
(the apartment buildings rise into sharp focus) (2,112)
Towering angular shapes are symbolic of society closing in on and suffocating Willy.
The mention of them at the start and the end of the play creates a cyclical structure and there presence throughout the whole play reflects the suffocation of urbanisation, and reflects how Happy is still trapped in the system.
Seeds
Symbolic for an investment in the future, growth and legacy. Willy is fixated on growing something in the ground as a metaphor that he wants to leave something behind for his boys.
Green velvet slippers
p.g.63
Associated with Dave singleman who is an idol to Willy. Velvet slippers are symbolic of wealth and comfort something Willy wishes to achieve when he retires.
