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Willy Loman Technology

Decent Essays

Technology is the use of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially if it will further specific industries and the economy (Merriam-Webster). The play, “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller, focuses a great deal on how the sales industry has changed throughout history and Miller uses technology to articulate this idea. In the play, Willy Loman is an unsuccessful salesman that lies constantly (both to himself and to others) and he has deluded himself into thinking that nothing is wrong with his life. The use of technology in the play articulates how distant Willy is from reality. The reality of the play is that technology advances businesses and that is an idea that Willy is unable to get behind. Willy is stuck in the past and he believes wholeheartedly …show more content…

Willy represents the idea that he is a victim of technology. He is shocked by what technology can do. Willy is insecure about his job because the sales industry has changed a lot since it had started. This shows how he inept he is at keeping up with his job. He refuses to accept the idea that the world is changing and he is constantly lying to himself and to others. The use of technology in the play signals Willy’s distance from reality – and this distance is his biggest flaw as a salesman. Willy Loman is stuck in the past because he believes that he is destined to live the “American Dream.” The basic idea of the “American Dream” is that America is the "dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement” (Adams 214). However this idea has unfortunately evolved to a more materialistic and superficial notion; which is what Willy wants for his life. As long as he is well liked by the public and

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