Index Understanding Arthur Miller's Life and Perspective Parenting and the Development of Character Flaws Conclusion References Arthur Miller's play, " The Death of a Salesman,” delves into the concept of the American Dream and serves as a poignant example of humanity's tendency to misinterpret what constitutes a fulfilling life. Miller uses the character of Willy as a tragic hero, demonstrating that you don't have to be flawless or live the quintessential American dream to embody this archetype. Instead, it portrays an ordinary man trying to make a living, which resonates deeply with audiences and draws parallels to the era in which the story is set. The play reveals the unfortunate fates of the salesman, Willy Loman, and his son, Biff, highlighting the flaws in their character and raising questions about the origin of these imperfections. Therefore this essay will explore the theme of following false hope in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman". Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Understanding Arthur Miller's Life and Perspective To fully grasp Arthur Miller's perspective in his works, it is essential to consider his life and upbringing. Born in 1915 in New York City, Miller had a relatively sheltered childhood when it came to crime. However, later in 1957, while on the streets of New York, he met with sociologists and psychiatrists, aspiring to delve deeper into the topic of juvenile delinquency, as he revealed in an interview with Richard Evans. This research into juvenile delinquency may have played a critical role in the creation of the character Biff, who displays delinquent tendencies as a child. Additionally, Miller's personal experience as a parent of a child with Down syndrome provides a connection to the character of Willy. Miller's understanding of raising a child with special needs likely informed his portrayal of parenting and offered insights into mental health. “Death of a Salesman” weaves a narrative that spans both the present and the past, focusing primarily on Willy Loman, a salesman in a downward spiral. Willy Loman, a salesman returning from a business trip, is greeted by an unexpected visit from his son. It is crucial to note that Willy struggled with his driving skills and started having conversations with himself more frequently. Recently demoted from his job and dealing with immense stress, Willy's descent into hallucinations, mostly concerning his past, becomes increasingly evident. In his hallucinatory episodes, he confronts his deceased brother Ben, recounting Ben's extraordinary fortune amassed in the diamond mining industry. Throughout the play, Biff appears distressed by his father's tragic trajectory, while Happy, his brother, recognizes his father's tendency to talk to himself but remains unaware of the extent of Willy's mental deterioration. Finally, when the play ends, both sons leave their father alone in a restaurant. Parenting and the Development of Character Flaws Careful analysis suggests that it is Willy's flawed parenting that significantly contributes to Biff's character flaws, which manifest themselves in flashbacks throughout the play. Miller's inclusion of these flashbacks serves multiple purposes, including highlighting the importance of family to Willy and character development. Furthermore, the flashbacks reflect the deterioration of Willy and his mental state"..