Michael's Reviews > Death of a Salesman
Death of a Salesman
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I really hate giving this book (well, play) one star. I hate giving any "classic" one star, for that matter. It must have gone down in history for a reason, and is beloved by many. In most classics like this, even if I don't like the story, characters, etc., I usually can find that "spark" that has made it so popular for so many years. But I can honestly say that I found no redeeming qualities in Death of a Salesman. None whatsoever. Sigh.
Maybe I would have been more comfortable actually seeing the play instead of reading it, but, for me, this entire play was tedious and boring. I know I sound like a typical high-school student, but it's true. The storyline fell flat, I didn't care about any of the characters, the whole thing just felt bland. And the whole "these characters have fallen victim to the American Dream" idea was worn out before the first act was over.
And, this is probably my inner feminist talking, but all of the women in this play were useless. We have five women in this play. One is a secretary, and has four lines. The next is Linda, who is pretty much a piece of furniture. She gives in to whatever Willy says (because she has "infinite patience," apparently) and adds close to nothing to the play. Oh, and the other three? They're prostitutes. Classy.
Maybe I would have been more comfortable actually seeing the play instead of reading it, but, for me, this entire play was tedious and boring. I know I sound like a typical high-school student, but it's true. The storyline fell flat, I didn't care about any of the characters, the whole thing just felt bland. And the whole "these characters have fallen victim to the American Dream" idea was worn out before the first act was over.
And, this is probably my inner feminist talking, but all of the women in this play were useless. We have five women in this play. One is a secretary, and has four lines. The next is Linda, who is pretty much a piece of furniture. She gives in to whatever Willy says (because she has "infinite patience," apparently) and adds close to nothing to the play. Oh, and the other three? They're prostitutes. Classy.
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Reading Progress
August 11, 2010
–
Started Reading
August 11, 2010
– Shelved
August 11, 2010
– Shelved as:
ap-english
August 16, 2010
– Shelved as:
classics
August 16, 2010
–
Finished Reading
November 30, 2010
– Shelved as:
drama
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Cara
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Aug 16, 2010 10:15PM
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Why do you require redeeming qualities?
This is literature. You're not making friends with these characters--you're exploring them and, through them, a side of humanity.
Frankly I think that you needing them to redeem themselves for the sake of your pleasure is rather naive.
The second point about the Female characters is something I think people are just missing out on. I don't think Arthur Miller was much of a feminist but his writing inadvertently is feminist. At least this one. All through the play, it's the toxic masculinity and this constant desire for identification with father figures and manly ideals, metaphors that is ultimately the cause for their self-destructive tendencies. I think any feminist scholar would be glad to chart the Fall of Man through its exploration of masculinity.
Well said! I couldn't agree more!
On second note, Alexandra has the correct interpretation of Linda's character.
Great review