Open Prompt #4

1979. Choose a complex and important character in a novel or a play of recognized literary merit who might on the basis of the character's actions alone be considered evil or immoral. In a well-organized essay, explain both how and why the full presentation of the character in the work makes us react more sympathetically than we otherwise might. Avoid plot summary.

The actions of Willy Loman, the main character in Death of a Salesman written by Arthur Miller, may be considered foolish or immoral at face value, yet as the play reveals more information about Willy’s difficult life, the reader develops a certain sympathy for this troubled character. This essay will focus on how his many shortcomings regarding his family are rooted in psychological conditions that have formed his less than perfect character.

Initially, Willy appears to be a terribly irresponsible parent, particularly during a flashback in which he does nothing to punish Biff for stealing a football, flunking math, and even acting “ruff” with girls. However, as the reader learns more about Willy’s history, his bad parenting changes from a straightforward character trait to the result of a series of formative life experiences. His father deserted his family when Willy was very young, so Willy never had a father to nurture or discipline him. Knowing this, the reader’s perspective shifts to view Willy’s ill-parenting skills as at least partially a result of his father’s absence from his life.

Another alteration in the reader’s perspective occurs when we realize that Willy’s fixation on Biff being “well-liked” results from his own experience as a salesman, which has taught him that one’s success depends on being well-liked rather than hard-working or morally sound. His brother Ben was able to become rich in a matter of seconds because he was well liked – at least according to Willy. As a father, Willy does desire the best for his son Biff, but fails to recognize that love and discipline are just as, if not more, important than popularity.

Another instance where Willy’s actions initially seem despicable is when the reader discovers that Willy is “selling” himself to a receptionist so he can get in with a buyer. Without any other background information, it is easy to judge Willy as an immoral and heartless husband, but once again Willy demands the reader’s sympathy when his motivation is taken into account. While his act of adultery is morally reprehensible, his motivation lies in his love for his family. His business has never been good and he is willing to do anything to make enough money to provide for his wife and children, even to the point of prostituting himself. Knowing this, Willy’s infidelity transforms from an act of selfishness to an act of selflessness.

Reading only an excerpt of Death of a Salesman, it may seem that Willy is an irresponsible father and an unfeeling husband, but on the contrary, further examination of the text changes the readers reaction to Willy from judgment to sympathy.