"Death of a Salesman" and Definition of American Literature

For several years, English scholars have explored the elusive definition of American literature. The topic is constantly pursued by a collection of talented people, all eager to conquer such a formidable task. However, the mystery of western literature remains shrouded in a darkness of uncertainty, hidden away from the light of knowledge. To this day, philosophers have failed to draw conclusions and leave the "void" with merely speculations. Its inscrutability is attributed to vague lines that outline and restrict the vast boundaries of American literature; when and where does western literature truly begin? Does it begin during the prehistoric era, when oral tradition was popular among the natives? Is it characterized by where it was written (location) or by its content relating to American ideologies? The ideas leave many scholars and historians stumped, unable to continue their pursuit. In order to conquer these questions, a number of solutions have been asserted by the population, often found in constant debate with one another. With all this controversy, western literature emerges as one of the few words that remains undefined and without a complete, distinguishable identity. Reasons for such discrepancy lie within the rapidly evolving, highly dynamic American culture. Using history as the foundation, western literature can, to a certain extent, be defined by tracking and exploring the literary movements. Puritanism, Rationalism, Romanticism, Realism, Modernism, and Postmodernism are six that have reigned over the American culture once before, each shaping the literature in its own unprecedented way.

"Death of a Salesman" is an classic, renowned for its great representation of realism during a time of social reformation. It remains popular among scholars and students, having earned a firm standing within the American canon. The book reveals a multitude of characteristics that hint towards the realism style of writing. The Loman family, a main focus of the play, struggle to stabilize themselves both financially and emotionally. Monetary distress, as addressed by Willy, the father, is a universal dilemma that controls his life. Plagued by his mental condition, he believes that he is "well liked" (21) and a successful salesman altogether. He would return home having "sold a nice bill there" (19), further reinforcing his false confidence. However, his triumph and deceptive optimism lived a short life. His wife, Linda, is the voice of reality, pulling him back "down to earth" and revealing the unfortunate truth. Payments on the mortgage or household utilities left them "a little short again" (51) in terms of money. Having associated success with wealth, Willy is discontent with his son's calm, laid-back approach to life. Biff enjoys the safety of happiness and warmth of simplicity--it is his "American Dream." Biff bluntly compares himself with his father, identifying an obvious distinction between "what [his father] [is] and what [Biff] [is]" (91). Both Willy and Biff have contrasting ideas about the "American Dream," resulting in a broken relationship and conflict within the family. Financial distress and  relationships are just two realistic problems that the average family experiences on a "day-to-day" basis. Arthur Miller, in this book, immerses the audience into an elaborate story, highlighting common troubles the normal man must overcome.