How Death of a Salesman is Still Relevant Today
Arthur Miller was one of the greatest playwrights of the 20th Century, with his socialist message prominent in everything he wrote. His writing is perhaps now more relevant than ever — but more so for his psychological and philosophical explorations, and less for his political message.
Death of a Salesman explores the psychological chaos of the protagonist, the aptly-named Willy Loman, his belief in providing for his family and leaving a legacy behind after death, and the capitalist society’s impact on his life. The psychological and philosophical considerations cannot be detached fully from the anti-capitalist message, but they have arguably stood the test of time better.
Willy, at the end of the play, commits suicide, in order to free himself from his confusion and the struggle of providing for his family.
That’s the tragic end to the lives of far too many — mostly men — today. Suicide disproportionately affects men, with 2/3 of all incidences being amongst males, and the problem, at least in the Western world, is growing.
