1. Arthur Miller and the American
Dream

2. Arthur Miller (1915-2005)
• For an author, he was rather well-known for
his time.
• He testified before the House of Un-American
Activities. Based on his experiences with
HUAC, he wrote The Crucible, based on the
Salem Witch Trials.
• And most importantly, he married Marilyn
Monroe!

4. Death of a Salesman (1949)
• Miller wrote Act I of Death of a Salesman in
one day, and then wrote Act II within six
weeks.
• He won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama

5. Major Characters
Willy Loman- the salesman who is past his prime, and who was never
an exceptional businessman in his prime
Linda Loman- Willy's wife who loves him despite all of his difficulties
Biff Loman- Willy's eldest son for whom he had dreams of greatness
Happy Loman- Willy's younger son
Charley- Willy's neighbor; he is like a brother to Willy
Bernard- Charley's son
Ben- Willy's brother who left home very early and became
tremendously wealthy; appears only in Willy's daydreams
Howard Wagner - son of former owner of the Wagner Company; he
now runs the firm and has put Willy on straight commission
The Woman - Willy's mistress from Boston
Miss Forsythe and Letta - Two girls Happy picks up at the restaurant

6. Major Characters
Willy Loman- the salesman who is past his prime, and who was never
an exceptional businessman in his prime
Linda Loman- Willy's wife who loves him despite all of his difficulties
Biff Loman- Willy's eldest son for whom he had dreams of greatness
Happy Loman- Willy's younger son
Charley- Willy's neighbor; he is like a brother to Willy
Bernard- Charley's son
Ben- Willy's brother who left home very early and became
tremendously wealthy; appears only in Willy's daydreams
Howard Wagner - son of former owner of the Wagner Company; he
now runs the firm and has put Willy on straight commission
The Woman - Willy's mistress from Boston
Miss Forsythe and Letta - Two girls Happy picks up at the restaurant