Citation

Cortina M, Lenkerd B. Contemporary Psychoanalysis 2008; 44(2): 247-265.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008)

DOI

10.1080/00107530.2008.10747150

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

We look at Miller's play Death of a Salesman from two different vantage points. From a sociohistorical perspective we look at different variations of the American dream that are embedded in the play. From a psychological perspective we look at the particular family and individual dynamics that haunt Willy Loman. We examine how these two sets of forces, social ideologies, and individual psychodynamics come together to create a perfect storm, unleashing intense passions that push Willy into despair and suicide. In the last section of this essay we offer some thoughts about the connection between the play and Miller's family history and why this connection might have been unclear to Mi ller. © 2008 William Alanson White Institute and the William Alanson White Society.

Language: en

Keywords

American dreams; Arthur miller; Idealization; Ideology; Loss; Social character