My First Look at the Loman Family

My Introduction!

  While reading Death of a Salesman, I chose to highlight and annotate in the book. This was so I could read and reflect on the play without having to be beside my computer. Doing this was easier instead of automatically writing my thoughts into my blog. Every few pages I would stop, go back, and write out on paper what would become my future blog posts. I am transferring my work onto the blog which explains why they are being posted so close together. I chose this system of working because it was easier for me, and made me feel more organized and accomplished. Now let the real blogging begin!

Blog Entry #1- 7/8/11

     Before starting what I believed was a novel, I thought this was a biography. I know one should refrain from basing opinions upon the cover, but from it I perceived this as the story of a man's life from birth to death. Once I read the introduction and flipped to the page with the cast listing, I discovered that this was indeed a play. Throughout the first Act, I began to get to know the characters and their personalities. I read up to page thirty eight and then went back and reflected on my annotations.
     I am currently at page thirty eight and am very curious about how the plot and characters will develop. I am wondering if and how they will change and mature throughout the play. My first opinion of who stands out as the main character, Willy Loman, is that he is a very tired salesman. He seems to be very hardworking, determined, and motivated for a life of fame and success within his community. It looks as if he is loosing his vigor and is starting to slow down.
     On page fifteen he says, "Work a lifetime to pay off a house. You finally own it, and there's nobody to live in it." This statement catches my attention because it stands true today. He is so determined to keep working despite the risks he must endure during travel. I personally like this outlook because it is very true. What benefit does one attain from making tons of money, if they may end up alone and far from happy? Linda, his wife, then says,  "Life is a casting off. It's always that way." This second theme presented itself to me, although it was not quite as clear as Willy's statement. It is prevalent and something to consider thinking about for the duration of the play.
     Jumping a few pages ahead, Willy and Linda are having a discussion about Biff's career. Or one could say in his eyes, a lack there of. He questions how he can find a life on a farm. I noticed that Linda is very supportive of her son Biff. Willy argues that he could easily get him a job in his career track. He says he could make a life of selling and that, "he could be big in no time." This dialogue shows what type of person Willy is. Everyone has seen it before, and now I am seeing it in this play. He is the type of father who makes big life plans for his son. Or in this case his sons. He desperately wants them to follow in his footsteps by pursuing the same type of job. This is a frequent plot detail that occurs in stories, movies, and in reality.