Resilience in the Death of a Saleman

Resilience in the Death of a Saleman

 

1. Introduction

A trait of the human soul, resilience is also resiliency. This trait can be seen in many literary works, notably the well-known play "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller. The 1940s, when the play is set, experienced a number of significant economic and social developments following World War II (Miller et al. 367). This backdrop is crucial to comprehending the struggles the play's heroes go through and how resilient they are as they try to succeed in a world that is rapidly changing. Resilience is the capacity to withstand hardship, adapt to novel situations, and persevere under duress, to put it simply (Landau and Judith. 360). It involves having the steadfast resolve to overcome obstacles and view them as chances for development and change.

 

The socioeconomic lens gives the reader a thorough picture of the social and economic framework of American society in the years following World War II, while the gender lens sheds light on the particular difficulties and expectations that people with different gender identities must deal with. This article will examine how resilience is shown in Death of a Salesman and how it interacts with socioeconomic and gender lenses through the interplay of these lenses. The statement of this essay is to demonstrate the concept of resilience through the socio-economic lens and gender lens in Death of a Salesman. Through a comprehensive analysis of the interplay between these lenses, the aim is to highlight and illuminate the complexity of human resilience, and the combination of the two lenses exemplifies the internal and external dimensions of the latitude of human resilience, deepening the popular understanding of human resilience.

 

2. The concept of resilience in the Death of a Salesman from two lens

2.1 Socio-economic lens

The first is that, from the perspective of the socio-economic lens, the prevailing social and economic environment of the time suppressed the American dream that was prevalent at the time, reflecting the strong resilience that people had in the face of tremendous socio-economic pressure (Fisher and Walter. 163). The prevailing social and economic environment in the play greatly influenced the characters' pursuit of the elusive American Dream, highlighting their unwavering resilience in the face of adversity. Willy's steadfast determination to achieve the American Dream exemplifies resilience in the face of social pressure. Willy continues to pursue his goals despite the waning interest in his product and the expansion of corporate America. He also refuses to give in to the obstacles that could destroy him. His resilience can be seen in his refusal to concede defeat since he is certain that victory is within his grasp (Miller et al. 789). Willy is portrayed by Miller as a tragic hero who must choose between his aspirations and the harsh reality of a society that frequently crushes individual hopes. In addition, the play reveals the resilience shown by characters such as Willy's son Biff. As a result of his upbringing in a setting where the American dream is zealously pursued, Biff finds it difficult to live up to the expectations that are put on him. Biff, in particular, experiences conflict between his father's definition of success and his own goals, leading him on a path of self-discovery. Both sons exhibit resilience as they work to carve out their own pathways and redefine success on their own terms, despite failed hopes and dashed illusions (Miller et al. 2741).

 

From the above analysis, it is clear that the socio-economic lens in Death of a Salesman provides a critical perspective on resilience, demonstrating the impact of the current social and economic environment on the characters' pursuit of the American Dream (Roisman. 264). Willy Loman's determined pursuit of success and his sons' journey of self-discovery exemplify the resilience that comes with the breakdown of the socio-economic and American dreams.

 

2.2 Gender lens

Secondly, from the perspective of gender lens, the women possess great strength and determination to maintain stability in terms of family despite the gender expectations and social norms that are imposed on them, reflecting the resilience of women. Despite the imposed constraints, the female characters in the play, especially Linda Lohman, show remarkable resilience in their roles in the family and society. Linda Loman, Willy Loman's dedicated wife and the pillar of the Loman family, exemplifies resilience through her constant support and commitment to preserving stability. She is a sharp contrast to the typical gender roles of the 1940s, when women were largely expected to take care of the home and follow social conventions (Miller et al. 1977). Despite Willie's strained demeanor and financial hardships, Linda demonstrated incredible resilience and unwavering support for her husband and family. Her resilience lies in her ability to find strength in the face of adversity and her refusal to succumb to the challenges around her. Linda's resilience goes beyond her unwavering support for Willy. She serves as her family's emotional rock, ensuring steadiness and establishing a sense of cohesion. Linda's resilience is demonstrated by her capacity to uphold a sense of strength and resolve within the family despite cultural demands on women to adhere to established gender norms (Miller et al. 1588). Her character is proof that women are inherently resilient despite societal constraints and gender stereotypes.

 

From the above analysis, it is clear that the gender lens in Death of a Salesman provides a critical perspective on resilience, revealing the extraordinary strength and determination shown by women, especially Linda Loman. Linda's unwavering support, steadfast emotions, and ability to remain stable in the face of societal expectations reflect the resilience of women.

 

2.3 Comparative Analysis of the Two Lenses

The presentation of the two lens for the concept of resilience reveals that the socioeconomic lens explores the broader socioeconomic context, while the gender lens delves into the dynamics of gender roles and expectations. The socioeconomic lens highlights the impact of external factors such as economic change and social pressures on individual resilience, while the gender lens focuses on the inner strength and determination women exhibit in the face of gender norms. Both lenses illuminate the multifaceted nature of resilience and the different dimensions of its expression. These two perspectives, while distinct, provide complementary interpretations of the play and its portrayal of resilience (Schoon et al. 25). The socio-economic lens reveals the external pressures and social challenges that people like Willy must deal with, while the gender lens explores the inner strength and resistance that Linda shows in the face of gender expectations. Together they provide a fuller understanding of resilience, demonstrating the external and internal dimensions of this essential human quality. Ultimately these two lens work together to deepen our understanding of the characters and their resilience. From a socioeconomic lens, Willy's struggle with social expectations is further enriched by Linda's defiance of traditional gender roles as seen through the lens of gender (Bonanno et al. 200).

 

3.Conclusion

Looking at Death of a Salesman from the socio-economic and gender lens shows that the concept of human resilience is complex and multidimensional in nature. At the same time, from the perspective of socio-economic lens, the prevailing social and economic environment of the time suppressed the American dream prevailing at that time, which reflected the people had a stronger resilience. And from the perspective of the gender lens, women were able to maintain stability in their families despite the gender expectations and social norms, possessing great strength and determination, reflecting the resilience of women. Both lenses also embody the concept of resilience in the play, but the socio-economic lens highlights the impact of external factors such as economic changes and social pressures on individual resilience, while the gender lens focuses on the inner strength and determination that women show in the face of gender norms (Greene and Roberta. 2013). By exploring these lenses, this essay gains valuable insights into the concept of resilience and its importance in an evolving society.

 

 

 

References

Bonanno, George A., Anthony Papa, and Kathleen O'Neill. "Loss and human resilience." Applied and preventive Psychology 10, no. 3 (2001): 193-206. 

Fisher, Walter R. "Reaffirmation and subversion of the American dream." Quarterly Journal of Speech 59.2 (1973): 160-167.

Greene, Roberta R. "Resilience." Encyclopedia of social work. 2013.

Landau, Judith. "Enhancing resilience: Families and communities as agents for change." Family process 46.3 (2007): 351-365.

Miller, Arthur, Ward Morehouse, and Wolcott Gibbs. "Death of a Salesman. 1949." (1973).

Roisman, Glenn I. "Conceptual clarifications in the study of resilience." (2005): 264.

Schoon, Ingrid, and Mel Bartley. "The role of human capability and resilience." The Psychologist 21.1 (2008): 24-27.