Death of Salesman by Arthur Miller - Essay Example

While the narrative initially centers on Willy Loman’s accident, Linda is positioned merely as a sounding board for Loman’s despair. In terms of multi-dimensional perspective in this opening act Linda only offers, “I don’t know. I think he’s still lost, Willy. I think he’s very lost” (Miller, pg. 10), in response to a conversation about their son Biff. Outside of this statement Linda is largely characterized in these early scenes as a characteristic 1950s housewife. Still her relationship with Willy Loman in this context is one of great help and support.

One considers that in this scene she encourages Loman to ask his boss for a raise. She also commiserates with him regarding his day. Ultimately here it’s clear that she helps more than hinders Loman. As the text advances one comes to recognize a multi-dimensional element to Linda’s character. While Linda remains firmly entrenched in mid-20th century social and cultural mores it’s clear that simply considering that Miller used Linda as a stereotypical long-suffering wife is too simplistic an understanding.

Although in large-part Linda functions as a sounding board for Willy Loman’s dreams and despondency in these dialogues one comes to understand that Linda is the emotional center of the play. While Loman is often subject to dreaming and unrealistic idealism, Linda functions as an important counterpoint. One such example of this multi-dimensional aspect of Linda’s personality occurs during one of Willy’s dream flashbacks he returns home and informs Linda that he made $1,200 in sales. Linda calculates the commission and determines it is $200.

Loman then reveals that in actuality he did much less in sales. Willy has a moment of recognition of his reality and turns to despondency; in this instance Linda tells him that he is successful enough. It is this calming presence and functional approach to the challenges of the American experience that demonstrates Linda’s multi-dimensionality. As the text advances, Linda’s characterization becomes increasingly complex. In large part as Willy begins to deteriorate Linda comes to assume greater responsibility in the family.

This greater responsibility is both a strong help to Loman, as well as an element of her complex character. One considers that after Willy becomes mentally unbalanced Linda presents strong support and insight into his condition. She states, “I don’t say he’s a great man. Willy Loman never made a lot of money. His name was never in the paper… But he’s a human being, and a terrible thing is happening to him. So attention must be paid. He’s not to be allowed to fall into his grave like an old dog” (Miller, pg. 32). In this situation Linda demonstrates a strong recognition of the social and cultural milieu, as well as functions as a moral center to the play.

As the play concludes one comes to recognize that Linda is not simply a multi-dimensional character but is perhaps the most complex character in the play. Throughout the text Willy Loman, Biff, and Happy have struggled to find a semblance of meaning and happiness as they embrace dysfunctional or overly idealistic perspectives on existence. Rather than succumbing to this idealism Linda assumes a starkly realist approach that emerges in the requiem. Talking to Willy she