Beyond the Broken Dreams: Unveiling Trauma in the American Tapestry of Death of a Salesman

Authors

  • M.Sarah Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli-620002
  • Dr.Mary Sandra Quintal Holy Cross College (Autonomous) ,Tiruchirappalli-2

Keywords:

Traumatic narratives, Arthur Miller, Death of a Salesman, Willy Loman, American Dream, Contemporary relevance, Shattered dreams, Resilience, Mental health awareness, Empathy, Societal challenges

Abstract

American literature, a rich tapestry woven with diverse narratives, reflects the complexities of the American experience, exploring themes of aspiration, disillusionment, and resilience. Arthur Miller, a towering figure in American theatre, uses his poignant narratives to mirror societal struggles, particularly evident in Death of a Salesman, a classic that unravels the layers of the American Dream. This paper intricately examines the enduring relevance of traumatic narratives in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, with a profound focus on the poignant journey of Willy Loman. Connecting Willy’s struggles to contemporary societal challenges, the research not only dissects the thematic undercurrents of shattered dreams but also sheds light on the complex character of Willy Loman. The analysis reveals how his character embodies the universal human struggle for fulfilment and offers solutions rooted in empathy, resilience, and mental health awareness. By bridging the historical context of the play with present-day issues, the research emphasises the perpetual impact of the American experience and Willy Loman’s role as a symbolic figure in exploring the intricacies of the human condition.

References

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Eagleton, Terry. Literary Theory: An Introduction. Blackwell,1976.

Freud, Sigmund. Beyond the Pleasure Principle. International Psycho-Analytical Press,1920.

Jung, Carl. Modern Man in Search of a Soul. Harcourt, Brace and

Company,1933. 6.Miller, Arthur. Death of a Salesman. Viking Press,1949.

Ricoeur, Paul. Time and Narrative. University of Chicago Press,1984.

Sartre, Jean-Paul. Existentialism is a Humanism. Yale University Press,1946.

Watt, Ian. The Rise of the Novel: Studies in Defoe, Richardson, and Fielding. University of California Press,1957.

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Published

2024-03-17

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 1 (2024): Jamal Academic Research Journal-An Interdisciplinary (JARJ)

Section

Articles

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