"Death of a Salesman may center on personal and family breakdown but it also involves contradictions in national American ideals." ... On the surface, Arthur Miller's groundbreaking play, Death of a Salesman, does seem firmly rooted in the "familial arena". ... This seems to represent a very male-orientated version of the "American Dream", and Miller explores this further through some of his male characters. ... Ben is idolized by Willy as being "success incarnate", he is strongly masculine and aggressive, and seems to be the personification of the pioneering "American Dream". ... The ide...

• Word Count: 1911
• Approx Pages: 8
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate