Great pieces of literature have been written throughout the ages. This type of literature includes such things as novels, poetry, and even drama. Perhaps one of the greatest dramas written throughout the ages is "Death of a Salesman" written by Arthur Miller. This drama even won the Pulitzer Prize. The play has undergone countless criticisms and reviews ever since it was first written in 1948. Even though some people were skeptical about the play at first, it still received very good ratings and reviews, even by critics today.
Elyse Sommer did one review of the play "Death of a Salesman". In this review, the author talks about several different versions of the play. One about the 1984 film directed by Volker Schlondorff starring Dustin Hoffman, and the other about the 50th anniversary production. Sommer states that the play in general relates to the audience well because the play glorifies the common lower middle class man. Regarding the 1984 film, Sommer feels that Dustin Hoffman brought Willy's physical size in line with the smallness of the man's character and stature in the larger scheme of things. As for the 50th anniversary production directed by Robert Fall, Sommer praises it by saying that it staged terrific actors and a fines supporting cast. She also states that both of the directors did well in focusing on the father son relationship between Willy and his sons. As a final comment in the review, Sommer quotes, " it [the play] is as much a tribute to fully realized human beings as it is an indictment of false values. It hasn't weathered fifty years without reason" (Sommer).
The second review was conducted by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat on the 1984 movie version of the play "Death of a Salesman" directed by Volker Schlondorff. The Brussat's make a good point in that the play as a whole has connected with the hearts and minds of people everywhere.
