Death of a Salesman: Encyclopedia II - Death of a Salesman - Requiem

Death of a Salesman - Requiem

Miller's views on the American Dream are clearly demonstrated throughout the play, but especially in the Requiem. Charley's speech, beginning 'Nobody dast blame this man.' sums up the play, and is a fantastic source to quote.

'He don't put a bolt to a nut, he don't tell you the law or give you medicine.' Here, Miller is explaining that being a Salesman does not have a fulfilling role in life. They are not part of something with potential. Building, applying the law and healing the sick are all fulfilling careers, unlike being a Salesman.

'He's a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back-that's an earthquake.' This is saying that the career is materialistic, entirely based on looks and success in persuasion. And if the buyers stop buying, you have nothing left to fall back on, and there is an 'earthquake.'

'A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory.' This quotation is explaining that without a dream, or a purpose, the salesman ceases to exist. The dream is to sell, and if they can't sell, then they are finished. The final sentence of the speech says that salesmen have to dream, otherwise they are failures. However, dreaming is not enough. If they can't fulfill their dreams, they end up in a situation like Willy.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Requiem", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki