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74 pages 2 hours read

Death of a Salesman

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1949

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Book Brief

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Arthur Miller

Death of a Salesman

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1949
Book Details
Pages

139

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Brooklyn, New York • 1940s

Publication Year

1949

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller follows Willy Loman, a struggling 63-year-old salesman in Brooklyn, as he grapples with the failures of his career and family relationships, leading to his mental and emotional decline.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Emotional

Challenging

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.1

241,130 ratings

55%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman is praised for its poignant portrayal of the American Dream's failures, with compelling characters and timeless themes. Criticisms include its sometimes bleak narrative and the protagonist's complex, often frustrating decisions. Overall, it remains a powerful, thought-provoking piece of theater.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Death of a Salesman?

Readers who appreciate complex character studies and critiques of the American Dream, as seen in works like Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby or Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, will find Death of a Salesman engaging. Fans of tragedy and deep familial dynamics will also connect with Miller’s exploration of ambition, identity, and societal expectations.

4.1

241,130 ratings

55%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

Character List

Willy Loman

An aging salesman who is struggling with the realities of his life and work, marked by his tendency to live in a world of delusional grandeur, and his commitment to providing for his family.

Willy's elder son, who clashes with his father due to diverging beliefs and personal revelations, ultimately seeking to define his own path in life.

The younger son of Willy, who attempts to follow in his father's footsteps in business, often caught up in the family's web of illusions and ambitions.

Willy's supportive and patient wife, who is deeply concerned with maintaining family harmony and shielding Willy from harsh realities.

Willy's neighbor and friend, who contrasts with Willy in his realistic and successful approach to life and business.

Charley's son, who represents success through hard work and practicality, in contrast to the Loman family ideals.

Willy's deceased elder brother, who symbolizes adventure and success achieved outside conventional paths, influencing Willy's aspirations and regrets.

Book Details
Pages

139

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Brooklyn, New York • 1940s

Publication Year

1949

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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