7.2.3
Language
Language
Language
Miller's use of language in Death of a Salesman helps to create the illusion that what we hear is real, rather than carefully crafted, speech.
Language
Language
- The language used in Death of a Salesman is also, for the most part, highly realistic, with Miller showing great skill in ensuring characters’ dialogue mimics the speech patterns of late 1940s New Yorkers.
American slang
American slang
- There is heavy use of American slang of the time (“bum”, “dime a dozen”, “phony”) and Miller’s characters often stumble over their words or, when discussions become heated, become inarticulate.
- At such moments they may repeat themselves (“Go back, go back…”) or break off.
Clichés
Clichés
- There is also the repeated use of clichés, particularly when Willy discusses his sales (“I’ll knock ‘em dead in Providence!”) which, in their banality, help to create the illusion that what we hear is real, rather than carefully crafted, speech.
Elevated language
Elevated language
- However, Miller also elevates his characters’ language at times.
- Charley uses an archaic term (“Nobody dast blame this man”) at Willy’s funeral, as if trying to give Willy’s life and death more grandeur.
Metaphor
Metaphor
- Ben’s language also becomes highly metaphorical: his talk of the promise of “diamonds” luring Willy into taking his own life.
1Introduction
1.1Introductions
2Act One
3Act Two
4Extended Passage Analysis
5Character Profiles
5.1Willy & Linda Loman
5.2Biff & Happy Loman
5.3Other Characters
6Key Themes
7Writing Techniques
7.1Structure
7.3Expressionism
8Historical Context
8.1Historical Context
9Literary Context
9.1Tragedy
10Critical Debates
10.1Introduction
10.2The Marxist Reading
10.3The Feminist Reading
10.4The Eco-Critical Reading
10.5Other Debates
Jump to other topics
1Introduction
1.1Introductions
2Act One
3Act Two
4Extended Passage Analysis
5Character Profiles
5.1Willy & Linda Loman
5.2Biff & Happy Loman
5.3Other Characters
6Key Themes
7Writing Techniques
7.1Structure
7.3Expressionism
8Historical Context
8.1Historical Context
9Literary Context
9.1Tragedy
10Critical Debates
10.1Introduction
10.2The Marxist Reading
10.3The Feminist Reading
10.4The Eco-Critical Reading
10.5Other Debates
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