9.2.5

Chaos & Disorder

Test yourself

Chaos and Disorder

In Death of a Salesman, the forces of chaos and disorder are seen in Willy’s psyche instead of affecting an entire nation as in Classical tragedy.

Illustrative background for Classical tragedy Illustrative background for Classical tragedy  ?? "content

Classical tragedy

  • In Classical tragedy, the destructive forces of chaos and disorder unleashed by a character’s ‘peripeteia’ or ‘hamartia’ affected the whole state or nation as the tragic hero held an important rank (e.g. King or General).
  • In Miller’s play, the chaos is confined to the Loman household.
Illustrative background for Willy's psyche Illustrative background for Willy's psyche  ?? "content

Willy's psyche

  • In Death of a Salesman, the forces of chaos and disorder are seen in Willy’s psyche.
  • Miller structures the play to allow the audience to see Willy at “that terrible moment when the voice of the past is no longer distant but quite as loud as the voice of the present”.
Illustrative background for Mental breakdown Illustrative background for Mental breakdown  ?? "content

Mental breakdown

  • To the audience’s horror, and the horror of characters such as Biff and Charley, Willy suffers a psychological breakdown in front of us/them.
  • His repressed memories force themselves in to the present with greater frequency the closer the play moves to its finale.
Illustrative background for Metaphor Illustrative background for Metaphor  ?? "content

Metaphor

  • Willy’s sense of his world spiralling out of control is reflected in his metaphorical language: “The woods are burning!... There's a big blaze going on all around”.
  • As Willy’s mind disintegrates, he envisions the world around him in flames.

Jump to other topics

1Introduction

2Act One

3Act Two

4Extended Passage Analysis

5Character Profiles

6Key Themes

7Writing Techniques

8Historical Context

9Literary Context

10Critical Debates

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson