Diamonds
English Lit: AQA A Level Death of a Salesman, topic 7.4.2
Diamonds
Diamonds, the source of Ben’s wealth, represent riches, and therefore, success in Death of a Salesman.
Willy's diamonds
- Diamonds, the source of Ben’s wealth, are a symbol that becomes darker and more destructive as the play progresses with Willy eventually finding his diamond in the form of the $20,000 to be paid out of his life insurance policy: “that’s the whole beauty of it! I see it like a diamond, shining in the dark…”
- But once Willy goes into the “jungle” to find it, there will be no coming back.
Legacy
- Part of the power of this symbol for Willy is that he associates diamonds with something concrete - something he can touch and therefore something that is real and lasting: a legacy.
- Ben is dismissive of Willy’s choice of selling as a career, asking him, “What are you building? Lay your hand on it.”
Imagery of touch
- The imagery of touch is developed when Willy tries to convince Ben that “a man can end up with diamonds” in selling through being popular.
- But Willy admits “you can’t feel it with your hand like timber.”
Imagery of touch cont.
- It is only when Willy thinks of the guaranteed pay-out from the insurance policy that Willy is also able to “touch” the diamond: “hard and rough, that I can pick up and touch in my hand.”
Test yourself on Diamonds
What is Willy referring to when he says: “that’s the whole beauty of it! I see it like a diamond, shining in the dark…”?
Which is the correct quotation showing that Ben is not impressed by Willy's choice of career?