Mythological Figures
English Lit: AQA A Level Death of a Salesman, topic 7.5.5
Mythological Figures
In his most optimistic (or deluded) moments, Willy borrows from Classical mythology in order to describe his sons.
"Adonises”
- Willy is thrilled by the idea of the Loman Brothers partnership and assures his sons they are “both built like Adonises”, the ancient Greek symbol of male beauty.
“Hercules”
- Elsewhere, he compares Biff to “Hercules”, the Roman God famed for his strength.
- Willy also uses cosmic imagery associated with the ancient Gods, calling Biff a “star”.
Irony
- These motifs help to elevate (raise up) these characters in order to give them a more heroic status (Biff himself uses similar language in calling his father a “prince”).
- However, they may have been used ironically by Miller as we, the audience, see Willy’s boys in a much more realistic light.
Test yourself on Mythological Figures
Who does Willy say his sons are "built like"?
Who does Willy compare Biff to?