We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you’re on board with our cookie policy

Ben Loman in Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman”

essay
The whole doc is available only for registered users

A limited time offer! Get a custom sample essay written according to your requirements urgent 3h delivery guaranteed

Order Now

Some characters in works of literature only appear briefly but have a tremendous impact on the literature. These characters’s significant presence often influences the actions or development of the other characters in the literary work. In Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman”, Ben Loman is the character that does just that. Ben is the brother of the main character Willy Loman. Though Ben has a brief part in this play, he affects the theme of the play and the development Willy Loman’s character.

The central theme in “Death of a Salesman” is the quest to obtain the American Dream. Ben had a tremendous impact on this theme in the play. Ben went into the jungle when he was 17 and came out of it rich. Following the theme of the play, Ben was the epitome of success. The effect that Ben had on the development of other characters is shown through Willy Loman’s character. Ben lived the life he wanted and had the job he wanted. Even though Ben’s involvement in the play was brief, his success showed what Willy so desperately craved for himself and his sons. Willy wanted to be successful like his brother. Through all the trips Ben made, he was quite a successful man. Through all the trips Willy made, all he had going on for himself was an affair. Ben was rich and happy, while Willy on the other had been poor and miserable.

When Willy was delusional, Ben’s character would appear. Willy always seemed to be happy when he talked to Ben, even though he was really talking to himself. Ben would offer advice to Willy when Willy thought about him. After the restaurant incident, in which Biff and Happy abandon Willy at the steakhouse, Willy was once again “visited” by Ben. Ben told Willy how his family would be financially stable from the insurance money if Willy died. This “conversation” is what influenced Willy Loman to kill himself in an automobile accident.

In conclusion, Ben appeared in Death of a Salesman briefly, but he had a significant position in the play. Ben was one of the examples of the theme of the play and influenced the character development of Willy. Ben’s accomplishments as well as his absence all influenced Willy Loman and his actions. It was Ben who influenced Ben to want to become rich, and ultimately it was Ben who influenced Willy to his demise. Characters that appear briefly in literature stand to represent and influence something greater than what is actually expressed. Ben represents the theme of the American Dream, he is the symbol of success, and he is a literary motif.

Related Topics

We can write a custom essay

According to Your Specific Requirements

Order an essay
icon
300+
Materials Daily
icon
100,000+ Subjects
2000+ Topics
icon
Free Plagiarism
Checker
icon
All Materials
are Cataloged Well

Sorry, but copying text is forbidden on this website. If you need this or any other sample, we can send it to you via email.

By clicking "SEND", you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy. We'll occasionally send you account related and promo emails.
Sorry, but only registered users have full access

How about getting this access
immediately?

Your Answer Is Very Helpful For Us
Thank You A Lot!

logo

Emma Taylor

online

Hi there!
Would you like to get such a paper?
How about getting a customized one?

Can't find What you were Looking for?

Get access to our huge, continuously updated knowledge base

The next update will be in:
14 : 59 : 59