Death of a Salesmen- Problematize Post

After reading the play “Death of a Salesmen” and viewing a clip of the end I feel that there were a few puzzling aspects of the play. First off I feel that the setting of the play was challenging at times because of all of the flashbacks and memories that were brought up in and out of the play. For example, the clip in class showed when Willy Lowman was having a discussion with Biff where at first he was talking bad about him but as soon as he realizes that he son actually loves him he contradicts himself and starts to talk about how successful he is going to be. After the discussion he flashes back to as if he were at a football game. The entire time his wife was in the bedroom calling him to come in the room. I think that this play is much easier to understand when performed instead of read due to all of the delusional flashbacks and memories throughout the play. Majority of the time when I was reading the play I would find myself rereading to determine exactly where and what was going in the play. So I would definitely say that the setting and situation of the play was the most challenging for me while reading.

Additionally I feel that some of the content that was displayed conflicts with the Southeastern University culture. For example, the curse words, “The Women”, and Happy’s affairs that he kept on having with his bosses wives. All three of these examples were just some of the content that I feel would clash with the rules and culture of what is expected at school here. Another idea that I do not remember the Lowman’s trying was praying about their situations. At Southeastern University prayer and devotion to the Lord is one of the key ideas expressed and done daily. I believe that during all of their struggles financial, socially, and physically could have been fixed with faith and prayer to the Lord. I honestly live my life thinking that “God never gives you more than you can handle”. I don’t think that Willy had to commit suicide or become so deep in denial and repression that he was no longer living life. Also I don’t agree with how Willy is dishonest in his marriage and has a mistress on the side. In comparison to the culture here at school where growth, authentic spirituality, and ethics of life are just a few of the things that are followed daily. Therefore, although I had a problem with the flashbacks and select content throughout the play it was definitely an interesting read for me.