Icse Class 12 English Elective – Unit 4: Death Of A Salesman By Arthur Miller

This section explores Act Two and the Requiem of Arthur Miller's 'Death of a Salesman', examining Willy Loman's tragic end and themes of the American Dream.

Chapters Covered: Act Two And Requiem

Introduction

Arthur Miller's 'Death of a Salesman' presents a modern tragedy that critiques the American Dream through the life of Willy Loman.

Detailed Summary Of Act Two

Act Two of 'Death of a Salesman' depicts Willy Loman's spiraling downfall as he faces the harsh realities of his life and aspirations.

Scene Overview

This section provides a detailed overview of Act Two and the Requiem of Arthur Miller's 'Death of a Salesman', focusing on Willy Loman's unraveling dreams and identity.

Willy’s Hope And Optimism

This section examines Willy Loman's false hopes and dashed optimism as he navigates a world that ultimately betrays him.

Howard Fires Willy

This section illustrates Willy Loman's struggle against the harsh realities of the corporate world and his subsequent downfall.

Charley Offers Help – And Willy Refuses

Willy Loman's pride prevents him from accepting help from Charley after losing his job, highlighting the tragic consequences of his struggles with identity and failure.

Biff’s Failure To Secure The Loan

In this section, Biff's attempt to secure a loan from Bill Oliver fails, leading him to confront the lies that have shaped his and his family's identity.

The Restaurant Scene – Complete Breakdown

The restaurant scene in Act Two of 'Death of a Salesman' depicts Willy’s shattered hopes and the painful confrontation of reality by Biff.

The Final Collapse

Willy Loman experiences the ultimate disillusionment as his dreams collapse, leading to a tragic decision that reflects the fragility of the American Dream.

Requiem (Funeral Scene)

The Requiem serves as a reflective moment following Willy Loman's death, highlighting the stark contrast between his dreams and the realities experienced by his family.

Who Attends The Funeral?

This section examines the attendees at Willy Loman's funeral, contrasting his dreams with the harsh reality of his life and relationships.

Linda’s Grief

This section captures Linda's profound grief at Willy's funeral and the contrasting responses of Biff and Happy to their father's dreams.

Biff Vs. Happy – Divergent Paths

This section explores the contrasting paths of Biff and Happy Loman following Willy’s death, highlighting the themes of truth versus illusion and the impact of parental expectations.

Charley’s Eulogy

Charley's eulogy underscores the tragic struggle of Willy Loman and the poignant themes of dreams and reality in 'Death of a Salesman'.

Themes In Act Two And Requiem

This section explores the key themes and character developments in Act Two and Requiem of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman.

The American Dream

This section delves into the themes of the American Dream and its disintegration as portrayed in Arthur Miller's 'Death of a Salesman.'

Reality Vs. Illusion

This section examines the conflict between reality and illusion in Arthur Miller's 'Death of a Salesman', highlighting Willy Loman's tragic struggle with these concepts.

Failure And Identity

This section explores the profound themes of failure and identity as depicted in Arthur Miller's 'Death of a Salesman,' focusing on Willy Loman's struggles and the generational divide within his family.

Death And Legacy

This section delves into the final moments of Willy Loman's life in Arthur Miller's 'Death of a Salesman', exploring themes of disillusionment, identity, and the impact of familial relationships.

Loneliness And Betrayal

In this section, the themes of loneliness and betrayal in 'Death of a Salesman' are explored, highlighting Willy Loman's despair and the complex relationships within the Loman family.

Character Development In Act Two And Requiem

This section explores the character development of Willy Loman, Biff Loman, Happy Loman, Linda Loman, and Charley in Act Two and Requiem of Arthur Miller's 'Death of a Salesman'.

Willy Loman

Act Two and the Requiem of 'Death of a Salesman' depict Willy Loman's tragic downfall and the unraveling of his dreams.

Biff Loman

This section focuses on the character of Biff Loman in Arthur Miller's 'Death of a Salesman', examining his development and struggles against the backdrop of his father's dreams and societal expectations.

Happy Loman

In Act Two and the Requiem of 'Death of a Salesman', we witness the devastating decline of Willy Loman's dreams, as he confronts the harsh realities of his life and his relationships with Biff, Linda, and Happy.

Linda Loman

Linda Loman represents the emotional anchor of Willy’s life, embodying loyalty and despair amidst the unraveling of the American Dream.

Charley

In this section, Charley represents loyalty and realism contrasted with Willy's pride and illusion, illustrating key themes in 'Death of a Salesman'.

Conclusion

Act Two and Requiem provide a tragic resolution to Willy Loman's life, highlighting the consequences of unfulfilled dreams and societal expectations.