74 pages • 2 hours read
Arthur MillerDeath of a Salesman
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1949A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller follows Willy Loman, a struggling 63-year-old salesman in Brooklyn, as he grapples with the failures of his career and family relationships, leading to his mental and emotional decline.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman is praised for its poignant portrayal of the American Dream's failures, with compelling characters and timeless themes. Criticisms include its sometimes bleak narrative and the protagonist's complex, often frustrating decisions. Overall, it remains a powerful, thought-provoking piece of theater.
Who Should Read Death of a Salesman?
Readers who appreciate complex character studies and critiques of the American Dream, as seen in works like Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby or Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, will find Death of a Salesman engaging. Fans of tragedy and deep familial dynamics will also connect with Miller’s exploration of ambition, identity, and societal expectations.