The broken window

Definition

In 'Death of a Salesman', the broken window symbolizes the fragility of the American Dream and the struggles of the protagonist, Willy Loman. It represents not only Willy's mental state but also the crumbling facade of his aspirations and reality, suggesting that his dreams are shattered just like the glass. The visual metaphor of the broken window serves to highlight themes of disillusionment and the harshness of life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The broken window occurs during a scene where Willy's mental breakdown is evident, making it a crucial moment in understanding his character's decline.
2. It emphasizes Willy's inability to cope with the reality of his situation, mirroring his shattered dreams and ambitions.
3. The broken window serves as a visual metaphor for the economic instability faced by many during the time period in which the play is set.
4. It highlights the impact of societal expectations on individuals like Willy, who feel pressure to conform to an ideal that is increasingly out of reach.
5. The repair of the window can symbolize Willy's desperate attempts to fix his life and circumstances, despite the overwhelming obstacles he faces.

Review Questions

• How does the broken window serve as a metaphor for Willy Loman's struggles with his identity and dreams?
  • The broken window metaphorically represents Willy Loman's fractured identity and his struggle to reconcile his aspirations with reality. Just as the window is shattered, so too are Willy's dreams of success and fulfillment. This visual metaphor illustrates how Willy's life is filled with cracks, showing that his pursuit of the American Dream has left him vulnerable and exposed, both emotionally and financially.
• Discuss the significance of the broken window in relation to themes of disillusionment within 'Death of a Salesman'.
  • The broken window underscores the theme of disillusionment in 'Death of a Salesman' by portraying the stark contrast between Willy's dreams and his actual life. It serves as a physical representation of how fragile these dreams are, as they can be shattered by harsh realities. The presence of this symbol throughout the play amplifies the sense of hopelessness that pervades Willy’s character, emphasizing how disillusionment affects both him and those around him.
• Evaluate how the symbolism of the broken window connects to broader societal critiques presented in 'Death of a Salesman' regarding capitalism and the American Dream.
  • The symbolism of the broken window extends beyond Willy’s personal plight to critique broader societal issues tied to capitalism and the American Dream. It reflects how societal pressures can lead individuals to pursue unattainable goals, ultimately resulting in personal destruction. The shattered glass illustrates the fragility of success within a capitalist framework where only a few can achieve their dreams while many, like Willy, are left in despair. This connection reveals Miller's commentary on how societal values can contribute to individual failure and collective disillusionment.

Related terms

American Dream: A national ethos that suggests success is achievable through hard work and determination, often symbolized by home ownership and financial stability.

Symbolism: The use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities, allowing for deeper meanings beyond the literal level, especially prevalent in literature.

Disillusionment: The feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be, often a central theme in tragic narratives.