NOTE: Free essay sample provided on this page should be used for references or sample purposes only. The sample essay is available to anyone, so any direct quoting without mentioning the source will be considered plagiarism by schools, colleges and universities that use plagiarism detection software. To get a completely brand-new, plagiarism-free essay, please use our essay writing service.
One click instant price quote
Many people are faced with problems each day of their lives. For some, the only solution to their problems is suicide, a permanent solution to a temporary problem. In the novel Death Of A Salesman by Arthur Miller, the character Willy Loan faces numerous problems which seem to lead him to suicide. There are various ways of interpreting the reason for Willys suicide. He wants to escape many things such as escaping from reality, escaping from shame and knowing he is finally victorious.
One interpretation of Willys suicide is that it was an escape from reality. Willy could not bear the fact that the reality of his life, family and work was not what he wanted it to be. He saw himself as an unsuccessful business man for he compared himself to others such as Dave Singleman. Singleman was an eighty four year old business man who could simply the phone and call the buyers, and without even leaving his room, at the age of 84, he made hs living>>. (p. 81).
At one point in time, Willy could not make ends meet and once again that makes him feel like a failure. Howard took his salary away and put him on commission, since he cannot sell merchandise the way he used to and is therefore making less money. He must borrow fifty dollars from his dear friend Charley each week and pretend that it is his pay check. He is wherefore lying to his loving wife, Linda. Finally, another reason for his thoughts on being a failure is having an affaire with an other woman while he was in Boston on a business trip. Therefore, we see that Willy thinks he is a failure and does not think very highly of himself.
Another interpretation of Willys suicide would be trying to escape from his shame. Willy finally gets caught in his affair with the woman from Boston. He is very troubled by the fact tha his favourite son, Biff was aware of his infidelity. Willys affair was discovered when Biff received a low mark on his report card and Biff travelled to Boston to discuss it with his father. As Biff arrived at his fathers hotel room he was surprised to discover a woman in his room.
Willy had to lie to try and conceal his affair painting>> (p. 120). Willy is often reminded of his affair when he sees Linda mending her stockings. He does not like seeing her do that for it is a constant reminder of his shame and guilt > (p. 39). Another thing he is shameful for is when Howard fires him from his job.
Willy must beg him for his job back. Since it is hard for him to make ends meet position to>> (p. 83). Thus, Willy feels great shame for his actions. Before Willy dies, he feels a great sense of victory towards his life at the end of the novel. Since he cannot make ends meet.
He thinks that once he dies his family will collect twenty thousand dollars from life insurance and that will put them back on their feet that magnificence with twenty thousand dollars in his pocket? >> (p. 135). Since the day that Biff discovered his fathers affair, this between father and son were never the same afterwards. The same day that Willy commits suicide, Biff and Willy had an argument. Willy therefore thought Biff hated him until Linda reassured him that Biff does love him > (p. 133) Willy is reassured and then feels a great sense of victory. He gets into his car and then drives off to commit suicide. Thus, Willy senses that he is victorious in many a very special way when he realizes that his son loves him.
In conclusion, we can now assume that Willys wanting to escape from reality, flee from his shame and his victory are what drove him to commit suicide. His death would end the lies to his family and to himself. Furthermore, Willy Loan died by trying to escape the mistakes he made throughout his live.
Free research essays on topics related to: commit suicide, escape from reality, willy loan, thousand dollars, twenty thousand
Research essay sample on Escape From Reality Commit Suicide
