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The Disempowerment of Women in ‘Death of a Salesman’ Notes
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Some notes I made on the disempowerment of women in 'Death of a Salesman'.
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The Disempowerment of Women in ‘Death of a Salesman’Although the American Dream was aimed at both American men and women, it highlighted the
inequality between men and women and seemed to provide men with the power to oppress
women.
‘She has developed an iron of repression of her exceptions to Willy’s behaviour’ – This
could possibly highlight that Linda, as a hegemonic female in America at the time, has been
wounded by Willy’s actions and irrational behaviours, no longer having the strength to leave
him. This could highlight the imbalance in their relationship and elucidate Willy’s role as the
dominant individual in their relationship. Furthermore, iron connotes the sheer strength of
Linda’s ‘repression’, portraying her subservience and perhaps even conveying the illogical
actions of her husband, Willy. Conversely, another view of this could argue that Linda seems
to continue to follow her true-jovial and positive nature, which consequently causes her to
turn a blind-eye to Willy and his dangerous behaviours.
‘She more than loves him, she admires him, as though his mercurial nature, his temper, his
massive dreams and little cruelties, served her only as sharp reminders of the turbulent
longings within him’ – This could perhaps highlight the dominance of Willy and highlight
how Linda has to fill the stereotypical role of a subservient hegemonic female, by
relinquishing her personality and opinions and following the ‘dream’ of her husband whilst
also worrying about him continuously. Linda supports her husband despite all his numerous
faults and this is shown in the play when she turns a blind eye to these behaviours. Linda’s
loyalty throughout the play, plays a strong emotional force throughout the play.
‘Most often jovial’ – This possibly elucidates that despite the troubles of her husband and
her challenging lifestyle, she remains ‘jovial’ and a positive source of energy. This serves as a
juxtaposition to Willy who seems to constantly wish ‘death’ upon himself, ultimately
foreshadowing the ending of the play. In this respect, the gulf between men and women is
highlighted as we Linda upholding the typical positive, maternal and caring role of a wife
contrasted to Willy who constantly is angry and ‘irritated’. Women, in ‘Death of a Salesman’
are constantly shown to seek approval from the men in the play and work to please the
men.
‘Stirred in her bed’ – This stage direction highlights the anxiousness and care of Linda’s
character. The verb ‘stirred’ highlights the apprehensive state experienced by Linda as she
continuously worries about her husband. Willy seems to serve as a dichotomy to this as he
only ever seems to worry about himself and his accomplishments associated with the
American Dream.
[calls with some trepidation] – The reference to Linda’s trepidation seems to elucidate the
attitudes towards men and women. Linda is seen to worry about Willy and the verb
‘trepidation’ conveys an element of anonymity as to how Willy will react to his wife. Perhaps
this trepidation highlights the irrational state of Willy and reflects his inner turmoil and
torment which he seems to project on to his endearing wife, Linda.
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