Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller

1. Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller Symbolism Look at the section involving The Woman. The stockings that are mentioned are an important symbol in Death of a Salesman. Explain their significance and what they represent. We are given few details about the life of The Woman Willy meets. She is not even given a name. In fact, she is more of a symbol than a character. What does she represent?

2. The Woman • We never find out the woman’s name, reflects the lack of respect Willy shows for the women in his life. He uses women – the woman boosts his ego, Linda looks after him. • Symbolism - when Linda mends the stockings it triggers Willy’s flashback. This symbolises his guilt about the affair. • Willy tells Linda to throw the stockings she’s mending away – symbolism of Willy trying to ‘throw away’ his mistake/ forget the affair he had. • Symbolism of old and new (young) - new stockings for his young fancy woman, old stockings, ripped and broken. Linda is old. The FABRIC of their relationship is breaking down. • Symbolism – of Willy and Linda’s financial difficulties – Linda understands they need to save (she mends the stockings). Willy can’t accept this and is frivolous with money. He hides from the truth.