2007. In many works of literature, past events can affect, positively or negatively, the present activities, attitudes, or values of a character. Choose a novel or play in which a character must contend with some aspect of the past, either personal or societal. Then write an essay in which you show how the character's relationship to the past contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.
Often times in literature, a character’s attitude is influenced by their past and can be expressed likewise in their current attitude. In Arthur Miller’s Death of A Salesman, Willy’s confidence and actions are derived from his past, even though he is currently a failure. Miller claims that Willy's ego comes from his brother's words of wisdom and his past successes as a salesman.
Willy used to sleep with receptionists in order for big businesses to buy from him and allow his business to flourish. This was his money making tactic that boosted his self esteem. As he aged over time, his appearance did also. His business started to diminish when less women were willing to sleep with him, this eventually led to his failure. Although he cannot support himself like he used to, his mind is always set in the past, so he still believes that he is just as successful as he used to be.
Willy’s deceased brother Ben is a successful man who metaphorically went into the “jungle” and became rich. He took a leap into the world of opportunities and found himself a wealthy living. Willy thus takes Ben’s advice and tries to think what Ben would do in certain circumstances. He believes that in order to be successful, one must adhere to examples of a superior power in order to lead their own lives. Ben’s past conversation with Willy still run through Willy’s mind as if he were still alive. Willy still has hope, even though time has significantly passed.
Willy’s attitude is not influenced by his failure, but rather his past successes. This allows for him to maintain a positive outlook on life.
I really like your intro and conclusion. I also like the initial points you made, but I would go further into your analyses, because your essay is slightly leaning towards a plot summary. Try mentioning something about the successes (or lack thereof) of his children or his declining mental state, something more than just the surface-level textual examples.
ReplyDeleteI thought you had very good points, but I also think you need to elaborate more. I liked your conclusion, but I wished I saw more evidence of why his outlook on life is strange in his position.
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