Symbols are objects, characters, figures, or colorsused to represent abstract ideas or concepts.
Seeds
Seeds represent for Willy the opportunity to prove theworth of his labor, both as a salesman and a father. His desperate,nocturnal attempt to grow vegetables signifies his shame about barelybeing able to put food on the table and having nothing to leavehis children when he passes. Willy feels that he has worked hardbut fears that he will not be able to help his offspring any morethan his own abandoning father helped him. The seeds also symbolizeWilly’s sense of failure with Biff. Despite the American Dream’sformula for success, which Willy considers infallible, Willy’s effortsto cultivate and nurture Biff went awry. Realizing that his all-Americanfootball star has turned into a lazy bum, Willy takes Biff’s failureand lack of ambition as a reflection of his abilities as a father.
Diamonds
To Willy, diamonds represent tangible wealth and, hence,both validation of one’s labor (and life) and the ability to passmaterial goods on to one’s offspring, two things that Willy desperately craves.Correlatively, diamonds, the discovery of which made Ben a fortune,symbolize Willy’s failure as a salesman. Despite Willy’s beliefin the American Dream, a belief unwavering to the extent that hepassed up the opportunity to go with Ben to Alaska, the Dream’s promiseof financial security has eluded Willy. At the end of the play, Benencourages Willy to enter the “jungle” finally and retrieve this elusivediamond—that is, to kill himself for insurance money in order tomake his life meaningful.
Linda’s and The Woman’s Stockings
Willy’s strange obsession with the condition of Linda’sstockings foreshadows his later flashback to Biff’s discovery ofhim and The Woman in their Boston hotel room. The teenage Biff accusesWilly of giving away Linda’s stockings to The Woman. Stockings assume ametaphorical weight as the symbol of betrayal and sexual infidelity.New stockings are important for both Willy’s pride in being financiallysuccessful and thus able to provide for his family and for Willy’sability to ease his guilt about, and suppress the memory of, hisbetrayal of Linda and Biff.
The Rubber Hose
The rubber hose is a stage prop that reminds the audienceof Willy’s desperate attempts at suicide. He has apparently attemptedto kill himself by inhaling gas, which is, ironically, the verysubstance essential to one of the most basic elements with whichhe must equip his home for his family’s health and comfort—heat.Literal death by inhaling gas parallels the metaphorical death thatWilly feels in his struggle to afford such a basic necessity.
I'm an expert in literature and literary analysis, with a deep understanding of symbolism and its nuanced application in various works. My extensive knowledge in this field is evident in my ability to dissect and interpret the symbolic elements within the given text. Let's delve into the concepts used in the article you provided:
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Symbols:
- Definition: Symbols are objects, characters, figures, or colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts. In literature, they are employed to convey deeper meanings and add layers of interpretation to a narrative.
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Seeds:
- Representation: Seeds symbolize opportunity for Willy, representing the chance to prove the worth of his labor as a salesman and a father.
- Meaning: Willy's desperate attempt to grow vegetables reflects his shame about financial struggles and concerns for his children's future. The seeds also represent Willy's perceived failure with his son, Biff.
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Diamonds:
- Representation: Diamonds symbolize tangible wealth, validating one's labor and life. They also represent the ability to pass material goods to one's offspring.
- Meaning: Willy sees diamonds as a measure of success and a way to secure a better life for his family. However, the elusive nature of the American Dream is reflected in Willy's failure as a salesman.
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Linda’s and The Woman’s Stockings:
- Representation: Stockings symbolize betrayal and sexual infidelity.
- Meaning: Willy's obsession with Linda's stockings foreshadows a later revelation of his affair with The Woman. New stockings become important for Willy's pride in financial success and his attempt to suppress the guilt of his betrayal.
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The Rubber Hose:
- Representation: The rubber hose serves as a stage prop, reminding the audience of Willy's desperate suicide attempts.
- Meaning: The rubber hose is connected to Willy's literal and metaphorical struggles. His attempts at suicide by inhaling gas parallel the metaphorical death he feels in the struggle to afford basic necessities for his family.
In summary, these symbols in "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller contribute to the deeper exploration of themes such as the American Dream, familial relationships, and the impact of personal choices on one's sense of self-worth. The intricate use of symbols adds layers of meaning to the narrative, inviting readers to contemplate the complexities of the characters' lives and their pursuit of success and happiness.
