escending from Dream to Despair: Myth
and Reality in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman
Dr. Pooja Rawal
ABSTRACT
Myths are the complex narratives that symbolically
convey deeper truths about human nature, society, and the universe.
These culturally significant narratives illuminate mysteries,
transmit values, and inspire individuals to strive beyond mere
survival. Myths act as foundational principles or ideals that shape
both collective consciousness and personal aspirations. They bridge
the gap between the conscious and the unconscious, the known and the
unknown, and often reflect greater wisdom about the human condition.
On the contrary reality is based on observable facts that are often
shaped by outside factors and constraints. It can be validated
through direct observation and supporting evidence. Reality is
dynamic and ever-changing, requiring individuals to adopt, adapt and
evolve in response to new circumstances and information. The
contrast between myth and reality highlights the relationship
between the glorified, timeless tales and the actual experiences of
individuals and societies. This paper tries to explore how Miller
highlights the broader social repercussions of this disparity by
juxtaposing the Loman family’s challenging circumstances with the
prevailing narrative of the American Dream. This paper is a humble
attempt to integrate myth and reality, self and society, success and
failure, and ideal and actual by appreciating their respective
worths through Arthur Miller’s iconic play Death of a Salesman.
Keywords: American Dream, Consumerism, Disillusionment, Myth,
Reconciliation.
