Book[Play] review: Death of a Salesman

From the archive: First published on April 12, 2013. This edition keeps the original point of view while lightly correcting spelling and punctuation.

I started with Christopher Bigsby’s introduction to the Penguin Classics edition of Arthur Miller’s play. I must say, the introduction seemed a little protracted. I thought Bigsby had ruined the surprise by laying out the plot and analyzing the characters before I had read a single line.

When I finally finished the introduction, I was annoyed because I knew too much about a book I had not begun. I knew the plot, the characters and their functions, the background, and essentially how the story would end—as if the title were not enough of a spoiler. I wondered whether to assume I knew the whole book or actually read it for myself.

After finishing the play, though, I owed that introduction some thanks. Its depth gave me insight I would otherwise have missed.

Recognizing people I knew

It is interesting how easily a reader can relate to most of the characters, even though each is utterly distinct. At the very least, I could find parallels with people in my own life. As a recent college graduate, parts of the play resembled conversations I had with my parents and other inquisitive, pressuring family members.

One of Miller’s great achievements is the balance he creates among the characters. There is no simple protagonist or antagonist. As the story unfolds, you begin to understand the emotional motivation behind each person’s actions. In the end, you are left to pass your own judgment.

The other thing that blew me away—perhaps because I had not read or seen enough plays—was Miller’s use of time. The story moves backward without ceasing to feel like a play. I would still like to see how that shift is handled on stage.

Parents and children

I think this story might help young adults understand their parents and, hopefully, help parents understand their children. Or perhaps that was simply what it did for me. After reading it, I called my parents to thank them for their patience and understanding.

Book or play? Personally, I am glad I first encountered it on the page instead of watching it unfold live. I needed time to absorb the story’s meaning. Without that long introduction, though, I might have been lost—and perhaps even more so if I had first watched it on stage.