Deconstruction of a Salesman

                The deconstructive lens in literature focuses on contrast, and whether it is between characters or ideas, Death of a Salesman is rife with contrast. From the beginning of the work, there is clear contrast between many of the characters found on stage, especially between Bernard and Biff. The comparison between Biff and Bernard is especially interesting due to the way that it develops over time. In the very first flashback, Willy says, “Bernard can get the best marks in school, y’understand, but when he gets out in the business world, y’understand, you are going to be five times ahead of him” (Miller 20). Willy contrasts how Bernard and Biff are acting in their youth as Bernard is not well liked and just follows Biff around, while Biff is on top of the high school world but disregards his studies. This is proven to come back and bite him in the end, as he ends up unable to hold down a job while Bernard ends up arguing a case in front of the Supreme Court because he has been raised to work hard. This contrast is very influential to the story, as the driving force of the play relies on how Biff turned out as an adult and the things that caused him to be the way that he is.

                Another contrast that defines the work is the differences between ideas/expectations and their execution. The differences between how characters think things will play out and how they actually occur is an essential contrast. This is very apparent in Willy’s general attitude towards life, and as Happy puts it, “Dad is never so happy as when he is looking forward to something!” (Miller 75). Contrast can be seen here between what Willy is always thinking that he will get out of certain situations as opposed to what actually comes out of these situations. He is always excited before things happen, but disappointed once he gets what he wants. This points to some striking commentary on the American dream, and how it very much is just a dream. People who dream big are often not satisfied with their results. The conflict surrounding the American dream is further perpetuated by Biff when he ponders, “Why am I trying to become what I don’t want to be?” (Miller 97). Biff, like many others, has attempted to force himself down the expected path, while simultaneously really wanting to go elsewhere and follow his heart. The same expectation versus reality contrast is evident here, as the dream of a traditional path is supposed to bring happiness and fulfillment, but for Biff it brings neither. In conclusion, Death of a Salesman is a narrative that is built heavily on the contrasts it contains, and these serve to develop both the characters and the plot.