spncrsun's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Great play that makes you dive deep introspectively. An underrated coming of age story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
zavia_v's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I had to read this for a class, so take my opinion with a grain of salt because it's not something I would read voluntarily.
fhcel's review against another edition
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
readingisadoingword's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is a play that has always been on the periphery of my consciousness as one I should read.
Well, I've finally read it and I'm very glad to have done so.
There are so many issues touched on in this play that I doubt I can do it justice, but thoughts that struck me:
- How it is so unhealthy always to be striving for more. Society seems centred around continuous "improvement/advancement" to the detriment of contentment. Surely this breeds dissatisfaction and unhappiness?
- The aspirational notion of being a "Salesman" , an almost Quixotic like figure but is the quest really worthy?
- Internal and external pressure. Individuals put pressure on themselves to meet certain expectations, often self-imposed. Also we can allow ourselves to measure our lives against external benchmarks, comparison with others, superficial achievements - but what's really meaningful in life and how should we "measure" that, if at all?
- Materialisim - Willy wants a nice house, he wants his wife to have silk stockings, he wants the high flying job and external validation. He ultimately measures his own life purely in monetary value.
There are lots of other little thoughts I had. This play is profoundly sad. The reader watches the collapse of a family, catalysed by consumerism, the saddest of al is that it didn't need to happen.
A wake up call to value the intangible things and moments that truly build a life.
I'm so glad to have read this and would love to see it on stage one day.
Well, I've finally read it and I'm very glad to have done so.
There are so many issues touched on in this play that I doubt I can do it justice, but thoughts that struck me:
- How it is so unhealthy always to be striving for more. Society seems centred around continuous "improvement/advancement" to the detriment of contentment. Surely this breeds dissatisfaction and unhappiness?
- The aspirational notion of being a "Salesman" , an almost Quixotic like figure but is the quest really worthy?
- Internal and external pressure. Individuals put pressure on themselves to meet certain expectations, often self-imposed. Also we can allow ourselves to measure our lives against external benchmarks, comparison with others, superficial achievements - but what's really meaningful in life and how should we "measure" that, if at all?
- Materialisim - Willy wants a nice house, he wants his wife to have silk stockings, he wants the high flying job and external validation. He ultimately measures his own life purely in monetary value.
There are lots of other little thoughts I had. This play is profoundly sad. The reader watches the collapse of a family, catalysed by consumerism, the saddest of al is that it didn't need to happen.
A wake up call to value the intangible things and moments that truly build a life.
I'm so glad to have read this and would love to see it on stage one day.
greenpeppers3's review against another edition
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
nevermore94's review against another edition
3.0
Though I got the point of the book/play some times it lulled. Maybe those slow parts are better performed but for the most part the overarching point was achieved. Willy Loman is a man unwilling to change and unable to accept reality. He lives his life as if he will win the lottery at any given moment as if his own lack of ambition will disappear and success will spring up from the earth like plants for harvest. But the author also helps the reader realize that sometimes success isn’t found in a career because you lack passion for it.
jin_september's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
fergoose_'s review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
oh that boy willy crazy crazy! coming up with unattainable expectations for his golden boy who he pampered too much... i think this is a better analysis of father figures and family relations than anything to do with capitalism, short and entertaining, shouting and affairs, suicide and insurance plans