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The final project for LE 1360 consisted in creating a video portraying the life of author Arthur Miller, and focused on one of his plays Death of a Salesman This project was to be done as a class, and since we had a  larger class, each of us had about two minutes to present a segment about the topic assigned.

My role in the video was to memorize two quotes that represented characters form the play. I chose to recite a quote about Ben and also one about Willy Loman. The quotes also included a brief description so the quote could fit nicely and transition well in the video. At the end of this reflection, you will find the full text I prepared, memorized and presented.

My role addressed diversity in that the quotes represent two very different men. Willy was obsessed with success and pursued it his whole life, while his brother, from an earlier age struck “success” and just lived his live. The quotes showed the importance of getting a feel for who people are and for how they are perceived by others.

This project helped me learn how when working in a larger group one can create and accomplish goals, even if it requires to step out of a comfort zone. I don't think anyone in the class had experience in front of a camera, let alone memorizing a part and reciting it. But our class was very good at being respectful and supportive. After each mock taping we fined tuned the final product, and by the end we were pleased by the direction of the project. The final taping went great and since we all played our part and were committed to it, it went smooth. There were occasions were things I had plan to say or even my quotes were said by someone else, so I politely approached them and figure out how to work together so I could have my quotes while the other person could retain a coherent presentation. Group work  is very effective when there is a clear goal in mind.

Death of a Salesman was a great play that showed the importance of personal relationships, and how in a sense they require team work, regardless of whether they be a marriage, a friendship, or a work related team. It teaches me how the lack of communication can destroy or hinder the effectiveness and trust with in the group and even its members. It also deals with an important subject, THE AMERICAN DREAM, which at the end is fulfilling your own dream; and thus the US is a great place to do it. Of course there are traditional views and similar goals for anyone following the American dream, such as having success at work, a family, nice material possessions and an ideal community. But even then the details will greatly vary among every pursuant of it.  In the other side, the obsession to attain the American dream can also be detrimental to the very relationships it depends on, because when the dream becomes more important than the people the dream is over.

Death of a Salesman quotes for Ben and for Willy Final draft

Ben Loman

Willy’s perception of his brother is captured in the following excerpts from a conversation between him and his son Happy:

“God, why didn't I go to Alaska with my brother Ben that time! Ben! That man was a genius, that man was success incarnate! What a mistake! he begged me to go”

“You guys! there was a man started with the clothes on his back and ended with diamond mines?

“[and] What’s the mystery? The man knew what he wanted and went out and got it! Walked into a jungle, and comes out, the age of twenty-one, and he’s rich! The world is an oyster, but you don't crack it open on a mattress! (pg. 27-28*)

Willy Loman

One of the most memorable quotes found in the requiem, is given by Charley. He eloquently describes the job of a salesman as he defends the ideals and the dignity of Willy Loman’s career; sadly the career that made him great at one point of his life, also became a factor that contributed to end his life. 

“Nobody dast blame this man. You don't understand: Willy was a salesman. And for a Salesman, there is no rock bottom to life. He don't put a bolt on a nut, he don't tell you the law or give you medicine. Hes a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back --that's and earthquake. And then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you're finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory” (pg. 111*)

(*All quotes were taken from Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller. The page number was provided.)