Psychological Criticism: Death of a Salesman

Before someone dives into criticizing Death of a Salesman from a psychological standpoint, someone must know what to look for. Psychological critics assume that the author uses creative writing as an outlet to fulfill a fantastical wish, dream, or fear. Now that the foundation of Psychological Criticism has been laid, an analysis of the text can begin.

Death of a Salesman features a salesman by the name of Willy Loman who does adequately for himself but is desperately stuck in self-hatred, and self-doubt. Willy doubts his family’s unconditional love for him, and continuously dwells in the past and on his regrets in life. Death of a Salesman is the tragic story of Willy Loman representing the fear of inadequacy, wish to be loved, and the dream of a better life for his family.

First, Willy Loman is used to represent the mindset of incompetence and inadequacy. Willy always was concerned with what others thought of him. He was afraid he would never measure up and therefore be viewed as a failure in his community. Willy was always that way, even in his flashbacks he would see himself as not living up to standard. In one instance in Act I, Willy is under the impression that certain people do not like him all that much so he resolves to “[work] ten, twelve hours a day”, that he “talk too much”, and that he “oughta come in with few words” (23). Willy clearly suffers from the feeling of inadequacy amongst his peers and believes that is he is to gain prominence, he must change his ways and follow a strict social code he has set for himself. This psychological mindset leads Willy to restrict himself and his overall potential because of the barriers he sets up for himself. This disallows Willy from being his true self and acting the way he would choose. This is the fear that the author chooses to represent through the literature.

Second, Willy Loman wishes to be loved. Willy is a representation by the author to physically depict the craving for love that the human brain naturally feels. When he feels as though he is not receiving enough, or the right kind of love from his family, he turns to a mistress. To this mistress he even admits “I’m so lonely” (84). Even though Willy has a strong, healthy, supportive family at home, his brain still searches for more satisfaction, praise, and love. Consequently, Willy responded with adulation when he realized that his family “Loves [him]. Always loved [him]” (99). This just further proves that Willy represented the mind’s search for love, and to be positively reaffirmed constantly.

Thirdly, Willy Loman represents the psychological desire to dream of providing for one’s family. Willy definitely cares for his family, thus he wants good lives for them. So much so he decides to commit suicide to get insurance money for family. Willy is more than excited to execute his plan of death saying “When the mail comes he’ll be ahead of Bernard again!”(99-100), this quote speaking of his son Biff being back ahead financially because of Willy’s death money. Therefore, Willy clearly is a representation of the psychological programming humans have to do whatever it takes to provide for one’s family.

In conclusion, Willy is a representation of the author’s perception of the human psychological fear of incompetence, wish to be desired, and craving to provide for the family. The character Willy Loman demonstrates all these sides of the human psyche in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. Willy’s fear of judgement from his peers, his turn to immorality in seek of self-affirmation, and utter self-sacrifice in an effort to provide for his wife and sons, show a clear view into the mind of the author on the true functions of human psychology.