Corruption In Arthur Miller's Death Of A Salesman

Charles de Montesquieu once said, “It is not the young people that degenerate; they are not spoiled till those of mature age are already sunk into corruption.” (https://www.brainyquote.com/search_results.html?q=corruption). If one is exposed to corruption from a young age, it is highly probable that one will become corrupt. Traits do not come from nowhere, but rather are learnt from the leaders and role models presented by society. The play Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller shows the effect that a corrupt society can have on the average person. The characters of Biff, Howard and Willy demonstrate three different aspects of corruption. Biff is the product of a society in which corruption and selfishness are glorified, as shown by his stealing, …show more content…
To begin with, Willy teaches his boys to take things that do not belong to them. Rather than punishing them for stealing and breaking the law, he praises them. In one of Willy’s flashbacks, Willy encourages Biff and Happy to steal from a nearby construction site, saying “Boys! Go right over to where they’re building the apartment house and get some sand” (Miller 39). After they leave he brags to Charley about the things that they have stolen, telling him “You shoulda seen the lumber they brought home last week. At least a dozen six-by-tens worth all kinds a money.” (Miller 40) In this passage, Willy downplays the fact that taking sand and lumber from a construction site is against the law, and shows no shame about his actions. He feels that he is entitled to take whatever he pleases, acting as though leaving something in a publicly accessible place is permission for others to take it. Willy’s lack of integrity reflects the unprincipled society he lives in. He is self-centered, thinks he is above the law, and does things only benefit himself rather than for the greater good. Furthermore, Willy shows the traits of a compulsive liar, to the point where he manages to convince himself of his lies. He often contradicts himself, and shows no guilt about his untruthfulness. After he is fired by Harold,

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Corruption In Arthur Miller's Death Of A Salesman

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