In Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman," the theme of betrayal is a significant aspect of the story. Throughout the play, the main character, Willy Loman, experiences betrayal from various sources, including his family, his employer, and even himself. The following are some quotes from the play that highlight the theme of betrayal in "Death of a Salesman."
"I'm fat. I'm veryâI'm veryâfoolish, to look at, and I'm ugly." - Willy Loman
This quote, spoken by Willy, highlights his feelings of inadequacy and betrayal by the societal standards of success. Willy is a salesman and has always believed that the key to success is being well-liked, but he has struggled to achieve this. As a result, he feels betrayed by society's expectations and his own inability to meet them.
"I'm not a leader of men, Ben, and you know it. Will you let me in on the ground floor?" - Willy Loman
In this quote, Willy is speaking to his brother Ben, who is a successful businessman. Willy's request for help reveals his feelings of betrayal by his own lack of success and his belief that he has been passed over for opportunities. Willy's sense of betrayal is further compounded by the fact that Ben, his own brother, has achieved the success that Willy has always coveted.
"I'm not gonna get in no argument with you, Ben. I'm not gonna get in no argument with you." - Willy Loman
This quote, spoken by Willy during a conversation with Ben, highlights the betrayal that Willy feels within his own family. Willy's inability to stand up for himself and assert his own thoughts and feelings is a sign of his feelings of betrayal by his own family and their lack of support for him.
"I'm not a dime a dozen, and don't you forget it." - Willy Loman
This quote, spoken by Willy during a conversation with his boss, highlights the betrayal that Willy feels by his employer. Willy has always believed that his job as a salesman was a secure and important position, but he is now being let go due to his lack of success. Willy's employer's decision to let him go is a betrayal of his belief in the value of his job and his own worth as an employee.
In conclusion, the theme of betrayal is a significant aspect of "Death of a Salesman." Willy Loman experiences betrayal from various sources, including society, his family, and his employer. These betrayals contribute to Willy's feelings of inadequacy and his eventual downfall.