Similarities Between Death Of A Salesman And A Raisin In The Sun

As the twenty-first century progresses, society and the media work daily to deconstruct gender expectations. Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun and Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman were some of the first to analyze the intricate dynamics of masculinity by offering different perspectives on the lives and desires of men, including the battle both protagonists face when reckoning with their manhood. In Death of a Salesman, Willy is constantly searching for his next big break, and the memories of his brother, Ben, egg him on. When Willy becomes too desperate for success, Linda asks, “Why must everybody conquer the world?” (Miller 2.1.85). She draws attention to the danger of needing to conform to society's expectations by connecting a man’s visceral

He shares his views of the ideal job, the ideal character, and the ideal man, with, Hansberry’s protagonist, Walter Lee—a man from an entirely different background but mirrored desires. In his efforts to convince Mama of his liquor store’s potential, Walter confesses “[he] wants so many things that they are driving [him] crazy” (Hansberry 1.2.62). Walter admits his pride—or perhaps, greed—affects his contentedness. Both men visualize success in one way: themselves, and their legacy, standing on top of the world. Despite their endless goals, neither man commits to their dreams, both relying on their friends or the women they care about. This entitlement stems from their connection to masculinity and what they believe a man deserves. Despite equal internal challenges, Willy Loman and Walter Lee avoid sharing the same fate. Arthur Miller dramatizes the need to fit among his peers through Willy’s suicide. After his argument with Biff, Willy has reached his breaking point, no longer able to defend his compulsion. In reflection on Willy’s life, Linda ponders the impact Willy had on those around him: “But where are all the people he