Comparing Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller and Fences...

Fences written by August Wilson and Death of a Salesman written by Arthur Miller are two plays that could be considered very different in terms of their plot. The plots of both plays contain two very different cultural backgrounds which affects each protagonist differently. If the reader or audience looks past the plot into the theme and symbolisms used they can see that the plays are more similar than they are different. In spite of the different cultural backgrounds of each protagonist they both are tragic heroes that are trying to achieve the American dream as it relates to each character; both of which fail in drastic yet similar ways. The American dream has always been an important factor in many American’s lives as it is to Troy†¦show more content†¦He focuses mainly on Biff who he believes has what it takes to be a successful sales man telling him ...Ill show you all the towns...And they know me, boys, they know me up and down New England...I have friends. I ca n park my car in any street in New England, and the cops protect it like their own (Miller 1919). Much like Willy Loman, Troy Maxson also chased after an American dream. Troy Maxson is an older Aferican-American who chased after the American dream of becoming a Major League baseball player; unfortunately before he was ever recruited he had lost his athletic abilities. Troy Maxson still holds bitterness against white people because he feels as if he was passed over because of segregation and discrimination instead of how good his ability to still play was. The emotions involved with being passed over because of discrimination left Troy Maxson angry which he often displayed towards his family. Troy Maxson’s â€Å"point of view about things drastically affects those around him† (Armstrong). Troy Maxson had reached for his dream and failed and instead of encouraging his son to reach for his dream he demeans his son’s achievements. In spite of Troy Maxson’s en couragement his son, Cory, succeeds in his own dream of being recruited by a college football team. As anticipated his father belittles the accomplishment by saying â€Å"it ain’t gonna get him nowhere†Show MoreRelated Comparing Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller and Fences by August Wilson1267 Words   |  6 PagesComparing Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller and Fences by August Wilson Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller and Fences by August Wilson have similar themes of conflicts between fathers and sons, conflicts between husbands and wives, and the need to focus on a small unit of space in order to achieve success. In the process of developing these themes throughout the two plays, three similar symbolic elements are used including the insecure father figure, the other woman, and the garden. Read MoreDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 PagesConflict 375 SKILL LEARNING 376 Interpersonal Conflict Management 376 Mixed Feelings About Conflict 376 Diagnosing the Type of Interpersonal Conflict 378 Conflict Focus 378 Conflict Source 380 Selecting the Appropriate Conflict Management Approach 383 Comparing Conflict Management and Negotiation Strategies 386 Selection Factors 386 Resolving Interpersonal Confrontations Using the Collaborative Approach A General Framework for Collaborative Problem Solving 391 The Four Phases of Collaborative Problem Solv ing