1986. Some works of literature use the element of time in a distinct way. The chronological sequence of events may be altered, or time may be suspended or accelerated. Choose a novel, an epic, or a play of recognized literary merit and show how the author's manipulation of time contributes to the effectiveness of the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.
Memories are a kind of time travel. Miller's Death of a Salesman uses this to form a layered narrative of Willy's life. The play, in following Willy to the past and present, lets the audience sympathize with him. Because it's not realistic chronologically, Death of a Salesman leans toward emotion.
Willy's conversations with Ben don't happen in the "present time" of the play, yet they contribute great meaning. He's haunted by the success that Ben achieved, and sees him as a role model. He frequently quotes how Ben "walked into the jungle" and walked out a rich man. It becomes a kind of fable for him, a legend; the world isn't working that way for him, but it worked for Ben, so he should keep hope! He returns to that memory when he's confused or overwhelmed, asking for advice. This pattern reveals his insecurities to the audience, and shows one of his motivations. Later, when he's talking over the possibility of suicide with an imaginary Ben, Ben already symbolizes someone who Willy trusts. This image helps portray the gravity of the scene. Ben, in being used as a memory, often in the same moment of time, helps to make Willy understandable.
Willy's flashbacks carry the audience along closer to Willy's pace, suspending their understanding of the situation and its causes. Biff's epiphany is later in the play, after the conflict between him and Willy has been established. Knowing that it is not yet resolved makes the fall even more tragic. Without traveling with his memories, Willy alienated from the audience. His increasing tension is brought from the weight of the conflict in his memories as well as the memories' interactions with the present. He's disturbed whenever he sees Linda with stockings, and the connection between those stockings and the Woman's is understood through the twisting of time. By manipulating time, Miller helps the audience understand Willy and why he committed suicide.
I thought you made some interesting points in this. You're structure is good, but I think your introduction could be a bit smoother. Maybe instead of saying that it isn't realistic, say that it is not your typical chronology, it isn't logical.The wording in your last paragraph confuses me about Biff's ephiphany versus his fall since they happen at two different points in the play. Also you say "Without traveling memories , Willy alienated from the audience" Do the memories alienate him? You just need to be more clear in your wording. Otherwise it was good.
ReplyDeleteYour writing is solid, but perhaps an example of how the timing of Biff's epiphany is significant. "Death of a Salesman" is a prefect example to answer the prompt, and your arguments are generally strong. It must help when you've read it twice and seen the movie. On the whole well written with a good complete answer.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mercedes on the wording, I was a little thrown off in the first supporting paragraph because it seemed like you had many great ideas but threw them all together at once. But other than that, you did a great job overall with providing specific arguments that made your essay strong. Good job!
ReplyDelete