foreshadowing · Willy’s flute theme foreshadows the revelation of his father’s occupation and abandonment; Willy’s preoccupation with Linda’s stockings foreshadows his affair with The Woman; Willy’s automobile accident before the start of Act I foreshadows his suicide at the end of Act II
tone · The tone of Miller’s stage directions and dialogue ranges from sincere to parodying, but, in general, the treatment is tender, though at times brutally honest, toward Willy’s plight
themes · The American Dream; abandonment; betrayal
motifs · Mythic figures; the American West; Alaska; the African jungle
symbols · Seeds; diamonds; Linda’s and The Woman’s stockings; the rubber hose