9. The Requiem: Willy’s Funeral

The Requiem is the final scene of Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman," where we see the funeral of the main character, Willy Loman. It serves as a moment of reflection and closure for the characters in the play, as they come to terms with Willy's death and the impact it has had on their lives. The Requiem also allows for a deeper exploration of the themes of the play, such as the American Dream, family dynamics, and the consequences of living a life based on illusions.

During Willy's funeral, we see the different reactions of his family and friends towards his death. His wife, Linda, struggles to come to terms with the fact that Willy took his own life, while his sons, Biff and Happy, grapple with their own feelings of guilt and regret. The Requiem highlights the complexities of the Loman family dynamics and the ways in which Willy's actions have affected each of them in different ways. It also serves as a moment of catharsis for the characters, as they confront their own shortcomings and failures in the wake of Willy's death.

Overall, the Requiem in "Death of a Salesman" is a powerful and poignant conclusion to the play, as it brings the story full circle and allows for a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations. It forces the audience to reflect on the consequences of living a life based on false ideals and illusions, and serves as a reminder of the importance of facing reality and accepting our own limitations. The Requiem is a fitting end to Willy Loman's story, as it encapsulates the tragedy of his life and the impact it has had on those around him.

• The Requiem in "Death of a Salesman" serves as the final scene of the play, focusing on Willy Loman's funeral.
• It allows for reflection and closure for the characters, as they come to terms with Willy's death and the consequences of his actions.
• The Requiem highlights the complexities of the Loman family dynamics and the impact of living a life based on illusions.
• It serves as a moment of catharsis for the characters, forcing them to confront their own shortcomings and failures.
• The Requiem is a powerful conclusion to the play, reminding the audience of the importance of facing reality and accepting our limitations.