Death of Salesman Setting

When the lights come up, the first thing we see on stage is the

suggestion of a small frame house. The front wall is open, and the

stage directions say that "an air of the dream clings to the place."

The set is designed to minimize the boundaries between past and

present. The same areas used conventionally for scenes in the

present are also used for scenes in the past as free spaces where

characters can step "through the walls." Only a few key objects tell

us what each room is; for example, a refrigerator, a table, and

three chairs represent the kitchen. In Willy and Linda's bedroom is

a brass bedstead, a straight chair, and a silver athletic trophy

that symbolizes the peak achievement of Biff's life. Upstairs is the

boys' old bedroom, with two small beds.

In front of the house is an empty area that "serves as the back yard

as well as the locale of all Willy's imaginings and of his city

scenes."

Behind the roof the outlines of apartment buildings tower

threateningly over the little house, which seems as fragile as Willy's

dreams. The stage directions call the house "a dream rising out of

reality." and this reflects the central theme of Willy's longing to

fulfill himself in a world where making money is the only acceptable

goal.

The stage directions say the play takes place "today." Its

premiere