The Value of Manual Labor and Craftsmanship

The theme that working with one's hands, as opposed to selling, is presented as a more authentic and fulfilling way of life.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Willy's Carpentry

The Happy Man with Cement The Hands-On Work Willy is a skilled handyman. He built the porch, the ceiling, the garage. He was a happy man with a batch of cement. His hands-on work gives him a sense of accomplishment. The Contrast with Selling Selling is intangible, dependent on others' whims. Carpentry produces something solid and lasting. Willy's happiest moments are when he is building, not selling. The Unrecognized Talent Willy never values his carpentry as much as his salesmanship. He thinks being a salesman is superior. But the play suggests that his true talent lies in his hands.

Biff's Yearning for the Outdoors

The Call of the Physical The Desire to Work with Hands Biff wants to work outdoors, with his hands, as a carpenter or a farmer. He feels trapped in the office. He believes that men built like him should be working in the open. The Rejection of the White-Collar World Biff rejects the corporate world as a nuthouse. He says a carpenter is allowed to whistle. The play values manual labor as a more honest and free way of life. The Final Choice Biff's decision to go West is a choice to embrace manual labor. He will work with his hands, not with his smile. The play suggests that this is a healthier path.

The Symbol of the House

A Monument of Labor The Home as a Product of Work The Loman house is a symbol of Willy's manual labor. He built it, repaired it, and maintained it. Biff says there is more of Willy in the front stoop than in all his sales. The House as a Legacy Willy's true legacy is the house, not his sales record. But he does not see it that way. He values the intangible dream over the tangible work. The Critique of Values The play critiques a society that devalues manual labor. Willy's best work is ignored. The theme suggests that real fulfillment comes from creating, not from selling.

Throughout the play

Throughout the play

Throughout the play