Miller’s The Death of a Salesman in the Light of Sanatana Dharma
https://doi.org /10.5281/zen od o.14977420
Author(s): Dr. Phani Kiran
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14977420
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The Criterion: An International Journal in English Vol. 16, Issue-I, February 2025 ISSN: 0976-8165
www.the-criterion.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10448030
Miller’s The Death of a Salesman in the Light of Sanatana Dharma
Dr. Phani Kiran
Associate Professor of English,
Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence,
Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India.
Article History: Submitted‐31/12/2024, Revised‐14/01/2025, Accepted‐13/02/2025, Published‐28/02/2025.
Abstract:
This paper aims to discuss Arthur Miller’s ‘The Death of a Salesman’ in the light of
Sanatana Dharma. Analysing Miller’s play ‘The Death of a Salesman’ through the lens of
eternal Dharma offers an enriching perspective by juxtaposing the play’s existential dilemmas
with the timeless principles of duty, and righteousness. The familial ties in the play illustrate
the importance of fulfilling one’s responsibilities to loved ones. Willy’s failures and aspirations
impact his relationships with his sons Biff and Happy, emphasizing the interconnectedness of
individuals within their duties. The play focusses on themes like duty, reality vs. illusion, and
the pursuit of wealth/material wealth. Miller portrayed the character of Willy to battle the
materialistic world in the then American society and drove home the point that Dharma is
victorious and beyond time and space. Willy’s relentless pursuit of success reflects the illusory
nature of the American Dream, paralleling the philosophical concept of maya. Willy is trapped
in the illusion of the “American Dream,” equating worth with wealth and popularity. The play
serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of living out of sync with swadharma.
Keywords: Eternal Dharma, existential dilemmas, responsibilities, aspirations,
swadharma.
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https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14977420
Miller’s The Death of a Salesman in the Light of Sanatana Dharma
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https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10448030
What is sanatana Dharma? The term “Sanatana” means “eternal,” ‘living forever’, deathless,
beyond time etc and “Dharma” refers to duty, righteousness, or the moral order. Dharma comes
from the root word dhṛi, which means ḍhāraṇ karane yogya, or “responsibilities, duties,
thoughts, and actions that are appropriate for us. Living in harmony with the truth ensures
alignment with Dharma. Sanatana Dharma is considered eternal because its core principles,
such as compassion, peace, and seeking truth, are universal and timeless, not limited to a
specific culture, era, or geography. Sanatana Dharma is not a religion, it’s a way of life. It’s is
not confined to a single scripture, prophet, or set of morals. It is an extensive philosophy that
promotes human Values.
Willy Loman’s Struggles
The concept of Dharma (duty, righteousness, and the moral order) offers a valuable lens to
analyse Willy Loman’s struggles in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. Willy’s inner turmoil
and ultimate downfall can be understood as a consequence of his inability to align with a
meaningful “dharma” that reflects his true nature and responsibilities. In Sanatana Dharma,
dharma refers to one’s duty aligned with their innate nature and the cosmic order. Willy Loman,
however, struggles with his swadharma (personal duty). Instead of accepting his strengths and
limitations, he chases an illusion of success defined by societal norms. His inability to align his
actions with his true nature leads to inner turmoil and suffering, showing the consequences of
adharma (a deviation from righteousness).
Willy’s Unrealistic Aspirations
Maya in Sanatana Dharma represents the illusory nature of the material world. Willy is trapped
in the illusion of the “American Dream,” equating worth with wealth and popularity. This
attachment to a false ideal blinds him to the reality of his family’s needs and his own limitations,
leading to his downfall. Willy’s unrealistic aspirations are his hamartia (tragic flaw), driving
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https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10448030
his actions and ultimately leading to his downfall. His unwavering belief in a flawed ideal
blinds him to the more meaningful aspects of life: love, self-respect, and personal authenticity.
“The man who makes an appearance in the business world, the man who creates personal
interest, is the man who gets ahead.” (text)
Just as Maya seduces individuals with illusions of material wealth, Willy is captivated by the
American Dream and its promises. Maya/Illusion perpetuates suffering by distracting
individuals from spiritual truths, similar to how Willy’s aspirations lead to disillusionment and
despair. “After all the highways, and the trains, and the years, you end up worth more dead
than alive.” (text)
Worldly Success vs. Spiritual Bliss
Willy Loman’s quest for material success in ‘The Death of a Salesman’ is a central theme that
drives the narrative and ultimately leads to his tragic downfall. Willy’s fascination with material
success is often rooted in grand illusions. He clings to the idea that being a successful salesman
will validate his life choices and elevate his family’s status. Willy’s obsession with an illusory
version of success diverts him from his true Dharma. He idolizes people like Dave Singleman,
a successful, charming salesman, and aspires to a similar level of admiration. Willy projects
his dreams onto his sons, especially Biff, expecting them to achieve the success he could not.
Willy’s inability to accept his limitations and circumstances highlights the dangers of living in
denial.
The play highlights the conflict between societal expectations or an illusion of success defined
by societal norms and the pursuit of authentic existence. It calls into question the values placed
on material success, urging a deeper exploration of duty, self-awareness, and the quest for true
fulfilment in life. In the beginning of the play, Willy portrays himself as a highly successful
salesman, but in reality, he is mediocre. Initially, Willy boasts about how good his last business
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trip was, but as the discussion progresses, Linda gently presses him to confess that the trip was
only somewhat successful. This moment reflects a recurring theme throughout the play: people
concealing their failures to live up to the heavy societal expectations imposed by the American
Dream. Willy’s vision of success is rooted in materialism and superficial charm rather than
genuine effort or moral living. He believes that Biff’s charisma and athletic talent will secure
a prosperous future, despite Biff’s growing disillusionment.
Family as a Microcosm of Dharma
The Grihastha (householder) stage in Sanatana Dharma emphasizes responsibilities toward
family and society. Willy sees himself as the family’s breadwinner, bearing the duty of securing
their future. “A man is not a bird, to come and go with the springtime. Your dad is at the mercy
of this world.” (text) He prioritizes external validation over nurturing authentic relationships.
Linda holds the family together, often bridging gaps between Willy and his sons. Her role
highlights the often-unseen labour and sacrifices that uphold familial dharma. She embodies
patience, unconditional love, and unwavering duty. Linda: “I don’t say he’s a great man. Willy
Loman never made a lot of money. But he’s a human being, and a terrible thing is happening
to him.”(text) Willy’s unrealistic aspirations strain his relationships with Biff and Happy,
creating tension and alienation. “The man who creates personal interest is the man who gets
ahead. Be liked, and you will never want.” (text)
Willy’s failure to accomplish his familial duties with understanding and honesty leads to
dysfunction within the Loman household. Linda Loman’s enduring support reflects the
dharmic virtues of loyalty and compassion, though her enabling behavior also perpetuates
Willy’s illusions. The play critiques societal values that prioritize materialism over ethical and
familial responsibilities. It also highlights the importance of self-awareness and authenticity in
fulfilling one’s dharma.
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Suffering and Loss
The guilt and conflict arising from Willy’s infidelity ripple through his relationships with Linda
and Biff. While Linda remains a tragic figure of unknowing devotion, Biff becomes a vessel
for Willy’s unresolved guilt and the ultimate victim of his father’s failures. The interplay of
these emotions underscores the tragedy of the play, with betrayal and guilt driving the
characters toward inevitable suffering and loss. The discovery of Willy’s affair by Biff shatters
Biff’s admiration for his father. This event becomes the turning point in their relationship,
fuelling ongoing tension and contributing to Biff’s aimlessness. Willy’s guilt over this rupture
is evident in his frequent attempts to justify himself and regain Biff’s respect.
Attachment (Raga) vs. Detachment (Vairagya)
Sanatana Dharma focuses on balancing the four Purusharthas (life goals): Dharma
(righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (desires) and Moksha (liberation).Wealth (Artha) and
desires (Kama) are considered legitimate pursuits when aligned with Dharma. It acknowledges
the importance of wealth for fulfilling worldly duties, supporting family, and engaging in
charity. However, it warns against materialism governing life, as excessive attachment to
wealth may lead to suffering and distraction from spiritual goals. Sanatana Dharma views
wealth as a tool to fulfil responsibilities, support one’s family, and contribute to society. It
focuses on both Swadharma (individual duty) and Samajdharma (social duty). True fulfilment
comes from balancing societal roles and personal truths, a lesson the Loman family fails to
grasp.
Sanatana Dharma advocates detachment from material pursuits and outcomes. Willy, however,
is deeply attached to societal validation and the notion of legacy, which prevents him from
finding peace. He equates happiness with material success, believing that wealth will secure
his legacy. To quote: “Someday I’ll have my own business, and I’ll never have to leave home
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anymore.” (text) Willy’s inability to practice vairagya results in emotional dependence on
superficial success, leading to existential despair.
Karma and Its Consequences:
The Loman family’s struggles reflect the principle that actions rooted in ignorance and
attachment perpetuate suffering. The doctrine of karma emphasizes that actions (and inactions)
have consequences. Willy’s unethical decisions—such as neglecting his family, living in denial,
and his infidelity—create negative outcomes that ripple through his family, particularly
affecting Biff. Biff is torn between his father’s expectations and his own self-awareness; he
struggles with his sense of duty. He eventually rejects Willy’s distorted dharma, seeking
authenticity over illusion. On the other hand, Happy focuses on his personal ambitions and fails
to support the family emotionally or morally.
Self-Realization (Atma Jnana)
The concept of Atma Jnana—the realization of one’s true self—is deeply rooted in
philosophical traditions and can offer a profound lens to explore Willy’s tragedy. In Sanatana
Dharma, self-realization involves understanding one’s true nature beyond material and social
identities. Willy’s lack of introspection and his refusal to confront his inner self contrast sharply
with this ideal. Biff, on the other hand, begins a journey of self-realization, rejecting his father’s
delusions and seeking authenticity. Willy’s life is an embodiment of maya—the illusion of
worldly success and fleeting material goals. He is unable to discern between reality and
illusion, investing in dreams that ultimately betray him. His demise symbolizes the futility of
living a life devoid of Atma Jnana.
Swadharma
The Bhagavad Gita advocates for performing one’s swadharma, even if it is imperfect, as it
aligns with one’s true nature and purpose.
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ŵेया̢ˢधमŖ िवगुण: परधमाŊșनुिʿतात् |
ˢधमő िनधनं ŵेय: परधमŖ भयावह: || (Chapter 3, Verse 35)
“It is better to perform one’s own duty (swadharma), even imperfectly, than to perform
another’s duty (Paradharma) perfectly. Death in one’s own duty is better; the duty of another
is fraught with fear.” Swadharma promotes authenticity, self-realization, and harmony with the
cosmic order. It is more enjoyable to be ourselves than to pretend to be someone else. The
duties born of our nature can be easily performed with stability of mind. The Bhagavad Gita
warns against engaging in paradharma, as it can lead to conflict, confusion, and failure to
achieve one’s spiritual or material goals.
Willy’s adherence to Paradharma leads to his mental and emotional disintegration. He remains
trapped in illusions, unable to break free from societal expectations or accept his true nature,
ultimately resulting in his demise. Biff begins to understand and accept his true nature and
individual duty (swadharma). While initially influenced by Willy’s grandiose dreams of
material success, Biff eventually recognizes that he is not suited for the business world and
finds joy in working close to nature. He realizes that his Dharma lies not in fulfilling his father’s
unrealistic dreams but in pursuing a simpler, authentic life connected to his true passions, like
working on a farm.
Willy’s Tragic End
Willy’s suicide can be interpreted as a misguided attempt to provide for his family and leave a
legacy, reflecting a misunderstanding of true liberation (moksha). In Sanatana Dharma, moksha
is attained through self-awareness and aligning with one’s true purpose, not through external
sacrifices. Willy’s suicide, intended as a means of providing financial security, can be seen as
a tragic misinterpretation of sacrifice. In the Requiem, Linda questions Willy, “Why did you
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do it? I search and search and I search, and I can’t understand it, Willy. I made the last payment
on the house today Today, dear. And there’ll be nobody home.” (Text:34)
Linda’s monologue, delivered at Willy’s graveside, provides the emotional climax of the play.
The phrase “We’re free…we’re free…” is particularly haunting. It reflects her relief that their
financial burdens are finally lifted, but it is loaded with tragic irony because it comes at the
cost of Willy’s life. She refers to their mortgage being paid off, a long-standing source of stress.
Ironically, this achievement coincides with Willy’s death, making the “freedom” bittersweet
and hollow. Willy’s death can be seen as his escape from the pressures and expectations of his
life. For Linda, however, this “freedom” comes at the cost of losing her partner. The irony of
her declaration of freedom highlights the futility of Willy’s sacrifices, making the ending both
heartbreaking and thought-provoking.
In Sanatana Dharma, true liberation (moksha) comes from transcending attachment, not
escaping through death. Detachment encourages individuals to live authentically by focusing
on intrinsic values rather than external validation or societal expectations. Willy’s death
underscores the futility of materialistic pursuits and the importance of living a life aligned with
eternal truths.
Transcending Attachment
The idea that transcending attachment is the solution to existential dilemmas is deeply rooted
in spiritual and philosophical traditions across cultures. In many spiritual traditions,
attachment—to people, material possessions, outcomes, or even identities—is seen as a root
cause of human suffering and existential anguish. Attachment binds individuals to
impermanent aspects of existence, intensifying fear of loss, anxiety about the future and
dissatisfaction with the present, etc. Buddhism teaches that attachment leads to dukkha
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(suffering) and that liberation (nirvana) comes through detachment and mindfulness. The
Bhagavad Gita advocates Karma Yoga, acting without attachment to results.
Willy Loman as the Everyman
Willy embodies the struggles of a common man caught between personal aspirations and
societal expectations. His life is a moving reflection of humanity’s struggle with maya—the
pursuit of fleeting, materialistic goals. His tragedy is a critique of societal norms that equate
worth with wealth, urging readers to seek meaning beyond illusions. Miller carefully criticizes
the consumer society and its capitalist logic. In fact, Willy himself, as salesman uses the
language of advertisement to earn money. But this consumer world has harsh rules; it exploits
everybody, and as Willy affirms: “eat the orange and throw the peel away” (Miller: 61) although
“a man is not a piece of fruit” (61)!
Willy represents the average individual, burdened by societal norms and personal aspirations.
His struggles are universal, transcending his specific context. Willy’s life reflects a clash
between societal expectations (maya) and the hollowness of the American Dream. The play
urges individuals to question societal values and seek deeper truths. True liberation (moksha)
comes from recognizing the futility of hollow dreams and embracing the eternal truths of
existence. Modern consumerist societies often promote attachment to material success and
personal relationships as markers of fulfilment. The play critiques post-war American society’s
emphasis on consumerism and individual success, highlighting the human cost of such ideals.
Miller examines how capitalist systems marginalize and dehumanize individuals like Willy
Loman.
Universal Lessons from Sanatana Dharma
In light of eternal dharma, Willy Loman’s tragic journey is a reflection of human vulnerability
to illusion, attachment, and misplaced priorities. The play invites a dharmic reinterpretation
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that underscores the importance of self-awareness, duty, and the pursuit of higher truths over
fleeting material achievements. It offers a timeless reminder of the need for alignment with
one’s true nature and the universal order for a life of meaning and harmony.
Death of a Salesman serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of living out of sync with
one’s dharma. It echoes the Upanishadic teaching that the pursuit of transient goals leads to
suffering, while aligning with eternal truths brings fulfilment. The play invites readers to reflect
on their values, actions, and the nature of true success, which aligns with the dharmic emphasis
on inner contentment over external validation.
Works Cited:
Bigsby, Christopher. (2005). Arthur Miller: A Critical Study. Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press.
Bloom, Harold. (2007). Bloom’s Modern Critical Views: Arthur Miller. New York: Infobase
Publishing.
Cikaj, Klejton. (2023). “Death of a Salesman: Arthur Miller and the Collapse of the American
Dream”, The Collector
Miller Arthur, (1998) The Death of a Salesman, Penguin Books Publication ISBN: 978-
0141180977
Susan C.W. Abbotson. (2022) “The Continuing Trouble and Tragedy within ‘Death of a
Salesman’”
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