Symbolism in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman Arthur Miller's play, Death of a Salesman is steeped in symbolism from the opening scene. Many symbols illustrate the themes of success and failure. They include the apartment buildings, the rubber hose, Willy's brother Ben, the tape recorder and the seeds for the garden. These symbols represent Willy's attempts to succeed and his impending failure. When Willy and Linda bought their house in Brooklyn, it seemed far away from the city. Willy was young and strong and believed he had a successful future. He and his sons cut down tree branches that threatened his home and set up a hammock that he could enjoy with his children. The green fields filled his house with wonderful aromas. Over the years, as Willy struggled to pay for his house, the town grew and eventually surrounded the house. Large apartment buildings have “trapped” Willy’s house. Instead of pleasant aromas, only foul smells filled the house. The development around the house parallels the changes in Willy's career. Willy had a bright future, but he didn't grow or "develop" his skills, believing that good looks were all that was needed to succeed. Over time, Willy's business skills stagnated and Willy became "stuck" in his job. The sweet smell of success has been replaced by the stench of failure. The rubber hose represents both success and failure. It is connected to the gas line in Willy's house and offers him the opportunity to commit suicide. Willy sees this as a way to finally do something for his family to make up for years of disappointment. He will no longer be a burden to them when he is gone, and they will remember him in a place...... middle of paper ......r because he hasn't changed with time. Finally, Willy hoped to show his family that he could do something good and give them a little fun by planting seeds in the garden. He hoped that these seeds would grow into a wonderful garden that everyone could enjoy. So his family would appreciate it. But the garden fails, and so does Willy. Works cited and consulted Baym, Franklin, Gottesman, Holland, et al., eds. The Norton Anthology of American Literature. 4th ed. New York: Norton, 1994. Costello, Donald P. "Arthur Miller's Circles of Responsibility: A View from a Bridge and Beyond." Modern drama. 36 (1993): 443-453. Florio, Thomas A., ed. “Miller’s Tales.” The New Yorker. 70 (1994): 35-36. Martin, Robert A., ed. Arthur Miller. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 1982.---. Eight pieces. New York: Nelson Doubleday, 1981.