Open Prompt

1986. Some works of literature use the element of time in a distinct way. The chronological sequence of events may be altered, or time may be suspended or accelerated. Choose a novel, an epic, or a play of recognized literary merit and show how the author's manipulation of time contributes to the effectiveness of the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.

All books and plays use time to their advantage. Some speed time up, some slow it down, and some just use it to confuse the audience. In the work "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller, Miller shows how an author can use time to incorporate the past into the present. 

Willy Loman, the salesman in  the book has a difficult relationship with both of his sons, Happy and Biff, and his wife. As Willy got older, he started seeing the past with the present. Miller used imagery very well to make sure the reader knew that Willy was in the past, and not the present. By using selective imagery, every time a flash back came on, the language changed as well. When Willy was in the "past" he talked younger, as if he really did go back in time, and could remember everything, when in the present he could not. Using this technique helped Miller bring the past issues, to the present issues. 

Detail is an important thing needed in any play and book ever written. Miller uses great detail in his work "The Death Of a Salesman". Because of this use if detail, Miller was able to successfully bring the past into the future. While reading the book, the first time Willy goes back into the past with one of his delusions, its pretty confusing. As the reader gets used to it, you notice that there are certain details that let you know that Willy is about the go into the past. Bringing this past, becomes a problem for Willy and his family. Faults from Willy's past came through to the present. When Linda tries fixing her stockings, Willy remember cheating on her and giving her new stockings to another girl. Bringing these problem help the reader understand the meaning of Willy being fake, and his reality being fake as well. Because of all this detail, the play becomes less confusing, and more enjoyable to read. 

Using time to illustrate certain things in a book is an easy way to help readers understand. Combining the literary techniques of detail and imagery help create a better understanding of "The Death of The Salesman".