Open Prompt

2001. One definition of madness is "mental delusion or the eccentric behavior arising from it." But Emily Dickinson wrote

    Much madness is divinest Sense-

    To a discerning Eye-

Novelists and playwrights have often seen madness with a "discerning Eye." Select a novel or play in which a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role. Then write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this delusion or eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable. Explain the significance of the "madness" to the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.

          One only need to modify one's perspective in order to view madness through a different lens and see the inherent meaning within. In the Death of a Salesman, by Arthur Miller, the central character, Willy, displays his eccentricity in order to allow the audience to perceive him in a different light that penetrates his persona and illuminates his inner soul. Looking beyond the superficial madness of Willy, at a deeper level, his eccentricity is a testament to his dependence on the past in order to find hope for the future, a place which he has transformed into his irrational reality.

          Throughout the course of the play, Miller depends on the literary technique of diction in order to portray the underlying purpose of Willy's madness. The word "Willy" itself indicates, Willy's will to live in adherence with optimism. Several times during the play, Willy states that it is very important to be "well-liked", reflecting on his struggle through life that has left him squandering for recognition of his talents and skills to progress. Furthermore, this piece of diction also sheds light on Willy's brother, Ben, who is a star character on his way to greater and greater success, indirectly overriding Willy's efforts and constantly reminding him of the hopeful future that Willy could have molded for himself. Transition from the past to the present several times during the play, Willy finds himself to be in a trance-like state where, in the past, he is confident for the future.

          The setting of the play itself is also a conduit to highlight the eccentricity of Willy Loman. Living in a quaint American style cozy and compact house, Willy is constantly reminded of the past, when he dreamt of being the richest among all, relishing the riches he would gain. In one instance, when Willy is recalling the past, he is in a scene with Linda, recounting the bills to be paid and expressing anger at the non-functioning refrigerator, which further enhanced Miller's point in demonstrating how Willy's eccentricity is exacerbated by his frequent trips to the past in his own mind, reminding him of what could have been and what is. While Willy Loman may appear to be nothing but a disturbed and demolished man, by closer inspection, one can see how he is merely lost in time and trying to find his place in society where he is well-recognized and accepted by society's standards.