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Arthur Miller

1915–2005
Arthur Miller, 1964. (CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images)

Major works:
All My SonsDeath of a SalesmanThe CrucibleA View from the Bridge

Read an excerpt from

Death of a Salesman

Arthur Miller

CHARLEY, stopping Happy’s movement and reply. To Biff: Nobody dast blame this man. You don’t understand: Willy was a salesman. And for a salesman, there is no rock bottom to the life. He don’t put a bolt to a nut, he don’t tell you the law or give you medicine. He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. And then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory.

Read a passage from Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
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