Eros Repression And Human Alienation Under The New Totalitarianism—a Study Of Death Of A Salesman In The Perspective Of Marcuse’s Social Critical Theory

As one of the greatest playwrights, Arthur Miller was honored by people as the conscience of America in the twentieth century for he bravely faced the problems of society and gave sharp criticism to the issues about humanity, morality and justice. Studies in and abroad have already covered a wide range of field. They have discussed Willy’s tragic fate from different perspectives, among which the social impact is regarded as an indispensable reason. Based on the previous studies, this thesis will resort to Marcuse’s critical theory, holding that Miller’s intention in the play echoes Marcuse’s social critical theory, both concerning about the persecution of humanity in a morbid society.This thesis, therefore, will start from the social perspective by the help of Marcuse’s three major theories:New Totalitarianism, Eros repression and human alienation. It is believed that social impact is the major reason for Willy’s tragedy. As an ordinary person, Willy is powerless in the capitalist social system. After WWII, the American society has evolved into a new totalitarian one. By the strong power of technological rationality, the society assimilates people, their ideology and lifestyle. Human become slaves who conform to and serve the morbid society. As an individual, Willy suffers from the repressions which come from various aspects and fails to relieve it. As a result, his assault instinct is aggravated. Not only Willy, all the people in the play are alienated ones. At last, Willy becomes the alienated existence who is swallowed up by the alienated world. His tragedy is thus inevitable.With the help of Marcuse’s theory, this study intends to gain a new understanding of the characters, their fates as well as Miller’s underlying thoughts in the play. It is hoped that this study can inspire people’s rethinking of our present society.