Symbolism in Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller In his play Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller uses many symbols to illustrate the themes of success and failure. They include the hose, the recorder and the seeds for the garden. These symbols represent Willy's last, desperate attempts to succeed and the failure he cannot escape. The rubber hose represents both success and failure. It is connected to the gas main in Willy's house and offers him the opportunity to commit suicide. Willy sees it as a way to finally do something for his family and 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 positive light. Yet Willy can't even successfully commit suicide. His attempt is a failure, so he lies to his family and denies that he would kill himself. His wife Linda, who finds the pipe, knows what she will do with it, as does Biff. When confronted by Biff, Willy not only denies that he would use the pipe, but also denies ever having seen it before. Instead of being remembered as a dead successful businessman, Willy is seen by his family as a failure who can't even commit suicide or tell the truth. Another important symbol is Howard's tape recorder. It represents the many material items that wealthy businessmen could provide for their families and themselves. Willy wanted this lifestyle; he wanted “something he could get his hands on” (Miller pag. ). It would not be enough to simply be successful; Willy wanted to be able to show people material representations of his success. The record shows that Howard has achieved this level of success. Yet, while the recorder symbolizes… the medium of paper… or could acquire such technical marvels. Even though he could afford them for himself and his family as other businessmen could, he couldn't figure out how to work them because it didn't change with the times. Ultimately, Willy hoped to show his family that he could do something right and give them a little pleasure by planting some seeds in the backyard. He hoped that these seeds would grow into a beautiful garden that everyone could enjoy. Then his family would appreciate it. But the garden fails, as does Willy. Willy Loman wants to become a successful businessman that his family can be proud of. The tube, the recorder and the seeds represent just some of his attempts to do so. Yet, as with everything in Willy's life, what initially represents hope ends up symbolizing failure. Work Cited: Miller, Arthur. Death of a salesman. New York: The Viking Press 1988