February 11, 2005

"Attention must be paid."

From "Death of a Salesman", by Arthur Miller:

Don't say he's a great man. Willy Loman never made a lot of money. His name was never in the paper. He's not the finest character that ever lived. But he's a human being, and a terrible thing is happening to him. So attention must be paid. He's not to be allowed to fall into his grave like an old dog. Attention, attention must finally be paid to such a person.
Posted by sheila
Comments

Miller was a neighbor having moved to rural CT prior to 1953 but I'm not sure exactly when. Recently a series of films was shown at a local theater to benefit the women and children of Afghanistan. Miller introduced the Misfits. I was not able to make it but now that he is gone will see if a tape or DVD was made. I'm sure many of your readers would like to see it. He was quite active in local affairs but less so in recent years.
The film screenings were quite interesting-Mia Farrow introduced Rosemary's Baby and Frank McCourt did Angela's Ashes-all local residents.

Posted by: mike at February 11, 2005 4:27 PM

I love that quote. I've only read Death of a Salesman once--recently, for a college class--and I'm thinking it's deserving of a second reading.

Posted by: Joel Caris at February 11, 2005 4:51 PM

One of the most fascianting Mother characters ever. That, and Mary in "Long Day's Journey". Beautiful.

Posted by: Alex at February 11, 2005 5:05 PM