What Is a Good Thesis Statement for “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller?

A valid and provocative thesis statement on Arthur Miller’s Pulitzer-prize-winning play “Death of a Salesman” should focus on one of the major themes of the play. These themes revolve around the ideas of denial, abandonment and the disorder of madness.

Because everyone in the Loman family in “Death of a Salesman” is either living in denial or enabling another family member’s denial, this theme is a strong choice for a thesis. In particular, Willy Loman cannot face the truth about his own mediocrity and must cling to his denial of failure to preserve any emotional stability. Willy also feels abandoned by various members of his family and finally abandons them completely when he commits suicide. Willy’s madness and disorder also provide a strong starting place for a thesis statement, as Willy’s denial of the truth ultimately leads him to living in an alternate reality.