Death of a Salesman - Question 6

The theatrical component of music is used to contribute to Death of a Salesman. The playwright indicates Willy's flashbacks or hallucinations through this physical effect given in the stage directions.

"Willy: I'm getting awfully tired, Ben. (Ben's music is heard. Ben looks around at everything.)

Charley: Good, keep playing; you'll sleep better. Did you call me Ben?

...

Ben: His flute. He played the flute

Willy: Sure, the flute, that's right! (New music is heard, a high, rollicking tune.)

(pages 1568,1571)

The music takes Willy back to previous times in his life and serve as a reminder of his past. The music also helps to signal to the reader/audience when these flashbacks or hallucinations are occurring throughout the play. Without this cue, the play would be more difficult to follow along with.

The Glass Menagerie - Question 6

A large component of The Glass Menagerie was the contribution of music. The main theme song was titled "The Glass Menagerie" as well, composed by Paul Bowles. This song was cued at carefully selected moments in Tom's recollection of the past. It was played most often surrounding Laura's mood changes to sadness, inferiority, or embarrassment. On page 1239, the song is first introduced when Amanda inquires about gentleman callers to Laura. "What? No one - not one? You must be joking!" At this comment, Laura becomes ashamed and distances herself from the others behind the portieres, serving as a great indicator of her feelings of embarrassment and inferiority. This song was symbolic of Laura. She herself was like the glass collection she had: fragile, unusual to others, and easily broken.