How do the "stocking" and "rubber tube" symbolize tragic flaws in "Death of a Salesman"?
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In Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman," both the woman's stockings and the rubber tube are powerful symbols that represent the tragic flaws of the protagonist, Willy Loman.
The woman's stockings symbolize Willy's infidelity and betrayal of his wife, Linda. They serve as a reminder of his affair when Linda finds them in his pocket and later mends her own stockings, igniting feelings of guilt and inadequacy in Willy. This symbol of infidelity not only contributes to the characterization of Willy as flawed but also serves as a visual representation of his failure to fulfill the role of a faithful husband, which erodes the foundation of trust within his family.
The rubber tube is a darker symbol that represents Willy's consideration of suicide. Willy has attached a rubber tube to the gas line in his home in an attempt to kill himself through asphyxiation. It stands for Willy's escape from reality, his sense of hopelessness, and his desire to provide for his family through life insurance money after his death. The rubber tube symbolizes Willy's ultimate tragic flaw: his inability to face the truth about his insignificance in the business world and his failure to achieve the American Dream, leading to his tragic end.