“I don't say he's a great man. Willie 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 in his grave like an old dog. Attention, attention must finally be paid to such a person.”
Explore This Quote Further
Example of Usage
In the play "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller, the character of Willy Loman is not portrayed as a great man in traditional terms. However, his struggles and the tragedy he faces are emphasized by the quote "attention must be paid." This quote highlights the importance of recognizing the humanity and struggles of individuals, regardless of their social status or wealth.
Quote Analysis:
In this quote from Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman," the character of Charley defends the protagonist Willie Loman, acknowledging that he may not be a great man in the conventional sense. However, Charley emphasizes the importance of recognizing Willie's humanity and the struggles he faces. The phrase "attention must be paid" underscores the idea that everyone, regardless of their status or achievements, deserves to be seen and valued. This quote serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and compassion towards others, especially those who may be facing difficulties.
Relevance in Modern Society
In Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman," the character Willie Loman embodies the struggles of the average person trying to achieve the American Dream. This quote highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the struggles of individuals who may not be considered successful by societal standards. In today's society, where issues of mental health, job insecurity, and economic inequality are prevalent, it is crucial to remember that everyone deserves compassion and attention, regardless of their social status or achievements. Just as Willie Loman deserved to have attention paid to his suffering, individuals in modern society also deserve support and empathy in their times of struggle.
Reflection Questions
Reflecting on the quote from Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman," consider the following questions:
What qualities make a person "great" in your eyes? Do you believe it is important for someone to be successful or famous in order to be considered great?
In what ways do you think society values individuals based on their wealth and notoriety? How does this impact the way we view and treat others who may not fit this mold?
How do you think the concept of "attention must be paid" applies to our interactions with others in our daily lives? Do you believe that everyone deserves to be seen and acknowledged, regardless of their outward accomplishments?
Have you ever witnessed someone going through a difficult time or struggling in their life? How did you respond to their situation? Did you feel a sense of responsibility to support them in some way?
Think about a time when you may have overlooked or ignored someone's struggles or hardships. How can you actively work to ensure that you are truly paying attention to the needs and well-being of those around you?
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“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.”
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“Great stones they lay upon his chest until he plead aye or nay. They say he give them but two words. "More weight," he says. And died.”
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