The issue of gender equality is an urgent topic in our modern society. Over the last century we have established human rights, racial rights, and even animal rights. So why is it that when a woman calls for equality she is seen as an ego-driven feminist? Our government and society have come a long way since the mid-1900s, when women's rights were a non-negotiable topic. Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller is an accurate portrayal of a society negatively affected by these unjust times. Even though we have changed our discriminatory ways slightly, we still have many bias-related obstacles to overcome. Miller successfully exemplifies the bitter objectification of women in the mid-1900s through Death of a Salesman. By explaining the disgusting ways in which women were treated during this largely ignorant era, readers are taught that disloyalty, abandonment, and objectification were the norms during this time period. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay In the mid-1900s, women were not always treated with the respect they deserved. Willy Loman's wife, Linda, is a prime example of an abused woman who was given no respect within her family. Linda is constantly lied to, humiliated and cast aside. She suffers emotional abuse because of all the stress she endured while caring for her needy husband. During an emotional and tense conversation with her son Biff, Linda explains: “No, you can't just come and visit me, because I love him. He is the dearest man in the world to me, and I will not let anyone make him feel unwanted, low, and sad” (Miller 55). This heartfelt quote demonstrates how Linda was blinded by Willy and his manipulative tendencies. She wants her son Biff to appreciate his father as much as he loves him and this makes her angry, because she loves Willy more than she loves herself. Her reliance on Willy's approval exemplifies the pressures placed on women in the 1900s due to a lack of female rights and, consequently, a lack of self-esteem. In addition to being emotionally manipulated by Willy, Linda is constantly deceived. This causes a weak bond between the two and shows how women like Linda were not treated with respect, as her husband did not appreciate being honest with his wife. Linda firmly believes the lies Willy tells. During a conversation regarding their finances, Linda says, “But you're doing great, dear. You make seventy to one hundred dollars a week” (Miller 37). This statement convinces the reader - aware of Willy's financial situation - that Linda is easy to persuade and ignores the fact that Willy is a compulsive liar. Willy was a self-centered man who lied about his income just to support his oversized ego. During these desperate times, men often acted as if they had superiority over their wives, as exemplified in Willy Loman's portrait. Although women currently have more rights than ever, women can still often be treated as the “lesser” sex in a professional capacity. Stephanie Coontz of the New York Times states: “Women are still paid less than men at every level of education and in every job category. They are less likely than men to hold jobs that offer flexibility or family-friendly benefits. When they become mothers, they face more scrutiny and prejudice at work than fathers” (Coontz 8). This is a current analysis of how society is still in touch with theignorant views of past generations. As a society we have evolved and our morals have purified, but we are still discriminated against because we are women, as women continue to try to evade these sexist traps. Betrayal is another common factor that a woman in the mid-1900s could anticipate. Being cast aside and used for selfish reasons was not an uncommon occurrence. In Death of a Salesman many symbols are used to exaggerate the disparity of this time. The most controversial symbol Miller includes are socks. These skimpy, translucent garments represent how Willy treated the multiple women in his life. When socks get torn, they are thrown away and ignored because they are no longer needed. Ironically, Willy Loman does this to the woman he is having an affair with. While Linda Loman sews her torn stockings, Willy gives them to a woman for whom he has even less respect. This is demonstrated when Willy shouts, “I won't let you darn socks in this house! Now throw them away!” (Miller 39). Willy clearly doesn't appreciate his wife or the work she does to keep their marriage from falling apart. This also symbolizes how Linda is desperately trying to keep their marriage intact while Willy doesn't care about the outcome of their relationship. The woman with whom Willy had an affair in this play serves a very important purpose in the development of the plot. Their relationship illustrates how Willy is actually filled with guilt. We see Willy Loman's character collapse after he has an affair with the woman and talks to Linda. Willy exclaims, “I'll make it up to you, Linda, I…” (Miller 39) showing that he subconsciously feels guilty about his affair. However, as soon as he comes out of his daydream, he returns to his selfish self. Use this woman as arm candy and nothing more. This makes it clear that women in positions like her were not treated with dignity, despite both being complicit in the affair. While such disparity may not exist today, as things have normalized to some extent (in the sense that women are not necessarily blamed more than men for illicit activities), the stigma of blaming the woman is still pervasive today, and it is inherently unfair and unjust. sexist. The biggest obstacle women face, however, is objectification. To be objectified means to be treated as an object rather than a sentient being. This can lead to a lack of self-confidence as the woman is objectified. Being labeled and insulted in this form is something no woman should ever endure, but it is much less common today as we have raised awareness about this issue and are committed to educating girls. When we compare our current opinions on this issue to those of the women in Death of a Salesman, we see a clear change in the respect women have earned for themselves in recent years. Willy and Linda Loman's son, Happy, is a great example of a man who took advantage of girls. After years of watching Willy treat his wife disrespectfully, Happy easily follows in his father's clumsy footsteps. Happy's dishonorable actions come into play when he is out with his brother Biff at a restaurant and begins admiring a richly dressed woman. After approaching the woman, Happy states, “Isn't it a shame now? A beautiful girl like that? This is why I can't get married. There is not one good woman in a thousand. New York is full of them, boy!” (Miller 103). This statement shows how Happy often classifies all women as prostitutes because of one woman he assumes was "on call." Because of this he despises all women in New York due to an isolated incident. This proves one.