[Solution]Choose one of those motifs (heat/fire OR ice/cold) and discuss what Miller’s use of the motif is saying thus far.

Arthur Miller’s use of the motif of heat and fire in his play, Death of a Salesman is intended to convey a sense of foreboding and chaos. This particular motif has been used throughout the play, suggesting that disaster is imminent due to Willy Loman’s inability to accept reality and make sensible decisions. The use of this motif is particularly effective because it gives the audience an indication that something bad will happen. In particular, Miller uses heat or fire during moments where tension is high or important changes are occurring in the play.

Choose one of those motifs (heat/fire OR ice/cold) and discuss what Miller’s use of the motif is saying thus far.

One way Miller uses heat and fire as a motif in Death of a Salesman can be seen when Willy begins talking about his brother Ben, who had made millions out west. Throughout these conversations, Willy talks about how “the jungle was so hot he couldn’t sleep at night” (Miller 3), referring to Ben’s struggles out west before he eventually struck gold. This imagery suggests that although Ben faced some form of danger or turmoil (symbolized by “the jungle”) through his hard work and perseverance he succeeded in making himself wealthy despite any obstacles (represented by “the heat”). By using this imagery, Miller implies that even though life may get tough for Willy there is still hope for him if only he perseveres like his brother did before him.

Another example of how Arthur Miller utilizes heat as a motif appears near the end of act 2 when Linda attempts to talk sense into her husband after Biff discovers his father has been cheating on him with another woman. When Linda reveals what she knows about Willy’s infidelity, she states: “That’s why you’re never home anymore…There isn’t one single thing…except leaving me alone all evening – no explanation! That’s why there was such hell breaking loose around here!”(Miller 79). Here we see Linda expressing her hurt over being left behind while her husband goes off without warning and without explanation which leads her to unleash her rage upon him: “And now I’m burning up! Burning up”!(Miller 79). Through this language we can infer that although Linda has kept silent until now, she can contain her emotions no longer as her anger builds up within her like flames licking their way towards destruction symbolizing both ruin but also potential liberation from an oppressive situation.

Finally, when Death Of A Salesman reaches its climax with Biff confronting his father face-to-face; we find yet another instance where fire plays an important role in conveying meaning. As Biff stands up against his father demanding honesty from him instead of false dreams; he proclaims “I am not a leader… And I am not a dollar sign either” (Miller 111). This statement comes accompanied by imagery describing ‘fire’ bursting out from within Willy indicating inner turmoil coupled with intense emotion coursing through all characters involved – reflecting their mutual understanding that something must change if they ever want peace again between them all:
“Willy stares at Biff with speechless terror.. Flames seem to burst from beneath [his] feet”(Miller 112).

Overall we can see how Arthur miller uses various themes involving fire/heat throughout death Of A Salesman as an important tool for setting certain tones throughout the narrative arc and emphasising key ideas concerning fate & family dynamics by invoking feelings such as fear , passion , courage & ultimately; transformation . These examples indicate just how powerful symbolism & metaphor can be when used effectively within literature .