Marxism

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Marxism: is a social, political, and economic philosophical theory that

examines the causes and effects of capitalism and promotes communism


as an alternative. It was developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in
the 19th century. Marxism theory has three main components:

 A philosophical anthropology, which analyzes human nature, history, and


society from the perspective of materialism and dialectics. Materialism
means that everything in the world, including human consciousness, is
determined by the material conditions of existence. Dialectics means that
everything in the world is in a constant state of change and conflict,
driven by the contradictions between opposing forces.

 A theory of history, which explains the development of human societies in


terms of class struggle and historical stages. Class struggle means that
the main source of conflict in society is the exploitation of one class by
another, based on their relation to the means of production. Historical
stages means that human history can be divided into different modes of
production, such as primitive communism, slavery, feudalism, capitalism,
and communism. Each mode of production has its own dominant class,
which shapes the economic, political, and ideological aspects of society.

 An economic and political program, which criticizes capitalism and


advocates for socialism and communism as the solutions to the problems
of inequality, alienation, and oppression. Capitalism is the mode of
production in which the means of production are privately owned and
operated for profit by the bourgeoisie (the ruling class). Socialism is the
transitional stage in which the means of production are collectively owned
and controlled by the proletariat (the working class). Communism is the
final stage in which the means of production are commonly owned and
managed by the whole society, and there is no class, state, or money.

Marxism in Death of a Salesman:

Death of a Salesman is a play by Arthur Miller that depicts the tragic


downfall of Willy Loman, a traveling salesman who believes in the
American dream of success and wealth through hard work and charisma.
The play shows how Willy is exploited and alienated by the capitalist
system that values profit over people, competition over cooperation, and
appearance over substance.
 Willy is a victim of the bourgeoisie, the ruling class that owns and controls
the means of production. He is fired by his boss, Howard, who does not
appreciate his loyalty or experience. He is also cheated by his brother,
Ben, who made a fortune in Africa and Alaska. He is unable to sell his
products, as he is outdated and outmatched by younger and more
efficient competitors.

 Willy suffers from false consciousness, the state of being unaware of the
true nature of one’s social and economic situation. He believes that he is a
successful and popular salesman, and that his sons, Biff and Happy, will
follow his footsteps. He lies to himself and others about his achievements,
and borrows money from his neighbor, Charley, who represents a more
pragmatic and honest approach to capitalism.

 Willy is alienated from his family, his work, and his self. He neglects his
wife, Linda, and imposes his unrealistic expectations on his sons, Biff and
Happy. He is dissatisfied with his work, as he does not enjoy or find
meaning in what he does. He is also confused and depressed, as he often
hallucinates and contradicts himself.

 Willy’s suicide is a final act of rebellion against the system that has
crushed his spirit and dignity. He hopes that his life insurance will provide
for his family and that Biff will use the money to start a business.
However, his plan backfires, as Biff rejects his father’s materialistic values
and decides to pursue his own happiness. Linda is left alone and
bewildered by Willy’s death, while Happy vows to continue his father’s
legacy.

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