1986. Some works of literature use the element of time in a distinct way. The chronological sequence of events may be altered, or time may be suspended or accelerated. Choose a novel, an epic, or a play of recognized literary merit and show how the author's manipulation of time contributes to the effectiveness of the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.
The use of flashbacks in literature can be meaningful in the times and situations that flashbacks happen. Arthur Miller, author of Death of a Salesman, uses flashbacks to manipulate time throughout the play, making comprehension of a scene difficult at times. Miller's manipulation of time contributes to the effectiveness of the play by demonstrating the mental instability of the main character, Willy Loman.
Miller manipulates time in the story by using flashbacks that Willy has. These are specifically triggered by something that is currently happening to Willy. Miller also uses them in the story when Willy is unhappy or uncomfortable with a situation and wants an escape. The flashbacks always go back to happier times in Willy's life, however the validity of them is questionable throughout the play. When Willy glimpses back into the past and then comments on it in the present, he is often met with blank stares and questioning looks. This happens when Willy is speaking to Howard and is fighting for his job. He is remembering a time in the past when he thinks he was a fantastic salesman but really his fantasy is mixing with reality. Willy says to Howard "-in 1928 I had a big year. I averaged a hundred and seventy dollars a week in commissions," to which Howard replies with "Now, Willy, you never averaged--" but gets cut off from Willy's anger. Willy's remembering one thing but being doubted by Howard shows that as Willy remembers his past, he is having difficulty discerning what is real and what is fiction. This also happens in one of his flashbacks when Willy is remembering a time before Biff's football game at Ebbet's field. He is describing himself as being a hotshot salesman and says, "I never have to wait in line to see a buyer. 'Willy Loman is here!' That's all they have to know, and I go right through." However, this is not supported when Linda does the math of Willy's commission later in the scene, causing him to have to reassess the magnitude of his success and admit his overstatement. This use of flashbacks and false memories by manipulating time allows Miller to show Willy's mental instability.
Another way of showing Willy's mental instability through manipulation of time is through the character Ben, Willy's brother. Ben is never really with Willy in the present, yet Willy talks to Ben like he's sitting right next to him. Willy seems to do this especially when he's insecure about something or uncomfortable in a situation, also causes of his flashbacks. This happens in the scene when Willy is playing cards with Charley and in Willy's imagination Ben appears, for only Willy can see him. Willy speaks to Ben and says "I'm getting awfully tired, Ben," to which Charley, with confusion, responds with, "...Did you just call me Ben?" Willy says that Charley reminded him of his brother Ben, leading to a conversation about him. If the audience did not recognize before that Ben is an apparition of Willy's mind, it is said by Willy to Charley later. He says "Couple of weeks ago we got a letter from his wife in Africa. He died." The entire scene is mixed with conversations that Willy is having with Ben and Charley and the confusion and chaos that comes from it. Miller's manipulation of time by putting Ben, deceased, in the present as Willy's imagination, continues to show the audience the mental instability of the character Willy Loman.
Miller's use of time manipulation occurs when Willy feels the need to retreat from reality. Temporary escapes from reality are useful and sometimes necessary to escape, however Willy's escapes are not temporary, resulting in his suicide from his mental instability.
