As an expert in literature, I can provide you with an analysis of the character Howard Wagner in Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman."
Howard Wagner is a successful businessman and the owner of the company for which Willy Loman, the protagonist, works. He is a practical and straightforward character who represents the capitalist values of the time. Howard is not a central character in the play, but he plays a significant role in Willy's life, particularly in the later stages of the narrative.
Willy has worked for the company for many years, and he has a sense of loyalty and expectation that his service will be rewarded with a secure position or partnership in the firm. However, Howard embodies the harsh reality of business where personal relationships and sentimentality are secondary to efficiency and profit. When Willy is fired from his job, it is Howard who delivers the news, showing little empathy for Willy's situation.
Howard's character serves to highlight the themes of the American Dream, the nature of success, and the impact of societal values on the individual. He is a reminder that in a capitalist society, personal worth is often measured by one's ability to produce and contribute to the economy, rather than by personal qualities or the length of service.
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