As a literary expert with a deep understanding of classic works, I can provide an analysis of the significance of the flute in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman."

In the play, the flute represents a symbol of purity, innocence, and the fulfillment of dreams. It is associated with Biff Loman, one of the main characters, who once aspired to be a great athlete and had dreams of success that were untainted by the harsh realities of life.

The flute is mentioned several times throughout the play, often in connection with Biff's memories of a time when he was happy and hopeful. It serves as a stark contrast to the grim reality of Biff's and his family's lives, highlighting the loss of innocence and the disillusionment that has set in.

Furthermore, the flute is also linked to Biff's relationship with his father, Willy Loman. Willy's inability to recognize the true value of the flute, and by extension, Biff's true potential, is a reflection of his own misguided values and the pressure he places on his sons to achieve success in a materialistic way.

The sound of the flute is described as being "very beautiful," which suggests that it represents a form of beauty and aspiration that is beyond the reach of the characters due to their flawed perceptions and the societal pressures they face.

In summary, the flute in "Death of a Salesman" is a poignant symbol of lost dreams, the beauty of potential unfulfilled, and the tragic gap between reality and aspiration.

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For Willy, music symbolizes his mood and sets the tone of the different settings he is in. The flute in "Death of a Salesman" is played in the play whenever Willy is talking to Ben, his father. Willy's father was a flute maker and left Willy and his mother at a young age. The flute is a reminder to Willy of his father.read more >>