I really hate giving this book (well, play) one star. I hate giving any "classic" one star, for that matter. It must have gone down in history for a reason, and is beloved by many. In most classics like this, even if I don't like the story, characters, etc., I usually can find that "spark" that has made it so popular for so many years. But I can honestly say that I found no redeeming qualities in Death of a Salesman. None whatsoever. Sigh.

Maybe I would have been more comfortable actually seeing the play instead of reading it, but, for me, this entire play was tedious and boring. I know I sound like a typical high-school student, but it's true. The storyline fell flat, I didn't care about any of the characters, the whole thing just felt bland. And the whole "these characters have fallen victim to the American Dream" idea was worn out before the first act was over.

And, this is probably my inner feminist talking, but all of the women in this play were useless. We have five women in this play. One is a secretary, and has four lines. The next is Linda, who is pretty much a piece of furniture. She gives in to whatever Willy says (because she has "infinite patience," apparently) and adds close to nothing to the play. Oh, and the other three? They're prostitutes. Classy.