Short on symbolism in Miller's drama "Death of a salesman"

Many symbols are incorporated into the play 'Death of a Sales man' and they in turn relate to both character and theme. The hose, tape recorder and the seeds are some of these symbols. The hose in Miller's drama directly relates to the theme of death. The hose is a line attached to the gas main in Willy's house which allows him to snif f the gas. This action can be seen as Willy's suicide …

…is covered by the shadows cast by them. It is eviden t that no light will fall on Willy's garden. Willy's attempt to plant and grow seeds is futile, but he persist in his attempt to seek reconciliation and forgiveness. Thus the hose, tape record er and the seeds are all symbolic of Willy's dreams gone sour, and his inability to live in the present. His death is inevitable and is mirrored by his life.