Critical Lens Essay

According to Rousseau, "Literature shows how man is his own greatest enemy." In other words, people cause their own problems in life. Based on many literary works, this quote is true. This concept of literature is found in William's play A Streetcar Named Desire and Miller's play Death of a Salesman. Through the use of literary elements such as characterization, symbols and themes, both respective authors prove Rousseau's statement that literature shows how man is …

…greatest enemy," through the use of themes and symbols. "Literature shows how man is his own greatest enemy." Authors, Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams prove Rousseau's statement through the use of literary elements. In A Streetcar Named Desire by William, Blanche DuBois creates problems in her life through lies and illusions. In Death of a Salesman by Miller, Willy Loman lives in the past and convinces himself that he is better off dead than alive.