Definitely a play. Arthur Miller crafted 'Death of a Salesman' specifically for the stage, and it has been performed countless times in theaters around the world.
It's fiction. The plot and characters in Death of a Salesman are imaginative creations of the author to convey certain messages and emotions, not based on real events or people.
Yes, 'Death of a Salesman' can be considered a historical fiction. It is set in a specific time period, the post - World War II era in America. The play reflects the economic and social values of that time. The character of Willy Loman, for example, is a salesman who is struggling in a changing business world. His dreams and failures are emblematic of the hopes and disillusionment of the American middle - class during that historical period.
The play also delves into the theme of self - deception. Willy constantly lies to himself and his family about his achievements and his future prospects. He imagines himself as a great salesman, even when the reality is that he is struggling to make ends meet. This self - deception is a coping mechanism for him, but it ultimately prevents him from facing the truth and making real changes in his life.