Death Of A Salesman :: essays research papers

Critical Essay &8211 DramaThe idea that any person can rise from humble beginnings to grandeur is the basis of the American Dream. Arthur Miller paints a harsh picture of this ideal in the drama Death of a Salesman. The main character, Willy Loman, is a complex and sad figure. He is a man striving to hold onto what dignity he has left in a world that no longer values the beliefs he grew up with. While society can be blamed for much of Willy&8217s misfortune, he must also be blamed for his bad judgement, disloyalty and his absurd pride. Willy Loman&8217s own delusions are a result of his failure to succeed in life. He still believes he is popular, respected and good-looking. But at eon sixty-three, he is none of those. When presented with a bill he knows he cannot pay, Willy convinces himself that a sales trip to Hartford will solve his problems. He vows to his married woman, &8220I&8217ll cuff &8216em dead next week. I&8217ll go to Hartford, I&8217m very well liked in Hartford (1809). However, in those moments that he begins to realize the truth, his wife Linda while understanding his situation, supports his delusion. She says to him &8220&8230you&8217re the handsomest man in the world (1809). But the truth is being popular and good looking is not the key to success. Success is achieved through and through hard work and perseverance.The American Dream has long turned sour for Willy. At the beginning of his life, he remembers travelling in a wagon button westward. His parents conquered the new frontier and succeeded. His brother Ben, &8220Walked into a jungle, and comes start, the age of twenty-one, and he&8217s rich (1811). For a while, the American Dream was alive in Willy too. He helped stake out new territories by selling his goods, his son type slug was going to a university with a scholarship and he had a home with no apartments closing in on him. But now, Willy is forced to work on commission at an old age and ultimately fired by his godson. His favored son Biff is also a hopeless dreamer, unable to hold on to a job. Willy&8217s &8220fatherly advice advocated &8220&8230it&8217s not what you do. It&8217s who you know and the smile on your face (1833). Willy&8217s delusions of fame and fortune infected his own life and spread to the sons he had placed such high hopes on.