Death of a Salesman

Willy believes that the definition of a successful life revolves around the principles of the American Dream which can only be achieved by the “well liked” and “personally attractive” men of society. In the play, we can see that Willy acquires none of these characteristics, however, he tries to install such qualities into his eldest son. Willy is a character who ironically demands respect but seems unwilling to earn it, an idea which is apparent multiple times but particularly in his exchange with Howard. Arguably, Willy’s inaccurate perspective of the American Dream enables both his hubris and his hamartia, as he disvalues the concept. The American Dream is understood as being identified in the hard working and those who do not complain about their lack of success. Willy’s interpretation of likeability is suggestively corrupted as although he values the characteristic, he nevertheless does not understand its definition. Willy childishly dislikes Bernard whom he considers to be a “nerd”, however ironically, it is Bernard who achieves the American Dream as a lawyer as a result of such academic success. Willy’s inability to understand and appreciate hard work only characterises his identity as being blind and to some extent naive.

“We are aware of towering, angular shapes behind it, surrounding it on all sides. Only the blue light of the sky falls upon the house and forestage; the surrounding area shows an angry glow of orange.” “What’s the mystery? The man knew what he wanted and went out and got it! Walked into a jungle, and comes out, at the age of twenty-one, and he’s rich! The world is an oyster, but you don’t crack it open on a mattress!” “I’m gonna show you and everybody else that Willy Loman did not die in vain. He had a good dream. It’s the only dream to have—to come out number-one man. He fought it out here, and this where I’m gonna win it for him.”