American Literature

Death of a Salesman speaks about the false hope the American dream people visualize. Willy Loman wanted to live the American dream he lied to his family about his work and he lied to his co-worker about the status of his family. Willy Loman wanted to be important and popular, he wanted people to like him and think of him as someone who has done something, but as he grew older and he realized that his dream was slowly disappearing, his obsession for it brought him depression and debt.

Willy Lomans idea of a person, who would achieve the American dream, was someone who is well-loved and charming WILLY Bigger than Uncle Charley Because Charley is not liked. Hes liked, but hes not  well liked (Miller Act 1). Biff is well liked, he is charming, and in the standard of Willy Loman, he would be a great salesman. He refuses to see the effort of his other son Happy, who has already gained success at work. Willy did not acknowledge Bernard, the son of Charley, who has achieved success through knowledge, even though he is not well-liked WILLY Thats just what I mean. Bernard can get the best marks in school, yunderstand, but when he gets out in the business world, yunderstand, you are going to be five times ahead of him (Miller Act 1).

Willy Lomans idea of the American dream is distorted by the fact that a person has to be well-liked and adored by people, it was not important whether the person is educated or not. Willy Loman religiously believed in the American dream. Even when he failed at it, he still persisted on achieving it. In the end, when he finally realized that his idea of American dream will not be achieved. He became desperate and committed suicide to support the need of his family.