Analysis of the American Dream in "Death of a Salesman&
Analysis of the American Dream in "Death of a Salesman"
The American Dream is not the same for everyone, however it is a universal goal that many desire. The American Dream has been a common theme in literature. In Death of a Salesman, written by Arthur Miller, the idea of the American Dream is depicted by the, main character Willy Loman. Willy has a very distorted view of the American Dream. Aiming to achieve fortune and success is what blinded Willy from reality. It sent him on a downward spiral. He became so obsessed with who he wanted to be and with his job that it began to drive him crazy. Willy faces reality when he gets fired from the job he devoted his life to. Trying to attain the American Dream, Willy brought about his own downfall. Willy’s reality was taken over by his distorted dreams of what he really wanted to be.
Willy was only a businessman because he thought that this was the ideal job. He worked for the same company his whole life; he worked there for so long that his original boss’ son became his own boss. Willy’s job involved long hours, out of the office, driving to different parts of New England. Willy did not even realize that he didn’t have the business job that he desired. He wanted to be successful so badly, and he thought that making it in the business world was how to do that. He says to Biff, “The man who makes an appearance in the business world, the man who creates personal interest, is the man who gets ahead. Be liked and you will never want.” Willy’s view on life was very distorted. He believed that a man’s life had meaning only if he was well respected and known by many. Aside from that, he was not good at his job. It never made him happy and he never did get much respect being the salesman he was. Willy was always good at working with his hands. He enjoyed repairing things around the house and he possessed the skills to perform those tasks. But Willy didn’t think that being a carpenter was a respectable and well paying job, “Even your grandfather was better than a carpenter,” Willy...