Kingston

The American ambition in Death of a Salesman

What does Willy Loman lot?


In the play Death of a Salesman, Arthur moth miller avoids mentioning Willy Lomans gross sales product. The audience never knows what this poor salesman sells. Why? perchance Willy Loman represents Everyman. By not specifying the product, audiences be free to imagine Willy as a seller of auto equipment, building supplies, paper products, or egg beaters. An audience member might imagine a career linked with his/her own, and moth miller then succeeds in connecting with the viewer.


Millers decision to make Willy Loman a failer tough by a vague, unfeeling industry stems from the playwrights socialist leanings. It has often been said that Death of a Salesman is a harsh criticism of the American Dream. However, it may be that Miller wanted to clarify our definition: What is the American Dream? The resolving depends on which character you ask.


Willy Lomans American Dream:


To the booster of Death of a Salesman, the American Dream is the competency to stupefy prosperous by mere charisma. Willy believes that personality, not hard work and innovation, is the key to success. Time and again, he wants to make sure his boys are well- the liked and popular.



For example, when his son Biff confesses to making fun of his math instructors lisp, Willy is more concerned with how Biffs classmates reply:

BIFF: I Crossed my eyes and talked with a lithp.

WILLY: (Laughing.) You did? The kids like it?


BIFF: They nearly died laughing!

Of course, Willys version of the American Dream never pans out. Despite his sons popularity in high school, Biff grows up to be a vagrant and a ranch-hand. Willys own career falters as his sales ability flat-lines. When he tries to use personality to ask his pommel for a raise, he gets fired instead.

Bens America Dream:


To Willys older brother Ben, the American Dream is the ability to start with nothing and somehow make a opportunity:


BEN: William, when I...If you want to get a full essay, order it on our website: Orderessay



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