Death of the Salesman Analysis

The idea behind the American dream is having a decent job, a good house, beautiful car, a healthy social life and being well respected, all amenities towards a fulfilling life (Graham, Carol, 2). Pursuit of the American dream is a central theme in the “Death of a Salesman”. Loman's downfall is by his own hand the highlight of Miller's work, "Death of a Salesman". Interesting, the product sold by the salesman is seldom mentioned in the play; rather focus is played on the imagination and illusion of Willy loman as a salesman. The American dream to many consisted a life of immense opportunity that through hard work and persistence one can make it (Graham, Carol, 19). However, as depicted by the role played by Willy Loman. He is spent out as he chases the false belief of the American dream.

It’s clear that pursuit of own dream and passionate ambitions is essential in achieving the American dream (Sterling, Eric, and Eric, 49). Otherwise failure to follow something that you enjoy and true dreams leads to frustration and failure as exhibited by the Willy Loman. Loman desire to live the life like that of Dave Singleman, makes him build his illusion on lies. Additionally, he approaches his boss and demands for a promotion based on his striking personality, but the boss sacks him. In the end, Loman’s misplaced personality becomes his downfall. His character lacked innovation but has a huger personality making him a fanatic who does not live in the real world. Loman's career fails due to his lack of sales techniques, instead of reinventing himself, loman upholds his false belief personality that he must have the American dream.

The author through his protagonist Loman brings to light other realistic characters who lived to achieve the American dream. Here, he sold his inventions, attained success and ultimately became rich. Ben is the exact opposite of Willy and illustrates the true path to the American dream. Ben sets out to the jungle only seventeen years old with nothing and comes out four years later a rich man and so the author uses him to mirror the American dream via his encounters. For his success, Ben denies himself comfort, safety and takes immense risks, unlike Willy who enjoys all these amenities. It relays the need for determination and hard work despite the challenges one faces to achieve the dream. More so, Loman illusive American dream is based on his desire to achieve superficial qualities and blind faith on attractiveness and likeability.

The fixation with illusion cause psychological despair and abandonment. The aspiration of the American dream and desire for financial success evades Willy loman. Clinging to the old definition of the American dream, he loses sight ideology and hard work required for the attainment of his dream. Personal achievements and successes fully encapsulate capitalistic traits that mark the realization of the American dream. Death of a Salesman: Revised Edition. Penguin, 1996. Sterling, Eric, and Eric J. Sterling, eds. Arthur Miller's Death of a salesman.