In life, there are many lessons and trials one must endure, learn from, and then overcome. Some lessons take long to understand and sadly, some people never learn these lessons. Many people go through their whole lives without ever discovering what is truly important to them and their family and what is real happiness. In Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, Willy Loman portrays this very man; one who is lost in his own world, without a clue about life or himself. On his deathbed, Biff states his father "had all the wrong dreams" and "he never knew who he was" (138). Through studying the complex character of Willy, Arthur Miller conveys a deeper message to readers about the nature of life and the human condition.

Willy Loman is a poor salesman with hopes of becoming a well-liked and respected man. He constantly worries about what others think of him. Although he is nothing really out of the ordinary, he tends to portray a false image of great success. For example, when telling the boys about his recent trip to Massachusetts, Willy claims to have met and talked to the mayor! Like this, all his stories are obvious lies. He lies about how much people like him and how good of

Because of his own shortcomings, Willy then fabricates lies about the life of his son, Biff. He makes Biff out to be a super hero, the best athlete there in town, and a spectacular man. Biff is no one special, and fortunately, he realizes it. He tells his father because "you blew me so full of hot air, I could never stand taking orders from anybody" (131). Biff once believed in Willy's lies so much he started to think that he was so much better than anyone else was. This was causing problems for Biff until he began to realize he was not as superior as he thought. The difference in Biff, when compared to Willy is Biff understands it is not so necessary to be number one in everything. It is okay to be just another regular person. He confronts Willy about this and tells him, "I'm a dime a dozen, and so are you!" (133). Biff knows the truth, yet Willy still cannot come to grips with reality and shouts, "I am not a dime a dozen! I am Willy Loman and you are Biff Loman!" (132). Again, Willy is holding on to a phony dream that will never come true.

a salesman he is. Perhaps, inside, he knows the truth, but will never admit it. Caught in his own web of deceit and delusion, Willy's whole life is one big lie! Blinded by this, he himself does not know who he truly is, and thus neither does the reader.

Linda has a different reaction to Willy's death. She seems to be in a state of shock, and is very confused about everything that has h

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Approximate Word count = 977
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)