Death of a Salesmen

A detailed Summary of Death of a Salesmen


Success in money and business, family happiness, and a substantial stature in society are all symbols closely associated with the illusive American dream. Also tied to this dream is the promise of its ultimate delivery, of its lastingness and longevity within and throughout life. Willy Loman, Arthur Miller's tragic hero in Death of a Salesman is eluded by this dream, and ultimately fails to achieve the triumph of a successful life, and the self-satisfaction of both family and individual attainment. Willy is defeated because of his failures to see through his own illusions of a successful job, thriving children and a happy life. Willy's failure to be true to himself led to his eventual emotional and spiritual bankruptcy, while a society dominated by business crushed his spirit and life. Willy is eventually conquered by his dreams of success, though contained in a life of hard work, drive for success, and assurance of a promising future. Ultimately Willy's failure is truly the failure of the American Dream to deliver its promise.

A clear aspect of the dream's failure to deliver is through the unmistakable fact that in modern business loyalty to a company means n


Finally the American Dream has completely diminished and failed to provide self-value in Willy's life as in the end, he feels worth more dead than alive. Completely distraught he realizes he has nothing left to leave for his son's effort for success in the future. Although Biff has become the lone character in the family to confront his flaws and transcend past them, Willy is still caught in the illusion that Biff too will someday bask in the American Dream of success. Willy's suicide is truly his last act of failure as he deludes himself to the belief that killing himself is best for the family, so contained in the idea of success that he would rather see himself die then the prospect of the dream itself.

Though Willy Loman struggled continuously through life for success and accomplishment, the American Dream failed to deliver its promise of a content and prosperous life. Arthur Miller sensitively realistic portrayal of the Loman family places emphasis on the "little man" struggling to achieve the perfection that is the American dream. It is not an attack upon the American system but an evidence of the systems possible effectiveness. Miller shows the reader

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 789
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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