Death of a Salesman 11

A detailed Summary of Death of a Salesman 11


Many people like to live in an illusionary world, which they know is not true. One example is when a lazy, obese man looks in the mirror and he sees a different, well-built man. This illusion is apparent to him, but uses it as a cover up of reality. This pertains to Willy Loman, the main character in Arthur Miller's The Death of a Salesman. Willy makes up many illusions which hide the truth of reality. Willy lives in a world of illusions including the belief that he is well liked, his son Biff is destined for greatness, and that Bernard, his neighbor's son, is unsuccessful now and later on also.

Willy's belief that he is a well liked and popular proves to be an apparent illusion in the story. One example why this is an illusion is when Linda, the wife of Willy, says to Charley and Biff during the funeral of Willy "Why didn't anybody come? ...But where are all the people he knew? (P.137)." Thus the quote shows that Willy was not as popular as he thought he was. If Willy was truly well liked by


Many illusions have been made to hide the truth of the matter. One of the biggest illusions still around today is, how women cover themselves up with makeup. They are trying to make an illusion to men by covering themselves up to make them look like a different person because they want to hide their true beauty or they are insecure of their looks. Willy Loman made up these illusions because they were hid the truth. In Willy's view, these illusions seemed to be reality because of his philosophy that he believes in. His philosophy caused him to make wrong assumptions of his son's greatness, Bernard's successfulness, and his belief that he is well liked.

Believing Biff is destined for greatness is just another illusion in the story. He is not destined for greatness because of his poor performance in his educational studies. Bernard, one of his friends, says to him "You're supposed to study with me today...if you don't start studyin' math he's gonna flunk you, and you won't graduate. (P.32)" Even with his friend's warning,

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 697
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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