The Inner Conflict in Death of a Salesman

Arthur Miller's play Death of a Salesman explores the theme of inner conflict through the life of Willy Loman, a middle-aged salesman who is struggling to find success and happiness. This inner conflict is evident in Willy's constant battle between his dreams and reality, his desire for success and his feelings of inadequacy, and his longing for the past and his inability to accept the present. By examining these aspects of inner conflict, we can gain a deeper understanding of Willy's character and the larger themes of the play.

Dreams versus Reality

One of the central conflicts in Death of a Salesman is the clash between Willy's dreams and the reality of his life. Throughout the play, Willy is constantly chasing the American Dream, the belief that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination. However, as the play progresses, it becomes clear that Willy's dreams are unrealistic and unattainable.

Willy's inner conflict between his dreams and reality is evident in his interactions with his sons, Biff and Happy. Willy puts immense pressure on his sons to live up to his expectations and achieve the success that he never could. He constantly tells them that they are destined for greatness, even though deep down he knows that his own dreams have not come true. This conflict between Willy's dreams and the reality of his sons' lives creates tension and ultimately leads to their disillusionment.

The theme of dreams versus reality is also reflected in Willy's relationship with his job. Willy believes that success as a salesman will bring him happiness and fulfillment, but the reality is that he is struggling to make ends meet. He is constantly torn between his desire for success and the harsh reality of his sales job. This inner conflict is illustrated in Willy's conversations with his wife, Linda, where he alternates between boasting about his prospects and admitting his failures.

In analyzing this conflict, it becomes clear that Willy's dreams are not only unrealistic but also destructive. His obsession with success and his inability to accept the reality of his life ultimately lead to his downfall. This highlights the tragic nature of Willy's inner conflict and the larger themes of the play.

Feelings of Inadequacy

Another aspect of inner conflict in Death of a Salesman is Willy's constant feelings of inadequacy. Despite his efforts to be a successful salesman and provide for his family, Willy is plagued by a deep-seated sense of inadequacy and inferiority.

This conflict is particularly evident in Willy's interactions with his brother, Ben. Ben represents the embodiment of success and wealth, and Willy constantly compares himself to his brother, feeling inadequate in comparison. This inner conflict is illustrated in Willy's frequent flashbacks to his conversations with Ben, where he seeks validation and approval.

Willy's feelings of inadequacy are also reflected in his relationship with his neighbor, Charley. Charley is a successful businessman who offers Willy financial assistance, but Willy is too proud to accept. This conflict between accepting help and maintaining his pride further exacerbates Willy's feelings of inadequacy.

Through this inner conflict, Miller explores the destructive nature of feelings of inadequacy. Willy's constant comparison to others and his inability to accept himself as he is ultimately lead to his downfall. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing feelings of inadequacy to consume one's life.

Longing for the Past versus Accepting the Present

The final aspect of inner conflict in Death of a Salesman is Willy's struggle between longing for the past and accepting the present. Willy is constantly reminiscing about his past, particularly his relationship with his sons and his own youthful ambitions.

This conflict between the past and present is evident in Willy's conversations with Linda, where he frequently drifts into memories of happier times. He longs for the days when his sons were young and looked up to him, and he yearns for the opportunities he missed in his youth.

However, Willy's inability to accept the present prevents him from finding happiness and fulfillment. He is stuck in a cycle of longing for the past and ignoring the realities of the present. This inner conflict is illustrated in Willy's interactions with his sons, where his inability to accept their failures and the passage of time ultimately leads to their estrangement.

Miller uses this conflict to convey the importance of living in the present and letting go of the past. Willy's constant longing for what could have been prevents him from appreciating the opportunities in front of him and ultimately leads to his tragic demise.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Death of a Salesman explores the theme of inner conflict through the character of Willy Loman. Willy's constant battle between his dreams and reality, his feelings of inadequacy, and his longing for the past all contribute to his inner turmoil. Through examining these aspects of inner conflict, we gain a deeper understanding of Willy's character and the larger themes of the play. Death of a Salesman serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of inner conflict and the importance of accepting oneself and living in the present.