The Illusion of The American Dream in Death of a Salesman

The American Dream is a prominent theme in Arthur Miller's play, Death of a Salesman. The concept of the American Dream originated in the early twentieth century, as many immigrants came to America in search of economic opportunities and a better life. The protagonist, Willy Loman, believes that to achieve the American Dream, one needs to be likable and have a good personality. However, the keys to success in America are actually hard work and diligence. Willy fails to realize this, leading to his own downfall in his business endeavors.

The American Dream is characterized by materialistic and idealistic values in society. In order to fulfill the American Dream, one must live a perfect life as a hardworking and successful citizen. Throughout the play, Willy strives to achieve the American Dream but never succeeds because he has a flawed understanding of what is required. Willy believes that success in a career as a salesman is the epitome of the American Dream. However, he falls short of his goal and blames the superficiality of the business world. Willy's distorted views are passed on to his sons, Biff and Happy, which ultimately leads to their own failures.

Willy's wife, Linda, plays a complex role in relation to the American Dream. She loves Willy and sees herself as his protector. Linda allows Willy to live in his illusions because it brings him contentment. However, her love for him can also be seen as destructive, as she accepts his fatal dream. She allows him to continue down a path that leads to his own demise, even though she knows about his attempted suicides.

The character most negatively affected by Willy's pursuit of the American Dream is his son, Biff. Biff's future seemed promising in high school, but his vision of success is shattered when he discovers the truth about his father. Biff comes to realize that there is more to life than being well-liked and popular. He rejects the false expectations placed on him and accepts that he is not meant to be a leader of men. Willy also comes to the realization that he has never achieved true success, leading him to retreat into a fantasy world.

The play challenges the notion of the American Dream, showing how it can lead to disillusionment, insanity, and destruction. Willy's pursuit of the American Dream ultimately leads to his own death. He believes that success is only attainable for those who are popular and attractive, and he never sees the error of his ways. The play emphasizes that the American Dream is an unobtainable fantasy for many individuals, and its pursuit can be detrimental to one's mental and emotional well-being.

In conclusion, Death of a Salesman portrays the flaws of the American Dream and the negative consequences of pursuing it. Willy Loman's distorted views and misguided aspirations lead to his own downfall and the destruction of his family. The play serves as a reminder that achieving one's dreams requires hard work, dedication, and a realistic understanding of the world. The American Dream is not a magical path to success, but rather a set of ideals that can only be achieved through perseverance and determination.

Works Cited

Miller, Arthur. Death of a Salesman. New York: Norton, 2002.

Ferguson, Alfred R. "The Tragedy of the American Dream in Death of a Salesman." Thought, vol. 53, 1998, pp. 81-98.

Helterman, Jeffrey. "Dictionary of Literary Biography: Twentieth-Century American Dramatists Part 2: K-Z." Ed. John Mac Nicholas, volume 7. Detroit: Gale Research Co., 1991, pp. 86-111.

Jacobson, Irving. "Family Dreams in Death of a Salesman." American Literature, vol. 47, 1995, pp. 247-58.

Lawrence, Stephen A. "The Right Dream in Miller's Death of a Salesman." College English, vol. 25, 2001, pp. 547-49.

Scanlan, Tom. "Reactions I: Family and Society in Arthur Miller." Family, Drama, and American Dreams. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1998, pp. 126-35.

Shockley, John S. "Death of a Salesman and American Leadership: Life Imitates Art." Journal of American Culture, vol. 17, 1994, pp. 49-56.