The book is written after WWII during the time of Americas economic boom. At this time, society had become very materialistic and the idea of fulfilling the illusion of the American Dream, was very popular.
Willy was one of those men who wanted the best of both worlds; the material and spiritual aspect of the American Dream. He was not willing to settle for grey, for him, it was either black {failure which was not an option} or white {attaining the American Dream}.
Willy had spent his life raising Biff and trying to teach him how to become successful. The problem is that Willy doesnt know how to reach success because he still maintains his prehistoric notion that connections, appearance will assure ones success, society has caught up to him. Willy tries to teach him that success is fast and easy when its not; he tried to teach him to Rid{ing} on a smile and a shoeshine, and that . . . personality always wins the day. (p. 65). The man who makes an appearance in the business world, the man who creates personal interest is the one that gets ahead. (33)
A big reason as to why his flaw can be seen as being positive is due to the possibility of victory. Although Willy is unable to attain the American Dream in his lifetime, he is able to make an impact on it for his son, Biffs life. Willys failure sets an example that Biff understands.
Biff is the most important thing in Willys life because he is Willys last shot at success. If Biff doesnt want to be successful and doesnt love him, then Willy would be more satisfied in killing himself in order to try and show Biff that he really is a success. If Biff does love him and wants to become a success then Willy is satisfied in killing himself in order to give Biff a better shot at success with his life insurance money
Willy killed himself in order to give Biff a better shot at being a success. Willy doesnt understand that killing himself is wrong and he is not looking for any pity. Willy has sacrificed his own life so that Biff could have a better life. This him a tragic hero.
In trying to persuade Biff hes a good man, Willy will not accept any challenge to his dignity; he will not have to face that fact that he is not loved by all. Biff tries to tell him but he does not listen to his son By sticking to what he believes in, Willy builds up a wall around himself that gives him protection from the consequences and realization of his failures.
Biff realizes that Willy wasted his life in order to make his better. Miss Forsythe, youve just seen a price walk by. A fine, troubled prince. A hardworking, unappreciated prince. A pal, you understand? A good companion. Always for his boys. (p. 114)
Biff realizes that although his father was a prince (part of the royal family), that he was never enough to be king, that he truly is a dime a dozen (page 131). Biff learns from his fathers mistake and accepts the fact that he is average and decides to live anyways. Thus proving what was learned during East of Eden that: every generation is refired.
Charley says something in the play that sums up Willys whole life. He asks him, "When the hell are you going to grow up?" The ultimate result of his disillusionment is his suicide. It is ironic that he dies for his ideals although they are misconstrued.
Charleys role in the play is to function as a voice of reason and practicality in a hell bent world. Charley is humble, reserved, down to earth, and honest. Since he actually has some self-confidence, unlike Willy, Charley doesn't need to brag to everyone to make himself feel better.
Willy is always competing with himself against Charley always. Willy constantly criticizes Charley for not being well liked, for not being interested in football, for having a nerdy son, and for not being a real man.
Willy doesnt want to accept Charleys $ and job offer because it would conflict with his illusion of him (Willy) being the best. By refusing Charleys help, Willy shows his pride and tendency for self-destruction.
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