The American Dream in Death of a Salesman Essay

The American Dream in Death of a Salesman

The American Dream is different for all the characters in Death of a Salesman, but they do have one thing in common, they are all looking for success in America. To be successful in the 20th century one must be able to accept change, for the world never stays constant for long. The goal of every North American is the American Dream, which is what trapped Willy Loman in the play. Willy's inability to adapt to the changing world around him leads to his tragic demise. His perspective is similar to a child's; he is never willing to take responsibility for his actions. As a result of his immaturity, Willy builds these enormous dreams, which are unrealistic for a man of his age. In the very last scene we realize that Happy will be following in his fathers footsteps. Happy has the same beliefs and maybe has the same end as Willy.

Willy Loman, the main character in the play, believes wholeheartedly in what he considers the promise of the American Dreamthat a well liked and personally attractive man in business will certainly and at the proper time acquire the material comforts offered by modern American life. Oddly, his fixation with the superficial qualities of attractiveness and likeability is at odds with a more gritty, more rewarding understanding of the American Dream that identifies hard work without complaint as the key to success. Willys interpretation of likeability is superficialhe childishly dislikes Bernard because he considers Bernard a nerd. Willys blind faith in his dim version of the American Dream leads to his rapid psychological decline when he is unable to accept the difference between the Dream and his own life.

Happy, Willy's youngest son, unfortunately has the same views of life as Willy. He is trying his best to not be in his brothers shadow, but no matter what he does his parents do not acknowledge him. He dreams of having lots of money and lots of women. He does not think about a stable future but rather a fast way to make money. Biff, Willys older son, is pressured by his dad to live a life in which Willys dreams and aspirations come true. Biff has a completely different view of what his life should be like. He is not caught up in the exaggeration of his past accomplishments. Biff realizes he is just another man in the world trying to live and get by. There is nothing special about him. Linda, Willys wife, is sometimes sucked in to Willy's dreams, she too can get carried away on the high aspirations they have for their sons. At times she becomes aware of the false illusions they are creating and is content with what she has. Her dream is to have a happy and healthy family, if Lindas sons are successful, then that is just an added bonus.

Charlie is Willys only true friend. He helps Willy by giving him money when he needs it. He offers Willy a job but he refuses to take it. Bernard is Charlies son and was Biffs tutor in high school. Bernard was made fun of by Willy; he only saw him as a nerd and thought him too uptight. Charlie and Bernard do not mention their dreams, and it is probably because they have achieved what they were dreaming of. Charlie has a son who is successful and he is very proud him, Charlie also has his own business and is successful on his own as well. Charlie is smart, polite and a high ranked lawyer. Of all the characters in the play, I believe that Charlie and Bernard are the only ones to have achieved the American dream.