In “Death of a Salesman” (1976) by Arthur Miller, the author describes the great tragedy

which the American Dream can cause. Through the duration of this play all goals were based on

the ease of becoming wealthy and successful. The dreams of having the perfect life were cut

short when reality settled into the Loman family’s life. When great disappointment is brought

upon a family in struggle, the hope in one’s eyes fade away.

All the characters throughout this play represent a part of the American Dream. Willy

Loman is a traveling salesman who obsesses over the possibilities of the American Dream. He

believes in the simplicity of becoming rich and successful. Throughout his life he has become

unsuccessful in achieving the American Dream, so he raises his sons to strive for what he could

never conquer. Willy begins to lose touch with reality as he comes to grips with the realization

that the goals which he has engraved in his sons minds, have not been fulfilled.

Linda Loman is Willy’s caring and patient wife. She is perceived as the care-taker in the

family. Her views on life and the chase of the American Dream are much more realis

American Dream was sought out by many, but few fully achieved it to their expectations. In

insanity of disillusion is passed to his sons Happy and Biff. There beliefs were learned through

believed in return it would bring happiness. Disappointment was strong when Americans came

explanation of Willy’s disillusionments of the American Dream. His misconception of achieving

he has not achieved in his lifetime. The chance to move to a far place and acquire what he has

said, “Anyone can be rich, but what are you willing to sacrifice to achieve it.”

is most affected by his fathers perception of the American dream. He builds himself higher up in

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