Several authors have attempted to capture the essence of the American Dream, but few have reached the status of Arthur Miller in his epic piece, Death of a Salesman. Willy Loman represents those who have striven for success, but in struggling to do so, have found failure in the most bitter of forms. His downfall reflects upon his impractical ideals, his deluded dreams, and his contemptuous pride.
Willy's path towards the American Dream, was marred by impractical ideals. He lived a life believing he had what it took to achieve greatness, but in truth, he was lost. His ideals weren't based on moral values, but rather on what it took in his mind to attain immediate success. When Bernard continually urged Biff to study, Willy did not support him. "You"ll give him the answers," (40) he explained to Bernard, clearly emphasizing his deceitful morals. Willy didn't believe in hard work and intelligence but sought "being well liked" much more important, a prime explanation for which he constantly disrespected Bernard as a boy. "Bernard can get the best marks in school but when he gets out in the real word you are going to be five times ahead of him. Be liked and you will never want," (33) he explained to his boys. When Linda revealed to Willy that Biff was too rough with the neighborhood girls and that he had yet to return the stolen football, Willy was in total denial. "What is he stealing? He's giving it back, isn't he? Why is he stealing?" (41) When Charley informed Willy that Biff was stealing lumber, Willy shrugged him off, "shut up! He's not stealing anything." (51) Additionally, when Biff naturally walked off with Bill Oliver's pen, Willy suggested that he return it and lie in attempt to get the loan. "You were doing a crossword puzzle and accidentally used his pen," he explained to Biff. Finally, in committing adultery with The Woman, Willy clearly exposed his dishonest and deceitful ideals.
