It is true that a salesman's got to dream, but Willy's dream is tarred by a lifetime of false values and illusions that ultimately destroy him.
The "American Dream" came true for Charley and Bernard as the reward for their diligence. Charley, Willy's neighbor, is a financial success. He proves to be a better businessman than Willy because he does not believe that a man needs to be well liked. He reminds Willy, "why must everybody like you?" (p. 97) Willy regarded Bernard, Charley's son, with scorn in the early years due to Bernard's "lack of character." In spite of his anemic behaviors, Bernard had commendable qualities such as persistence and honesty, traits which differentiates him from Willy's sons. It was not only personal charm, but more likely Bernard's honorable traits that helped him to become a prestigious lawyer.
To Willy, Dave Singleman was the epitome of success because at the age of eighty-four, "he"d go up to his room, put on his green velvet slippers-and pick up his phone and call the buyers, and without ever leaving his room, he made his living" (p. 81). Did Singleman actually achieve the "American Dream?" At such an old age, instead of being retired, he has to travel in a train and live in a hotel to make his living. Furthermore, Singleman does not have the family that is a valued part of Willy's dream.
Ever since High School, Biff Loman was instilled with Willy's affirmations that he was born superior. "He never got anywhere because [Willy] blew [him] so full of hot air [he] could never stand taking orders from anybody!" (p. 131) Not only did Biff believed that personality always prevails; he was never discouraged of his stealing habits. So although Biff did acquire an extent of leadership qualities, he stole himself out of every opportunity he had for him to reach the "American Dream." Happy, like his father, is trapped inside the Loman family's illusion.
