推销员之死

Theme 1: American Dream






The American dream is the one goal that Willy believes whole-heartedly in and lives his life to achieve throughout the novel, Death of a Salesman, by Arthur Miller. His view of the American dream is to be a well-liked attractive salesman. The most common interpretation of this American dream for most people is to work hard, be successful, and have true happiness in life. This is different in many ways to the view Willy took on it. His view was filled with superficial ideas rather than reality, like working hard to achieve success. The story shows how he struggles to face that his “American dream” is not the same as his own life and that he has failed. Examples: “’Cause what could be more satisfying than to be able to go, at the age of eighty -four, into twenty or thirty different cities, and pick up a phone, and be remembered and loved and helped by so many different people?” This example shows Willy’s dream well. In this line from Act II towards Howard Wagner, Willy talks about Dave Singleman. Dave was a business man who died the death of a salesman. According to Willy, Singleman was well liked and successful. That’s how Willy wanted to live his life. “He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine … A salesman is got to dream, boy.” This line is from Charley’s speech in the requiem at the end of the book. He explains that Willy had big dreams that he could never fill. This is what lead to his death. “I’m gonna knock Howard for a loop, kid. I’ll get an advance, and I’ll come home with a New York job. Goddammit, now I’m gonna do it.” This example from act 2 shows how Willy convinced others that he would succeed even though he knew and they knew that he wouldn’t.
3) Character Description
Willy Loman - An insecure, self-deluded traveling




salesman. Willy believes wholeheartedly in the American Dream Biff Loman - Football star. He failed math. Biff represents Willy’s vulnerable, poetic, tragic side. Linda Loman - Willy’s loyal, loving wife. seems to be taken in by Willy’s self-deluded hopes for future glory and success. She is realistic and fagile. Happy Loman - Happy has lived in Biff’s shadow all of his life. He compensates by nurturing his relentless sex drive and professional ambition. Charley - Charley owns a successful business and his son, Bernard, is a wealthy, important lawyer. Willy is jealous of Charley and his success.
5.) Major Conflict #2
Major Conflict #2 between Biff and Willy:



Conflicted between what Biff wants (be a Ranchhand) and what Willy wants him to be (a business man). Willy’s conception of being successful and the American dream cause Biff to be insecure and unsure about his job choice in his life. Biff wants to be a ranch-hand because he likes it, but he also wishes he could make his father happy. Protagonist: Biff. He is upset. Biff just wants to live his own dream and do what he wants (be a ranch-hand), but Willy continues to make him feel bad/low for wanting to be a ranch-hand. Antagonist: Willy. He uses his perception of his American dream to try and picture Biff in the business world, although he does not want to be in it. Willy makes Biff feel low/unworthy because of the fact he wants to be a ranch-hand.
5.) Major Conflict #1
Major Conflict #1 between Willy and himself: His
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life centers around success in the business world and the American Dream. Willy believes that the business world would lead to success, but it did not work out for him Willy did not climb the ladder of success because he was pushed to the bottom (blames Howard Wagner and the “new business”) Protagonist: Willy. The reader listens to his story and they want him to be successful because everyone understands why he wants that dream. Many other people have had this dream too. Antagonist: Willy. Willy is his own worst enemy because he expects so much out of himself.
6.) Resolution of the Conflict
Willy believes that his problem with his job and lack


of money will be solved by committing suicide. He realizes he has not achieved his American dream and he believes this is the only way. Outcome: Linda gets no money in the end. Will’s master plan fails because he believed he would be able to fix his problem by committing suicide, when in reality, it left his wife alone with no income. Biff realizes he cannot try to be somebody he is not. He recognizes that he needs to stop acting like he wants to be in the business world just to please his father. Biff says he is going to be a ranch-hand for good. Willy sees that Biff truly loves him. They come full circle through this act. Outcome: Willy and Biff’s relationship is patched up. Biff no longer resents his father for his wishes, and he realizes he needs to do what makes him happy.