Death of a Salesman

Death of a Salesman and Fences There are many parallels that can be drawn between August Wilson’s and Arthur Miller’s main characters in both of their respective plays. While some may not be immediately obvious, I plan to connect many of the dots to illuminate the similar characteristics exhibited by the characters in question. Wilson and Miller both present main characters that have similarities such as having strained relationships with their children. Other comparable traits between these two characters are their unfaithfulness to their wife, and not being able to face reality. Willy and Troy aren’t able to face reality, which has a tremendous impacted on their family. Troy blames most of his misfortune on the “white man”, and doesn’t take responsibility for his actions. As a person Tory has bad traits he is stubborn and self-centered. Troy had a dream of becoming a baseball player and playing in the major league. In fact Troy couldn’t get to the major leagues because he was incarcerated and when released he was too old to play baseball. P. 8 “Troy…I told that boy about that football stuff. The white man ain’t gonna let him get nowhere with that football.” Troy is unable to face the truth that it wasn’t anybody’s fault but his. His single mindedness results in the ending of his son Cory’s football career before it started. In Death of a salesman, Willy believes that if you’re well liked you succeed throughout life. Willy is an aged salesmen barely living pay-check to pay-check who believes he’s a well-liked salesmen. Willy based his life on a salesman he looked up. “He is mentally ill which causes him to have flashbacks of different memories throughout his life. P.33 “Willy… The man who makes an appearance in the business world, the man who creates personal interest, is the man who gets ahead. Be